Design Products module (DJ32012)

You will design products through iterative studio practice. You develop skills in prototyping, model making, and embedded technology

Credits
30
Module code
DJ32012
Level
3
Semester
Semester 2
School
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
Discipline
Design and Making

​​In this module, you take a practice-based approach to designing contemporary products. You work from an initial brief through iterative stages to a highly refined, market-ready product, documenting your process in sketchbooks and blogs. 

​Studio masterclasses and practical workshops build your technical skills in model making, hand tools, CAD, and 3D printing. You also explore embedded technology, including microcontrollers and sensors, and learn to integrate electronics safely into functional prototypes. A compulsory health and safety check is required before working with electricity. 

​Visiting lecturers bring current industry perspectives into the studio. They help you understand contemporary product markets, future trends in production, and the relationship between material, process, and design. You develop awareness of small batch production and industrial manufacturing alongside commercial understanding of product design. 

​Critical reflection is embedded throughout. You document your design process through sketchbooks and blogs, and present your work verbally and visually for current and emerging markets. You are encouraged to enter national student design competitions to build your professional profile. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

  • ​Use workshop tools, CAD, and 3D printing to build and iterate product prototypes 
  • ​Work with embedded technology, including microcontrollers and sensors, in functional product designs 
  • ​Document your design process through sketchbooks, blogs, and visual presentations 
  • ​Develop commercial awareness of product markets and small batch manufacturing 
  • ​Present products to contemporary and emerging markets with professional communication skills 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

  • ​Demonstrate model-making skills using hand tools, CAD, 3D printing, and digital fabrication 
  • ​Apply embedded technology appropriately in the context of a designed product 
  • ​Document and communicate an iterative design process effectively 
  • ​Show critical understanding of the relationship between material, production process, and design​

Assignments / assessments

​​Coursework (100%) 

  • ​Reports, drawings, artefacts, and presentations produced during the module 

​This module does not have a final exam.​

Teaching methods / timetable

  • ​​Studio masterclasses and practical workshop sessions in MakeSpace 
  • ​Personal tutorials and group critiques 
  • ​Visiting lecturers from industry 
  • ​Directed discussion groups and skills-based tutorials 
  • ​Blog and written hand-ins embedded throughout the module​

Courses

This module is available on the following courses:

Module lead