MSci Product Design & Innovation

Program Overview

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Why this course?

Product design is an exciting industry that continually evolves alongside technology, product advancements, the demand for quicker turnaround times, unique and personalised products and environmentally friendly supply chains and production.

Product design is about understanding people and their emotional connections with products, questioning existing ways of doing things and seeing opportunities to change things for the better.

Product design and innovation encompasses a variety of skills including an engineering theoretical understanding with marketing, branding, user experience, entrepreneurship and provides our graduates with all of the skills to successfully benefit both their own ventures or to become innovators within other businesses.

This is integrated with manufacturing processes, CAD, rapid prototyping and digital prototyping technologies, software and practical skills to turn the design into reality which is fundamental to global market success and requires not only customer appeal, aesthetics and brand awareness but also consistent and correct functionality, superior quality and fitness for purposes all at a competitive price.

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What you’ll study

Your classes will focus on developing your understanding of business, including customer experience, product interaction and brand loyalty, for example:

Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

New Venture Planning

Innovation Management

Design Emotion Experience

Design Interaction

As well as looking at production and manufacturing techniques as well as product design and development, for example:

Total Design

Technology Concepts

Product Prototyping

Product Development

Production Techniques

Advanced Product Design and Manufacture

You'll have core knowledge of the design process, ensuring that well-designed products are suited to particular companies and markets and can compete both locally and globally. You’ll also develop a wide range of aesthetic, graphic communication, analytical and practical skills to overcome the problems encountered when turning a good idea into a best-selling product.

The course is truly a multidisciplinary one that enables you to gain a variety of skills which include digital and rapid prototyping, CAD, user experience, management, branding, aesthetics and an understanding of engineering theories in practice.

Regina Cseh

Product Design & Innovation Read about Regina's experience

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Industrial experience

During the fourth year of your course, you'll undertake an industrial group project. This will help you to develop and apply your skills as a product designer in the real world.

The Industrial Group Project will give you the opportunity to work as part of a team. You'll develop your people, project management and leadership skills. You'll do this by applying your skills and knowledge to address a practical problem for an industrial client, gaining direct industry experience. The Industrial Group Project works in conjunction with major organisations that face challenges with the management of product design projects and have a demand for the skills gained from this course.

Through this module, you'll gain experience to add to your CV, develop skills, manage a project through to completion and practice working in a multidisciplinary group preparing you for collaborative work throughout your future career.

We work with, on average, 50 organisations per year and previous students have worked with companies such as:

Adidas

Airlie Ice Cream

Alexander Dennis

Allied Vehicles

Belle Bridal

Chivas Brothers Ltd

Drink Baotic

HATSUN Agro Products (India)

Jaguar Land Rover

Johnstons of Elgin

NCR

Promedics Orthopaedics

Rolls Royce

RSPB Scotland

Terex Trucks

Spirit AeroSystems (Europe), Inc

Unilever

Weir Group

WEST Brewery

There are so many really inspiring success stories from DMEM, I think for Product Design, industry experience is a necessity - I'd highly recommend getting a placement at a startup or small company because your roles and responsibilities are far and wide, I've gained so much from the ones I've had so far!

Matt Dunn

Product Design & Innovation Read about Matt's experience

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Accreditation

Our BSc Product Design and Innovation has been awarded academic accreditation from two institutes. This demonstrates the degree meets the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) as outlined by the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).

This accreditation is achieved through a panel of trained and expert accreditors looking closely at our programme’s content and delivery, including its relevance, coherence, challenge, assessment, staffing, quality assurance and resources.

The accreditors also monitor that the programme is continually improving and in line with the latest best practice, providing assurance to our students that they are getting a relevant and quality degree.

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Institution of Engineering & Technology

Accreditation has been awarded for this programme from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Gaining accreditation isn’t just about ensuring the quality of our programmes, it also benefits you as a student. For example, being accredited by IET means that our graduates will benefit from a more straightforward process when applying for professional registration. Also, being part of an IET accredited programme is part of the eligibility criteria for many IET Scholarships and Prizes, including the Diamond Jubilee, Belling and BP Scholarships and IET Grants.

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Institution of Engineering Designers

Accreditation has been awarded for this programme from the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Accreditation by IED means students would automatically be offered free IED student membership for the duration of their studies, would receive a bi-monthly journal ‘Engineering Designer’ in which they can submit articles for print and their final year projects would be eligible for entry into the IED Student Prize competition held annually. These prizes are prestigious and are only awarded for outstanding engineering design projects.  Student members can also place their CV on the IED website and have access to the Job Board which gives details of current vacancies within the field of Engineering Design. In addition, students will also be able to use IED’s online CPD system.

