Program Overview

Introduction to the Design for Social Innovation Module

The Design for Social Innovation module, coded as DJ31050, is a research-driven program that focuses on applying product design processes and principles to address complex real-world problems. This module is designed to help students develop design responses to challenging issues, covering social, ethical, political, technological, and environmental aspects.

Module Details

• Credits: 30
• Module Code: DJ31050
• Level: 3
• Semester: Semester 1
• School: School of Art and Design
• Discipline: Design and Making

What You Will Learn

In this module, you will:

• Address a set brief with an external problem holder
• Research and reflect on contemporary and historic product design
• Use 'Research-through-Design' and design thinking methods to explore problems and engage experts and users in your work
• Explore physical and digital outcomes for design concepts
• Engage systems thinking to show how your concept can have impact
• Make a resolved prototype, which can be tangible or digital products, services, and experiences
• Use CAD (computer-aided design), graphic design software, and photography to professionally communicate your concept

Learning Outcomes

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

• Show understanding of Product Design across social, ethical, political, technological, and environmental contexts
• Use advanced 'Research-through-Design' methods, including user research, to inform and drive your concepts
• Present a coherent range of concepts across 2&3D formats following a clear design process
• Apply specialist Product Design technical or digital skills, techniques, practices, and materials meaningfully through designing and producing prototypes
• Produce well-contextualised final products, articulating their relevance and anticipated impact(s)

Assignments and Assessment

• Coursework (100%): Includes a series of physical and digital deliverables related to specific learning outcomes, a portfolio submission on completion of the module, an individual or group presentation, and written contextual and critical reflection.
• Support: One-to-one tutorials and group crits are provided for support.
• No Final Exam: This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching Methods and Timetable

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures with related demonstrations to show design and prototyping methods
• Workshops for practical hands-on experience in design methods, prototyping, and thinking-through-making
• Talks from invited speakers, who are experts from the industry
• Tutorials and crits to discuss and share work with staff and peers, providing an opportunity for supportive feedback on projects in progress
• Project work, which may include some group work or activities

Availability of the Module

This module is available on the following courses:

• Product Design BSc (Hons)