XD4010 - Code. Design. Make

What will I learn on this module?

This module introduces basic coding principles for creative practice, focusing on developing interactive environments and artifacts. It covers fundamental concepts and principles of coding for digital making, utilizing environments like P5Js, Processing, Arduino, and AI assistants. You'll learn data input/output, dynamic data application, and user input for web-based visuals and graphics. Additionally, it includes coding for physical interaction using sensors and input devices.

The module recognizes the increasing impact of AI on creative programming, emphasizing AI's role in boosting productivity. It explores how AI tools aid in code writing, facilitating faster development and idea iteration. You'll learn to utilize AI to unlock visual creative potential and apply it to design practice.

By grasping coding principles, you'll gain confidence in designing interactive environments for screen-based or physical interactions and prototype novel interactions, graphics, and experiences. Creative coding within experimental design allows for unique interactive and immersive experiences, such as dynamic branding and interactive typography.

Understanding coding principles enables leveraging AI environments for developing dynamic artifacts and outcomes. This module encourages exploration of creative production methods, pushing traditional digital creative processes to create engaging immersive experiences.

Within the context of experimental design, creative coding provides an important environment for exploring creative methods of production – pushing traditional digital creative processes in order to develop unique interactive and engaging immersive experiences (e.g. dynamic branding, interactive typography or immersive experiences) Having an understanding of the principles of coding can help leverage the potential of AI environments to support the development the creative of new dynamic artefacts and outcomes.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will use a range of blended teaching and learning activities. Studio-based lectures, hands-on workshops, and studio practice will introduce core methods, tools and processes for the practice of exploring and experimenting with coding environments, and physical computing. Teaching on the module will be centred around making and playing with code - learning through practice and experimentation. As such the module will encourage experimentation with the technology to explore visual and creative capabilities and push the boundaries of your own understanding.

Each week, an introductory demonstration and workshop will introduce a new core topic (e.g. user input, dynamic graphics, input devices) - each building on the previous examples. Weekly tasks will be given in line with each workshop, to challenge you to explore each new concept through playful experimentation with the tools - helping you to build the core building blocks for developing dynamically generated and interactive prototypes. Weekly tasks will be consolidated into a final portfolio of work (as recordings and demos of the experiments and interactions) to demonstrate your investigations and experimentations, and which will be submitted as part of your final submission.
A final project will allow you to consolidate your learning into the presentation final piece of work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your module tutors will provide extensive support in various forms, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.

Each module kicks off with a comprehensive briefing that outlines the expected learning outcomes, module requirements, and a detailed schedule.

Regular weekly sessions in a studio setting will structure your learning experience. In these sessions, you’ll participate in group discussions to receive feedback from your peers and tutors.

Studio feedback and interim presentations will provide opportunities for tutor and peer feedback on your ideas as you develop your work. You will also be given the opportunity to have feedback on your research and development in short group or individual sessions

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

KKnowledge & Understanding:
• LO1. Demonstrate knowledge of core methods and processes of using code for generating digital and physical interactive prototypes KU3

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO2. Show evidence of an engaged process of research and development into the technology and practice of coding interactive objects and environments. IPSA1

• LO3. Demonstrate through practice applied knowledge of the technologies and processes related to the production of digitally interactive and dynamic visuals and artefacts ISPA3

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO 4 Demonstrate creative risk taking and exploration through an experimental practice with interactive coding technologies PVA1

• LO5 Demonstrate ability to clearly communicate design concepts, proposals, or solutions in verbal, and visual presentations. PVA4

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed both formatively and summatively:

You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of a:

• Component 1: 70% Digital process book (online) A portfolio of work created in response to weekly tasks.
MLOs: 1, 2, 4

• Component 2: 30% Final Creative Code Artefact: A code generated dynamic, interactive or generative artefact, created in response to a brief.
MLOs: 3, 5

At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your design process book and final submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module will introduce you to the key concepts and principles coding as a part of a creative practice of digital making and exploration.

Using a range of supporting coding environments developed for use by visual designers (e.g. P5Js, Processing, Arduino, as well as emerging AI assistants) the module will introduce core key principles of data input and output. You will learn how to apply dynamic data and user input to prototype interactive web-based visuals, and graphics. You will also be introduced to the principles of coding for physical interaction to create interactive artefacts using sensors and input devices.

The module is supported by workshops and demonstrations which allow you to playfully explore the concepts of coding for creative visual practice: weekly challenges will allow you to explore new concept through playful experimentation with the tools.
It will give you confidence in understanding how to think about designing interactive environments for screen or physical environments and will give you the tools for you to begin to prototype your own novel interactions, graphics and interactive experiences.

Course info

UCAS Code W200

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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