Program Outline

Course content

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

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Integrating Studies 1

This module aims to develop a broad range of knowledge and skill concerned with studentship, professionalism and ICT and a technical working knowledge of product development resources, processes and procedures.

The module covers:

introduction to degree, learning, writing and communication

design, fabrication and production processes including practical engineering workshop skills: turning, milling, drilling, fabrication, measurement, plastic processes, and simple electronic manufacture

digital product development including professional digital product development systems, the DDMS and CAD, skills in parametric 3D modelling and 2D drawing, prototype and part fabrication via rapid prototyping (RP) and via computer numerical control (CNC).

At the end of this module students will be able to:

identify a wide range of learning, orientation and communication skills and practically apply them for student learning and work as a product development professional

develop presentation skills and sets of visuals

identify and explain wide range of design, fabrication and production processes and theoretically and practically apply them to product development projects

ability to explain and discuss the engineering, manufacturing and technical aspects of a mass-produced consumer product via a viva and visual slide presentation or a text and visual report

ability to digitally design and digitally fabricate components according to a design brief and technical documentation

Assessment and feedback is in the form of an ‘industrial disaster’ assignment (35%), CADCAM assignment (10%), Buggy assignment (55%).

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Total Design 1

This module aims to provide a foundation learning experience for engineering product design, through the experience of an integrated design process that ranges across research, specification, concept design, design evaluation, refinement and presentation.

The module covers a foundation course in engineering product design intended to give an appreciation of modern design as the integrator of engineering, business and other specialisms. The class will give practice in the execution of each of the stages of the design process through participation in a team and individual based project. Topics to be addressed include freehand sketching in 2&3D, presentation graphics, and scale drawing. Scale drawing will address orthographic projection, layout drawing, isometric drawing, manufacturing component and assembly drawings. Much of the work of the class will be conducted through studio workshops, coursework and projects. Students will also be required to participate in model making and oral presentations.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

understand the context of design and specialist roles within a design process

research and define opportunities for design through: user and market research; the use of product design specifications (PDS)

generate and communicate design concepts through: ideation methods; sketching, rendering and sketch modelling techniques

refine and communicate designs through design evaluation and development methods; engineering drawing and graphics

present design work in the form of a folio, exhibition and critique presentation

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a team presentation and critique (33%), a team folio (33%) and an individual drawing pack (33%).

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Introduction to Production Engineering & Management

This module aims to provide students with an overview of the manufacturing industry and an appreciation of:

1. the range of processes and materials employed in production
2. operations management theory and practice, emphasising the key role of managers and engineers within organisations

The module covers:

developments in management theory including scientific management and socio-technical theory

the role of engineering managers

strategic aspects of business management including analysis of macro and mico environment

organisational design

process thinking including supply chain and quality management

overview of manufacturing including classes of manufactured goods, manufactured resources (M-M-M-M) and concepts of simultaneous engineering

introduction to manufacturing materials and processes including process classification, a focus on casting and bulk deformation of metals and overview of polymer processing

At the end of this module students will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the nature of operations management

demonstrate an understanding of the basis of competition and the basic principles of designing and operating business

describe the meaning of the term “manufacturing” and the scope of manufacturing industry

identify the basic stages in transforming raw material into a useable end product

discuss the principle factors involved in material and process selection

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a report - business and operations strategy (35%) and a video pitch – the sustainable organisation (15%).

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Technology Concepts

This module aims to introduce students to the language of technology and stimulate awareness of the basic ideas, laws and electrical and mechanical science that underpins technology.

The module covers:

statics and dynamics including newton’s second law, angular velocity and acceleration, moment of inertia, rotational kinetic energy, transmission of power

force analysis – free body diagrams, bending

energy – conservation of energy

kinetic and potential energy

thermal energy, magnetic fields, capacitance, inductance, DC and AC Analogue circuits, power sources, passive and active electrical components, analogue devices (amplification), development of consumer electronic products - practical circuit building and testing, digital logic, thermo-fluids – heat transfer, hydrostatic pressure, archimedes’ principle, buoyancy and gas laws

The topics listed above will be reinforced by simple experiments and examples of application on everyday items.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

use fundamental physical principles in the design of an electrical and a mechanical product

analyse electrical and mechanical engineering problems to establish and apply appropriate techniques in order to generate solutions

use correct units and notation throughout the engineering analysis process

simplify a given product to enable the application of scientific principles

Assessment and feedback is in the form of two exams (30% each), coursework (20%) and practical lab activities (20%).

