Syllabus:

Industrial Design Introduction

Swedish name: Introduktionskurs i industridesign, BAS

This syllabus is valid: 2011-09-05 and until further notice

 Show earlier/later versions of this syllabus

Course code: 5ID027

Credit points: 15

Education level: Basic level

Main Field of Study and progress level: Industrial Design: first cycle, has at least 60 credits in
first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: VG Pass with distinction, G Pass, U Fail

Responsible department: Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå University

Contents
The course provides an overview of and introduction to the methods and processes used in the
field of industrial design and in the product development process. An introduction to
visualisation techniques in 2D (sketching) and 3D (modelling techniques) is given. Focus is on
the design process in development of physical products and on the visualisation and
communication of ideas and design concepts. The perspective of ecological and sustainable
design is introduced in relation to the design process. The aim is that student understands and
performs a basic application of design methods and processes in supervised projects. The
course is structured in six sub-courses: Sub-course 1. Introductory project, 1,5 credits The sub-
course consists of an introduction to Umeå Institute of Design and the course package
Industrial Design Introduction. Work methods and educational philosophy are presented and
discussed, and a basic introduction is given to the UID infrastructure of facilities, computer
systems, economy and materials (DOLF system) and study techniques. Students carry out a
short project with the aim of introducing the methodology of project work and fundamentals of
group dynamics. Examination through active participation in education and a visual and oral
project presentation of group work. Sub-course 2. Sketch basics, 3 credits. The sub-course
focuses on how to communicate ideas through 2D sketching techniques. Focus is on the basics
of visual communication, and on introducing sketching as a tool for ideation and
communication. The course covers basic sketching techniques, such as work methods, materials
and perspective. A brief introduction is given to the tools to scan sketches, clean them and
place them in a document for printing. The aim is that students shall feel confident in
communicating ideas visually and orally, and to introduce basic sketching techniques with
special focus on ideation sketching and concept exploration sketching. Part one (1,5 credits) is
examined through active participation in education and submission of required assignments.
Part two (1,5 credits) is examined through active participation in education and submission of
required assignments. Sub-course 3. Form basics and modelling techniques, 1,5 credits
Fundamentals in form studies are introduced, in connection to the basics of three dimensional
modelling techniques, manual and computer aided. The goal of the sub-course is to give the
student an introduction to the practice and the understanding of form, in order to train skills
and abilities related to form exploration and basic semantics of form in different materials. An
introduction is given to the wood workshop hand tools and machinery, such as band saws,
milling machines, drills etc., and to the paint system and paint box. The aim is that the student
acquires the skills to independently handle painting and wood workshop machines and
equipment according to safety measures and UID rules. Examination through active
participation in the wood workshop education, and submission of 3D foam models
accompanied by required 2D visual material, and submission of required assignments in digital
modelling. Sub-course 4. The design process, 4,5 credits The sub-course introduces the
methods used in the design process in product development work. Theory and practice are
joined in a project throughout the sub-course, where the steps of the design process are taught
and implemented in the project. Methods for problem definition, visualisation and research,
such as function analysis, target group definition, scenario and board techniques are
introduced. Focus on learning, understanding and using methods for defining a design problem,
research, ideation, evaluation, conceptualisation and presentation. Brand values in relation to
design process. Defining user groups, and working with board techniques to communicate
brand value, user groups etc. The aim of the sub-course is that the student is familiar with the
steps of the design process, can apply these in a tutor-led project, and can present both the
result and all steps of the process visually and orally. Examination through active participation
in education, submission of required deliverables, and the oral and visual presentation of a
product design project. Sub-course 5. Sustainable design, 3 credits Introduction to the
perspective of sustainable design in the design process as a whole. Focus is on the
incorporation of ecologic and sustainable design aspects throughout the design process, from
problem statement to final concept and suggested production techniques and materials. The
student shall understand and be able to relate aspects of sustainability and ecological
perspectives to the different stages of the design process, with special focus on life cycle
analysis and production. Examination through active participation in education, and oral, visual
and written presentation of required deliverables, including a written life cycle assessment of a
specified product. Sub-course 6. Portfolio basics, 1,5 credits The sub-course aims at introducing
how to document and present a design project visually and verbally in a portfolio. Focus is on
introducing basic methods for visual and graphic narration, and on how to work with layout,
visual imagery and text in order to convey a design process and result. Examination through
active participation in education, submission of required deliverables and of a portfolio spread
of a project carried out during the course.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student shall be able to: - account for how the design process
is conducted, explain the key concepts and methods of the design process, and under tutor
supervision apply said process in a project assignment, showing skills in time and project
management by keeping deadlines and fulfilling requirements. - account for the professional
purposes of a portfolio, and the basics for it’s structure concerning layout and content.
-perform a life cycle assessment of a product or service, give an account of aspects of
sustainability on design, and relate these to the steps of the design process, to production
techniques and materials. - account for materials and methods used in modelling techniques,
relate these to basic concepts and practices in form studies, and practically apply these in
creating physical models. - demonstrate elementary skills in communicating ideas and simple
design concepts through manual sketching techniques - produce simple geometrical 3D forms
using software for digital 3D modelling, and give an account of in which stages of the design
process, and why, digital 3D-modelling can be used. -use computer aided technology to scan
and manipulate sketches and other images, and include these in digital documents and
presentations. - apply design methods for problem statement, research, ideation and
evaluation together with other students in a group, and share ideas and results through group
discussions, demonstrating a basic awareness of group processes in project work. - produce a
simple visual project presentation in which the design process is explained, from problem
statement to final concept, using computer aided technology, and present this orally in English
in a structured and logical way.

Required Knowledge
Univ: For admission to the course, students must previously have conducted a minimum of two
years of full time university studies (120 ECTS) or the equivalent. Students have to present
specified home assignments. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary
course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score
below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE
score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score
of 20 on the Writing Section).

Form of instruction
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutoring, practical assignments, group and project
work. Students work both individually and in groups with assignments and projects. Education
is carried out in English.

Examination modes
Examination is carried out in the form of presentations – oral, visual and written – of projects
and work, and submission of assignments: written and/or visual (2D and 3D). After completing
the course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is awarded the
student. Students receive a grade of either Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U) for
each assignment and sub-course as for full course. In order to obtain credit for the course, all
sub-courses and assignments must be completed with a minimum grade of Pass, and the
project assignments which includes applications of skills and knowledge from all sub-courses
must also be completed with a minimum grade of Pass. For the grade Pass, the student must be
present for mandatory education and hand in required deliverables. For the grade Pass with
distinction (VG) on the whole course, the student must pass all the individual course elements
and obtain Pass with distinction on Sub-course 4: The design process and Pass with distinction
on Sub-course 5: Sustainable design. For students who have not obtained the grade Pass, other
examination sessions will be arranged. A student who for two consecutive examinations for the
same course or sub-course has not been passed, has the right to have another examiner
appointed, if there are no special reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance chapter 6,
22 §). The request for a new examiner shall be made in writing to the Department board of
Umeå Institute of Design. Academic credit transfer Equivalency credits for this course can only
be given if it can be shown through transcripts and course plans that a similar course has been
passed, and after the course responsible and director of single subject courses have evaluated
and approved the students’ individual level of skills and knowledge.

Other regulations
Admittance to the course is not administrated via VHS, studera.nu. The admittance it is done
locally at UID. The selection of applicants is based on the home assignments with special regard
to innovative and creative skills and personal motivation and maturity.

Literature
The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.