Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Industrial design revolves around the creation of products that satisfy human needs within the constraints of industrial and commercial production. This involves the manipulation of form with an understanding of structure, function, and beauty. In order to do this you will need a solid understanding of the industrial design process. Thus this unit begins the course by establishing a foundation for problem solving and visualisation skills set within the practical and theoretical framework of a user-centred design approach.

Aims

You will be introduced to visual and creative thinking within the context of the industrial design process.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following capabilities at a beginning level:

1. apply an iterative and explorative design process
2. use research skills to learn about user needs and technology
3. design simple products with effective practical, aesthetic and symbolic functions
4. use persuasive and clear verbal and visual presentation skills to communicate design ideas
5. use time management skills to make regular progress and meet deadlines

Content

The major topics covered in this unit include:

• basic design elements and principles
  
• application of product visualisation techniques including concept sketching and marker rendering
  
• design process and concept development
  
• basic model making techniques
  
• design presentation

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will consist of lectures, design studios and discussions. The focus is on problem-based learning in the design studio setting where your work will be supported by lectures, one-to-one tutorials, group tutorials, feedback sessions and model making workshops. During the semester you will be required to present your work for discussion in a group situation where you will have an opportunity to explain your designs and receive feedback from your peers and staff. Therefore, a key component is the studio wherein students and staff work together to learn about design. Your active participation in studio and a sense of personal responsibility for your development as a designer are essential for success.

Assessment

Assessment will comprise of formative (how your work is progressing) and summative assessment (to grade your work against expected outcome). The design project is the principle assessment mechanism and will be conducted in studio. Formative assessment will be provided over the course of this project in studio with summative and formative assessment at its conclusion. Visualisation (drawing) exercises will be conducted in studio and completed outside class time. Practicing these techniques on your own time essential if you are to master them. You will keep a Concept Book in which to record your design project work.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.Formative assessment will be made regularly in studio. Summative assessment will be made against criteria discussed in the assessment documentation. The portfolio submission at the end of semester will be used to review all assessment grades.

Assessment name: Project 1 (Design)
Description: A short design project requiring rapid design development.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Project 2 (Design)
Description: A product design project through which design process is practiced.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Concept Bombs (Lab/Practical)
Description: Concept Bombs - very fast concept exercises conducted entirely in class.
Relates to objectives: 3 & 4
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout 2nd half

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

A significant outlay in the region of $400 is required for the purchase of sketching materials essential for the assessment activities however these will be useful throughout the industrial design degree and represent good value. A detailed list will be supplied and discuss in your first class. In addition, safety footwear is required for workshop access.

Texts
Coates, D. (2003) Watches Tell More than Time, New York: McGraw Hill, pp. 241?253.
Williams, R. (1994), The Non-Designers Design Book, Peachpit Press Inc.

References
Eissen, K and Steur, R. (2009) Sketching -drawing techniques for product designers, BIS Publishers, Amsterdam.
Hanks, K. and Belliston, L. (1980), Rapid Viz, William Kaufmann Inc., New York.
Koberg, D. and Bagnall, J. (1991), The Universal Traveller, Crisp Publications.
Lawson, B. (1980), How Designers Think, Butterworth Architecture Press.
Powell, D. (1985), Presentation Techniques, Littlebrown, London.
Tilley, A. R. (1993), The Measure of Man and Woman, The Whitney Library of Design, New York.

Risk assessment statement

Workshop usage is associated with this unit. Prior to workshop access all students are required to attend workshop safety induction sessions that introduce safety regulations. Students who do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace and Health and Safety Act will be asked to leave the workshop.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Oct-2012