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Entrepreneurship, Theory & Practice

This module aims to:

raise awareness of the importance of entrepreneurship in the 21

st

century

show that entrepreneurship occurs in a variety of contexts and is not confined to business start-ups nor to the for-profit economy

develop an understanding of entrepreneurial fundamentals – opportunity identification, creativity and innovation

understand how businesses grow and the changing role of the entrepreneur

A decision to follow an entrepreneurial pathway poses other critical decisions. The module helps you provide answers to the following: When is the best time to start my own business? What do I need to know? What skills do I need? How do I learn these skills? How much experience should I get working for someone else before starting on my own? What kind of experience do I need?

At the end of this module students will be able to understand:

what entrepreneurship is, what entrepreneurs do, and the economic and societal contributions of entrepreneurs

the different domains in which entrepreneurship can be found

the centrality of ‘opportunity’ in the entrepreneurial process

the role and importance of creativity or innovation in the entrepreneurial process

the key skills in entrepreneurship and how they can be developed

how the role of the entrepreneur and the skills required, change as the business grows

how to make a personal assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of being employed and/or of being an entrepreneur

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a 1,500-word group report (15%), online tests (30%), an individual essay (20%) and group work (35%).

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Elective classes

You can choose one (20 credit) module from any department in the university, as long as it coincides with the availability in your schedule. Example modules include:

How Things Work

Introduction to French 1A

Introduction to Italian 1A

Introduction to Spanish 1A

Introduction to Business Start-Up

The Universe & Everything

Introduction to French 1B

Introduction to Italian 1B

Introduction to Spanish 1B

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Total Design 2

The aim of this module is to provide continuation of the first year design class Total Design 1, concentrating on techniques appropriate to different phases of the design process including user centred research, conceptual, embodiment and detailed design.

The module covers:

requirement identification including aesthetic, emotional and cultural issues of products

user centred design techniques

capturing requirements

conceptual design methods including PDS to aid concept generation

new creative concept generation methods i.e. Analogy, Attribute Listing, Function and Morphological analysis

practical application of concept evaluation methods

embodiment design methods including Methods to progress from chosen concept through to developed concept

application of methods for initial sizing, component, manufacturing technology and material selection, trade-offs

detail design methods including application of force analysis, design for strength, stress and deflection, material and component selection. CAD detailing and assembly.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

Understand and evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics

Investigate and define the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical, health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standards

Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework:

team critique 25%

team folio 25%

individual report 25%

individual coursework 25%

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Design & Manufacturing Management

This module aims to provide an understanding of the key issues faced by designers, engineers, production, and project managers, in the design and development of new products and services.

The module covers:

a review of the product development process, particularly front end design process activities (design brief and PDS)

introduction to concurrent engineering distributed design and globalisation

product types (innovative, evolutionary)

product and manufacturing strategies

intellectual property management

functional layouts: characteristics. Systematic Layout Planning

cellular manufacture: Group technology, family formation methods, coding systems cell design

facility location: factors to consider on location including globalisation

introduction to Lean manufacturing from a manufacturing layout optimisation perspective and more.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

understand product development strategies and frameworks

identify the activities and information flows in the development of new products leading to the definition of organisational structures

demonstrate understanding of the project management process, its tools and techniques, i.e. gantt & network charts product costing, resource planning and risk management

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of manufacturing facilities design and management including location selection

design and analyse manufacturing layouts for optimum efficiency

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of established manufacturing optimisation techniques

Assessment and feedback is in the form of:

a multiple choice exam (25%)

Assignment 1 involves design and planning of a “project/idea” (25%)

Assignment 2 involves designing a facility layout and developing a workstation based on the principles of lean, 5S and ergonomic workstation design (25%)

an exam (25%)

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Design Prototyping

The aim of this module is to develop a broad range of student knowledge and skill concerned with the practical techniques, methods and technologies for prototyping within the product design process.

The module covers:

the history of design prototyping

a taxonomy of design prototyping

design prototyping methods, techniques, tools and technologies

the future of design prototyping

planning and designing prototypes

prototypes, user testing, market testing and co-design

prototypes and batch production

desktop prototyping including paper, card and cardboard prototypes, rough mock-ups, refined spatial mock-ups

workshop prototyping including materials: woods, metals, foams and plastics

fabrication processes: cutting, shaping, forming, joining

procedures: sequencing, stages, cutting lists, templates, jigs, finishing

force prototypes

rapid prototyping including applications of 3D-CAD

3D printing

FDM prototyping

other rapid prototyping technologies: SLA, SLS

visualisation and Virtual Prototyping including 3D visuals as aesthetic prototypes

