What will I learn on this module?
In this module, you will delve into experimental design processes that are directly applicable to your future role in the ever-changing field of design. The boundaries between established design disciplines are continually shifting due to the ongoing collaborative nature of design projects calling on multiple skill sets, technological advancements, evolving design trends and societal needs.
The main objective is to provide you with the opportunity to explore making practice through different media, by acquire new skills or gaining experience in areas that are unfamiliar to you. For example, different briefs might explore 3D printing, upcycling, narrative storytelling and illustration or coding for designers. You will be encouraged to experiment and will be rewarded for taking creative risks. Throughout this process, you will develop into a more competent and self-assured designer, essential for a professional design career.
How will I learn on this module?
You will either be assigned a design brief based on your personal preferences or one that matches your field of study. These briefs are designed to encourage you to experiment, explore or extend your practice. Informed by your tutors’ latest research and practice, their workshops will introduce you to the brief's topic and relevant design media, processes, and skills.
You will learn alongside peers, who may have different discipline experiences and expertise. You will be expected to participate in discussions, offer feedback to others, and may present or exhibit work together as part of a cooperative learning experience.
Throughout the module, you will document and reflect on your experimental processes, including all successes and failures. Your willingness to explore various ideas, design methods, mockup techniques, or prototypes will be valued over any singular design process and output.
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.
You will also have regular weekly sessions in a studio setting to structure your learning experience. In these sessions, you’ll participate in group discussions to receive feedback from your peers and tutors.
Furthermore, you’ll receive tailored feedback during tutorials before you submit your work, helping you polish and enhance your project work for successful module completion.
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:
Learn and apply new methods and complementary skills to extend design practice.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Cooperate effectively with others to help discuss, deliver or present individual and/or joint project artefacts or outputs
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Demonstrate experimental making skills through the use of materials, processes and technologies.
Demonstrate creative risk-taking when generating ideas.
Communicate design concepts, proposals or solutions using appropriate media.
How will I be assessed?
You will be formatively assessed 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 or exhibition of a portfolio that may include development work, design artefacts and writing. More detailed submission requirements will be supplied in your individual design brief.
At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your exhibition or presentation, followed up by additional written feedback on your portfolio submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module, you will delve into experimental design processes that are directly applicable to your future role in the ever-changing field of design. The main objective is to provide you with the opportunity to explore different media, acquire new skills, and gain expertise in areas that may be unfamiliar to you. You will be encouraged to experiment and will be rewarded for taking creative risks.
Design tutors from across the School have created a dynamic range of briefs from experimental prototyping and motion graphics to upcycling and narrative illustration will be offered for you to select from. You will be assigned a design brief based on your personal preferences. Workshops will introduce you to the brief's topic and relevant design media, processes, and skills. You will also learn alongside peers, who may have different discipline experiences and expertise. You will be expected to participate in discussions, offer feedback to others, and may present or exhibit work together as part of a cooperative learning experience.
Throughout the module, you will document and reflect on your experimental processes, including all successes and failures. Your willingness to explore various ideas, design methods, mockup techniques, or prototypes will be valued over any singular design process and output.
Course info
UCAS Code W232
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
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.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
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northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
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northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
