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What will I learn on this module?
Building upon the foundations of the learning from the first two years of study, this module provides you with the opportunity to self-generate a brief or challenge based around a chosen area of specialisation or theme from across Digital Design and pursue an area of enquiry which may be further expanded on in the in the Final Project module.
You will use design methods and processes (learnt in the previous years) to investigate a chosen theme (to be agreed with the tutors) and from its findings generate a piece of research and a design prototype which addresses your theme: e.g. could potentially enhance and /or extend the boundaries of a technology
The module gives you an opportunity to hone your prior learning, synthesize your skills to create human-centered and / or planet-centred proposals, which not only develop deeper understanding of an area specialization, from across Digital Design , but help you refine your own identity as a Digital Designer.
The outcomes of your investigation into your chosen theme will be communicated via the delivery of a written submission and a mock-up prototype or design artefact. Your written research will be delivered either an Extended Design Document (Pictorial) OR to a Dissertation on an area related to your topic. A mock-up prototype or design artefact will be a visual, tangible manifestation of your potential solution, direction or outcome in response to your topic. These may form the foundation for further development during your final project module (although this is optional) which would give an extended amount of time to refine, develop and enhance the direction you have established during this phase of work.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be expected to learn on this module through independent study focused on the topic you have selected and the technologies and user research methods you will be employing to realise your prototype.
Learning will also be supported through group learning activities, group tutorials and individual tutorials in the studio.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Studio-based learning activities will provide you with support and feedback during the module and will aim to deliver constructive feedback from tutors and your peers in support of your iterative design and research process.
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?
Knowledge & Understanding:
LO 1. Demonstrate critical engagement with contemporary issues and ideas and processes which affect current and emerging digital design practices.(KU1)
LO 2. Show expertise in the skilled use of applications, tools, methods and production process to professional standards (Theory into practice) (KU3)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
LO 3. Exhibit judgement and strategy in the selection and application of design approaches, research and development methods throughout all stages of the design process (Theory into practice).
(IPSA1)
LO 4. Create artefacts or prototypes using interdisciplinary tools that showcase your advanced skill set. (ISPA2)
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed on the submission of the following individual elements.
Research Document (50%): either an Extended design document outlining the research leading to the development of your Prototype OR a Dissertation paper that covers a topic related to your chosen technology for your Prototype.
MLOs 1, 2, 5
Research Prototype (50%) : a mock-up of your design solution –presented as a video walk-through
MLO 2, 3, 4
Formative feedback will be given throughout the module culminating in a final presentation prior to final portfolio submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Building upon the foundations of the learning from the first two years of study, this module provides you with the opportunity to self-generate a brief or challenge based around a chosen area of specialisation or theme from across Digital Design and pursue an area of enquiry which may be further expanded on in the in the Final Project module.
You will use design methods and processes (learnt in the previous years) to investigate a chosen theme (to be agreed with the tutors) and from its findings generate a piece of research and a design prototype which addresses your theme: e.g. could potentially enhance and /or extend the boundaries of a technology
The module gives you an opportunity to hone your prior learning, synthesize your skills to create human-centered and / or planet-centred proposals, which not only develop deeper understanding of an area specialization, from across Digital Design , but help you refine your own identity as a Digital Designer.
The outcomes of your investigation into your chosen theme will be communicated via the delivery of a written submission and a mock-up prototype or design artefact. Your written research will be delivered either an Extended Design Document (Pictorial) OR to a Dissertation on an area related to your topic. A mock-up prototype or design artefact will be a visual, tangible manifestation of a potential solution, direction or outcome in response to your topic. These may form the foundation for further development during your final project module (although this is optional) which would give an extended amount of time to refine, develop and enhance the direction you have established during this phase of work.
Course info
UCAS Code W200
Credits 40
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
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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