3D visuals as interactive, spatial and/or mechanical prototypes – e.g. Pro/ENGINEER.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

differentiate, compare and analyse different design prototyping techniques, methods and technologies, and to be able to select between them and define plans for practical application based on the requirements of the product design process

apply a range of manual-desktop, lab-machine and digital prototyping skills and explain their various applications within the appropriate phases of the product design process

evaluate and appraise the performance and quality of prototype work and personal academic performance

Assessment and feedback is in the form of assignments all relating to learning Design Prototyping Skills including:

1. students design a child’s toy - this tests modelling skills and knowledge
2. students submit a full aesthetic model demonstrating finishing and various types of manufacturing processes
3. class logbook (containing material relevant to assignments 1 and 2)

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Integrating Studies 2

The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to create appropriate functional prototypes for the purposes of mechanical design and visualisation. To engender an appreciation of different prototyping methods and their application areas.

The module will cover the following areas:

manual prototyping methods

introduction to the design project laboratory, safe working practices, use of machinery

manufacture of simple mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms

mechanism design and manufacture (competition project)

rapid and virtual prototyping methods

rapid prototyping/layered manufacture: systems, techniques, data transfer methods

computer aided machining technologies; techniques, justification for use

modern visualisation methods including stereoscopic displays

digital data acquisition of three dimensional solid bodies

introduction to, and application of, a range of CAD systems for modelling and visualisation

introduction to CAD/CAM highlighting the link between digital information and its translation into physical artefacts

At the end of this modules students will be able to:

demonstrate the ability to design and make simple working prototypes within time, personnel and material constraints

demonstrate knowledge of simple mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms, power transmission, control methods and their application

appreciate and understand the capabilities of CAD and CAD/CAM

appreciate and understand the capabilities of virtual prototyping and automated capture of solid body data

Assessment and feedback is in the form of two major project design and make assignments, 50% for a team based project; 50% for an individual project.

The individual project is graded from a physical prototype (25%) and a CAD design folio (25%). The team based project is graded from a model (15%), a CAD folio (20%) and a team presentation (15%).

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Production Techniques 1

The aim of this module is to increase the depth of production technology knowledge. It introduces students to primary processes for metal and polymer production, metal cutting theory, secondary manufacturing processes, engineering metrology, and the manufacture of electronic components and products.

The module covers:

metal casting processes: sand casting, investment casting, die casting

metal bulk deformation processes: rolling, forging, extrusion

sheet metal working: cutting, bending, deep drawing, superplastic forming, hydroforming

polymer processing: fundamentals of polymers, extrusion, thermoforming, blow moulding, injection moulding, rotational moulding, compression and transfer moulding

machining processes (chip removal): turning, milling, grinding, honing

metal cutting theory: basic metal cutting principles, cutting tool geometry, chip formation, temperature in cutting, cutting tool materials, cutting fluids, machinability

heat treatment: theory and processes applicable to heat treatment of steels

surface finishing: painting, electroplating, anodising, etc.

joining processes. welding processes: gas welding, arc welding, resistance welding, welding, defects

engineering metrology: definitions, standards, role in manufacturing, classes of measurement, linear and angular measurement, comparative measurements, limit gauging, link to tolerancing, quality control and process capability

electronics manufacturing – component manufacture, IC production, PCB assembly including soldering

At the end of this modules students will be able to:

demonstrate good knowledge of a range of primary and secondary manufacturing processes, their operating principles and their appropriate application

demonstrate knowledge of the theory behind metal cutting and other processes

exhibit an understanding of the principles, technology and application of engineering metrology within a manufacturing context

demonstrate knowledge of the production of electronic and electrical components and assemblies

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework and an exam.

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New Venture Planning

This module is designed to provide a practical introduction to the processes involved in early-stage development of a new growth-orientated business concept. Building on leading practitioner methodologies such as lean startup, design thinking, business model canvas, and MIT’s “Disciplined Entrepreneurship” programme, the class covers best practice strategies for shaping a business idea into a tangible offering.

The module allows the student to be able to:

identify and evaluate business opportunities and pathways to growth

conduct market research incorporating industry, market and consumer analysis

assess the viability and quality of innovative business models

work as part of a team practicing communication, collaboration and accountability

pitch and present in a pressurized situation

Students will have an understanding of:

entrepreneurship and the nature and role of owner-managed businesses in order to make judgments about your own personal development as an entrepreneur

the challenges and pitfalls and the rewards and costs of starting a business.

the role of business models in the process of establishing a new venture

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a Group Tradeshow Pitch (25%), a Group Business Plan (40%) and an Individual Growth Strategy (35%).

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Design Emotion and Experience

This module aims to develop student knowledge and skill concerned with contemporary form and aesthetic design, working from concept to detail, in reference to specific aspects of everyday human emotion and experience.

The module covers:

emotional attachments to things and materials

material morphologies across time and culture

commercial design frameworks for emotion and experience – including brand design

critical perspectives on form, aesthetics and experience – ideas of ‘object’, ‘closure’, ‘openness’, ‘critical design’, etc

sustainability and surfaces of perception and attachment

conceptual form design

detail form design

translating conceptual explorations to precise design form

digital surface modelling technologies and their use across small to large design practices

focus on SolidWorks surfacing

detailed form refinement – form, surface and precision

detailed aesthetic definition – precise colours, textures and material

precise model making – white models, presentation models

form within an experience design framework – including brand design and communication and critical dialogue.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

understand and evaluate the aesthetic, emotional, experiential and morphological issues in product design and relevant philosophies, socio-cultural factors, ethical issues, approaches and methods through engagement with literature, information and reflection on project work

investigate and define a direction and develop creative conceptual designs with consideration of perceptions, aesthetics, emotions, experience and morphology (form) in collaboration with class peers and developing individual focus

develop quality detailed design forms using advanced digital modelling (e.g. surface modelling) and define precise aesthetic specifications within the context of an experience design framework which includes engagement with branding, commercial, economic and socio-cultural contexts

communicate design work through quality visuals, making and interpersonal skills and engage in critical dialogue, dealing with uncertain design issues and demonstrating effective project management

Assessment and feedback is in the form of: a critique submission (5%), a second critique submission (10%), an exhibition submission (65%) and a design journal (20%).

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Product Development

The selection and use of design methods within the context of modern design practices and the new product development process will be explored, both for supporting the management of the design process and for specific design activities. Emphasis will be placed on recently developed product independent design methods and their application within a company environment.

The module covers:

the product development process and methodologies: key methodologies, innovative and evolutionary development processes, concurrent engineering

design methods: design for X, design for multiple Xs, design for manufacture and assembly, quality function deployment, design for sustainability, failure mode and effect analysis, value analysis, inclusive design

coordination and information management: information management systems, PDM, EDM, CSCW, coordination and integration frameworks

At the end of this module students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Product Development Process and related methodologies and methods.

select and apply appropriate design methods for a product development project.

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of product development coordination and information management methods and technologies.

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a group presentation (20%), a group poster presentation (20%) and an online test (60%).

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Production Techniques 2

This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of modern and non-traditional manufacturing techniques and with the ability to apply this knowledge to the design of tooling and the selection of the appropriate manufacturing techniques for creating components and products. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of manufacturing processes in converting advanced materials into products, and the ability to carry out computer simulations of some of the primary processes.

The module covers:

types of advanced materials: properties and applications

conversion of advanced materials: processing of polymer composites, powder metallurgy and ceramics technology, processing of modern metals and metal composites

simulation of primary processes: principles and examples of computer simulation of material flow in processes

the process and considerations of material selection: calculation of the material index for a given problem, material selection by using Ashby charts (AR, 4 hours) tutorial and exercises

non-traditional machining and applications: overview of micro-manufacturing

principles, process configurations, process capabilities, process parameters and industrial applications of photo-chemical machining, electrochemical machining, electrical-discharge machining, and laser-machining

jig/fixture working principle and design

rapid prototyping and manufacturing: additive and subtractive techniques, object data capture techniques - e.g. laser scanning, touch probes, etc. and virtual prototyping

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of material properties, processing parameters, manufacturing steps, machinery used and costs involved in converting advanced materials into products

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of non-traditional manufacturing techniques and their applications to micro-manufacturing.

demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles of jig and fixture design

demonstrate a working knowledge of the methods used to simulate material flow during manufacturing processes

explain meaning of rapid-prototyping and identify and select key techniques for rapid prototyping

understand the process and considerations for material selection

Assessment and feedback is in the form of an exam (60%), a group presentation (20%) and coursework (20%).

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Innovation Management

This module aims to provide engineering students with an understanding of the importance of innovation in today’s business environment. The module aims to also develop understanding and skills in the area of innovation management, including the management of the innovation process, intellectual property, financial decision-making and commercialisation of ideas.

The module covers:

the innovation process – basis of competition

the innovative organisation

principles of innovation management

creativity

market research, strategies for innovation

intellectual property, patenting and commercialisation

strategies for innovation

leading and managing innovation

collaborative innovation and new ventures

licensing

people and innovation - decision making, personality, communication, motivation, groups and teamwork, leadership, conflict, power and politics

finance and innovation - innovation finances – making a case

costing methods

financial statements (e.g. balance sheets, profit and loss and cash flow)

financial ratios

budgeting

investment appraisal

break-even analysis

risk management

performance measurement

selling your ideas – business start-up and plans

marketing mix

marketing innovation

the sales pitch

product/service ideas

process ideas

sales pitch workshop

final presentations

At the end of this module students will be able to:

appreciation of the innovation process, management activities and economically sound decision making

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of routes to market, commercialisation and intellectual property management

understand, interpret, prepare and evaluate financial statements and costing models of industrial enterprises

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to manage and lead multiple stakeholders effectively through the innovation process

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework (100%) including a business plan, sales video and presentation.

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Multidisciplinary Integrating Project

This module aims to develop design and manufacturing project based skills relevant to each of the four undergraduate degree courses, and to provide practice in the application of engineering, manufacture and design principles.

The module will consist of an individual project and a team project intended to develop and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the students’ particular course of study. These activities will consist of:

team project - concept development, proof-of-concept modelling (physical and virtual)

individual project – application of relevant engineering principles, utilisation of CAD/CAM/CAED, project reporting

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

undertake the design of a technical product or process requiring multidisciplinary input

apply appropriate engineering knowledge and skills to the design of a product or process

communicate engineering knowledge effectively to stakeholders throughout the design process

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project model and demonstration.

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Individual Integrating Project

This module aims to develop design and manufacturing project based skills relevant to each of the four undergraduate degree courses, and to provide practice in the application of engineering, manufacture and design principles.

The module will consist of an individual project intended to develop and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the students’ particular course of study. These activities will consist of application of relevant engineering principles, utilisation of software tools, project planning, management and reporting.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

undertake the design of a technical product or an improved organisational process, as appropriate to course discipline

apply appropriate engineering knowledge and skills to the design of a product or improved process

communicate engineering and innovation knowledge effectively to stakeholders throughout the design process

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project, there is no exam.

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Mechatronics Design & Applications

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods of mechatronic system design and applications including those in manufacturing industry.

The module will teach the following topics in the context of designing mechatronic systems:

mechatronic and automation introduction including mechatronic design principles, energy and information Systems, bond graph theory, block diagram, functional design using bond graphs, advantages and disadvantages of electric and fluid power systems, types of electric motors and their control techniques, simple actuators for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, The specifications of robotic and other automated equipment

experimental design and data acquisition including methods of programming robots, programming structure and debugging, microprocessors and MPLAB

control and its application: open and closed loop control, second order system, problems in robot design and control, types of motion control

sensing devices and their applications

automation in manufacturing.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of why manufacturing automation and mechatronic systems are used

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of mechatronic design and modelling techniques applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the control principles/technology and their application in mechatronic system and automation systems, including microprocessors, PLCs and their programming

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sensing principles and sensor technologies

specify the type of automation system suitable for any given application

demonstrate an appreciation of the human factor issues in manufacturing automation

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework submission outlining the design of a mechatronic system (30%) and an exam (70%).

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Product Programming

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental programming concepts, knowledge of programming core languages and skills in programming for the development of contemporary products and production equipment.

The module will teach the following topics in the context of designing mechatronic systems:

programming languages and product applications

software development methodologies, e.g. agile development

programming development environment

flow diagrams and programme architecture

developing code

debugging

refining code

sharing code

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of fundamental programming concepts

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of core programming languages

demonstrate proficiency in programming

demonstrate skills in the development of products with software driven functionality through applied programming

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project submission (100%).

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Industrial Group Project 1

This module aims for students to integrate and apply design, manufacturing and operations management knowledge and skills to an industry based product and process development project and to develop project management skills.

The module consists of a team-based industrial project where an outline project brief is set by an industrial client. The team is expected to manage all aspects of the project through to a finished solution. This can be a product, system or process depending on the nature of the project. Teams meet with academic staff and industrial clients regularly through the project.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various elements associated with the respective course disciplines

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of products and management practices in industry

demonstrate knowledge and ability in applying and using various analysis and modelling tools and techniques in product and process realisation

demonstrate project planning and management, data collection and analysis, presentation, consulting and team working skills

Assessment and feedback is in the form of client and risk management reports (10%), a project report (75%) and a presentation to the client (15%).

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Advanced Product Design & Manufacture

This class aims to introduce design and manufacturing techniques and systems at an advanced level. It enables you to understand the application of advanced product design engineering and manufacturing techniques/systems in product development (in particular in mechatronic systems). This includes developing manufacturing plans for product realisation. It provides opportunities for you to develop technology focused products/systems within the class supervised environment as well as to generate plans for the manufacture of these products/systems for volume production.

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Advanced Design Methods

This module builds upon the knowledge of Design Methods acquired in DM306 and will develop knowledge and understanding of the integration, development and application of design methods in the areas of design for manufacture and assembly, sustainability, and design for Xs at embodiment and detail design level.

The module covers:

design for manufacture and assembly:

DFMA within simultaneous engineering, DFMA methods, economic considerations, manufacturing process considerations (design for casting, machining, assembly and automation, joining), design for plastics (including tool design), standardisation and modularisation

sustainable design:

review of key concepts, life cycle analysis including practical application, legislation, introduction to advanced sustainable design methods, remanufacture, design for recycling, disposal, and remanufacture

design for Xs:

frameworks including integrating systems design methods and approaches to support efficient and effective DfX leading to the development of strategies to support DfX.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

evaluate advanced product designs based on a sound knowledge of design for manufacture and assembly, sustainability design principles

utilise design methods to improve the manufacturability, assembly and sustainability aspects of a product design in a economic and marketable manner

identify, develop and integrate design methods or DFX strategies as appropriate for a given design scenario

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a report (50%) and a Reflective report/folio (50%).

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Individual Project 1

This module aims to consolidate and develop experience in undertaking a major individual project and develop a good appreciation of professional practice by utilising design, manufacturing and management knowledge acquired during the course and applying it to real life situations.

The module covers all aspects of managing a product development or production management project. The project, managed and conducted by the student under the guidance of a supervisor, is taken from project proposal to working prototype/validated production engineering implementation. Regular lectures and seminars presented to students will cover all aspects of project content and conduct; with workshops to support key project stages and activities. Students would normally meet with their supervisor on a fortnightly basis; weekly at key points of project.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

carry out an in-depth and broad product development or production engineering project through demonstration of the academic concepts, practical skills and managerial techniques gained throughout the period of study; and how concepts and theories require to meet the specific needs of the market segment

communicate effectively. Produce in-depth report (also folio and detailed drawing set where appropriate)

demonstrate professional management of a project. Include aspects of business planning in relation to a product or specialist area in production engineering and management

appreciate legislative, ethical and environmental requirements and their influence in product and process design and management and to demonstrate their application to a project

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a Brief & Report/portfolio (75% = 5% brief preparation, 70% report/folio/models) and critique assessments (25%).

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Optional classes

You must select 20 credits from an approved list of option classes available from the Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management.

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Industrial Group Project 2

This module aims for students to integrate and apply design, manufacturing and operations management knowledge and skills to an industry based product and process development project and to develop project management skills.

The module consists of a team-based industrial project where an outline project brief is set by an industrial client. The team is expected to manage all aspects of the project through to a finished solution. This can be a product, system or process depending on the nature of the project. Teams meet with academic staff and industrial clients regularly through the project.

At the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:

knowledge and understanding of the various elements associated with the respective course disciplines

knowledge and understanding of products and management practices in industry

knowledge and ability in applying and using various analysis and modelling tools and techniques in product and process realisation

project planning and management, data collection and analysis, presentation, consulting and team working skills

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a client and risk management reports (10%), a project report (75%) and a presentation to the client (15%).

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Individual Project 2

This module aims to consolidate and develop experience in undertaking a major individual project and develop a good appreciation of professional practice by utilising design, manufacturing and management knowledge acquired during the course and applying it to real life situations. Students will be required to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills from their 4th year classes and projects in their specific areas. More detailed, focused and in depth research, analysis, ideas generation and evaluation will be necessary.

The module covers all aspects of managing a product development or production management project.

The project, managed and conducted by the student under the guidance of a supervisor, is taken from project proposal to working prototype/validated production engineering implementation. Regular lectures and seminars presented to students will cover all aspects of project content and conduct; with workshops to support key project stages and activities. Students would normally meet with their supervisor on a fortnightly basis; weekly at key points of project. Additional feedback opportunities will be offered throughout project work. Students will meet regularly during class time for peer-led activities, pin-ups and progress presentations.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to

carry out an in-depth and broad product development or production engineering project through demonstration of the academic concepts, practical skills and managerial techniques gained throughout the period of study; and how concepts and theories require to meet the specific needs of the market segment

communicate effectively. Produce in-depth report (also folio and detailed drawing set where appropriate)

demonstrate professional management of a project. Include aspects of business planning in relation to a product or specialist area in production engineering and management

appreciate legislative, ethical and environmental requirements and their influence in product and process design and management and to demonstrate their application to a project

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a brief & report/portfolio (75% = 5% Brief preparation, 70% Report/folio/models) and critique assessments (25%).

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Research Studies

The aim of this module will develop research skills and acquire an in depth knowledge of a relevant research field.

The student will carry out research into a relevant and agreed topic, with the findings being documented in a research dissertation.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to

define a valid research project in a cutting-edge field of study relevant to the student’s degree, e.g. design, engineering management, manufacturing technology

execute a project in a cutting edge-field of study relevant to the student’s degree, involving where appropriate technical analysis and independent critical thinking

document a research project in a cutting-edge field of study relevant to the student’s degree

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a presentation (20%) and a dissertation (80%).

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Optional classes

You must select 20 credits from an approved list of option classes available from the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management.

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Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

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International experience

You’ll have the opportunity to choose to gain a truly international experience by studying, integrating and living abroad as part of your (Year 3) studies in Australia, Canada, North America, Singapore or a location in Europe. Many of our undergraduate students also undertake multiple placements and internships as part of their studies. Previous students have achieved internships around the world, for example with Michael Kors in New York, or:

David, who worked with Adidas in Germany and Apple in California

Andrew, who worked with Nestle in the UK and Puma in Germany

Ryan, who worked with Weir Advanced Research Centre in Scotland and Zenflow in San Francisco

Jamie, who worked with A.G. Barr (Irn Bru) and Airbus in Scotland

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Facilities

The Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management has a range of innovative purpose-built design and manufacture laboratories. Our students have access to a range of workshops and facilities including a digital design and manufacture studio. It brings together:

data capture

CAD

3D visualisation

rapid prototyping capabilities

Additionally, as a student in the department, you'll also have access to a private undergraduate student community area, including collaboration work areas, computer suites and social areas, as well as vending machines, lockers and display boards.

Find out more about our facilities

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Staff

You'll learn from leading experts in the field of product design engineering and innovation. All our staff have great experience working with innovation management and product development, engineering and improvement projects in a broad range of industries.

Staff include:

Dr Hilary Grierson - Director of Teaching and Learning within DMEM, her main interests lie in the area of product design, global design education, distributed design information management

Richard Adams - one of the first product designers to work in oil and gas, and his passion lies in human centred design approached to help companies be more people facing

Dr Avril Thomson - Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning for the Engineering Faculty, she lectures on the Total Design modules and her main interests include collaborative design, design processes and design for aging

Dr Ian Whitfield - Dr Whitfield's main interests include: design co-ordination, collaborative design, process modelling and optimisation, product data and product lifecycle management, engineering risk management, and modular design

Ross Maclachlan - Ross has participated in a number of funded product design projects with industry including tennis court pace measurement apparatus. His interests lie in design creativity, design education and innovation management education

Dr Andrew Wodehouse - Dr Wodehouse's main interests lie in interactive design, product aesthetics and innovative design teams. Prior to joining DMEM he worked in industry as a product design engineering for a number of consultancies

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Careers

Technical knowledge, creative flair, problem-solving and a passion for designing and refining the usability of luxury to everyday items is what’s needed for a career in product design.

Work experience is highly desirable for graduates applying within the product design industry, to best demonstrate their team working abilities, skills and portfolio breadth. Our students truly benefit from the industrial group project which is integrated into their degree, to provide them with this necessary experience to stand out when competing for graduate jobs. Furthermore, many of our students gain placements and internships throughout their studies to advance their professional development ahead of graduation.

Companies return year-on-year to recruit from our department, and specifically, companies such as Chivas Regal, Adidas, Rolls Royce, Dyson and Jaguar Land Rover have our graduates covering a plethora of roles across their teams. Some of our graduates go on to graduate trainee programmes with companies such as Diageo, Accenture, Unilever and Procter & Gamble.

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Whare are they now?

Other DMEM product design graduates become entrepreneurs and have started up their own companies or work freelance, for example:

Colour Academy Publishing Ltd

who create educational colouring books was founded by Product Design Engineering graduate Matthew Carter

the Freelance Design Engineer who designed the Queen’s baton for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is Product Design Engineering graduate Michael Aldridge

VH Innovation Ltd, the parent company of Recoil Kneepads was founded by Product Design Engineering graduate Victoria Hamilton

Fiodh Scotland, which produces Scottish heritage watches from old whisky barrels was founded by Product Design and Innovation graduate Michael Youmans

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Recent graduate job titles include:

Architect

CAD Technician

Design Engineer

Management Trainee

Product Designer

Product Design Engineer

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Recent graduate employers include:

Apple

Dyson Ltd

Google

i4 Product Design

Jaguar Land Rover

PA Consulting

Shore Design

Tesla

According to Prospects, a senior product designer can earn in the range of £50,000-£80,000.