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What will I learn on this module?
Successful furniture and product design relies on an ability to prototype and evaluate ideas in three-dimensions. The making of prototypes enables designers to test and refine the qualities of a nascent artefact, perhaps by improving its functionality, proposing an alternative manufacturing method, tweaking the proportions, or reworking the subtlest of aesthetic details. Designers think through making. And the clarity and precision with which they can think has its parallel in clarity and precision with which they can make. In this module, you will develop your knowledge and skills in workshop-based prototyping practice, such that you will be enabled to effectively prototype in three-dimensions.
The module is based around a bespoke workshop induction and competency building programme that underpins the requirements of study on level 5 of the Furniture and Product Design degree. These sessions introduce you to materials, processes and safe working practices. This is more than a basic induction into the use of workshop tools and machinery—the module asks you to precisely make several complex furniture and product artefacts according to dimensioned drawings over an 8-week period, using a wide-variety of industry-standard equipment. You will use this experience to build a critical, hands-on knowledge of materials and processes, and the understanding necessary to design and prototype your own sophisticated three-dimensional designs in subsequent modules. Upon completion of the module, Furniture and Product Design students will be uniquely enabled to work in a safe, confident and highly competent manner in the workshop environment, so that they can successfully use this space as a means of prototyping their designs.
In addition to this time in the workshop, you will contextualise the workshop-based learning during studio sessions with academic staff.
How will I learn on this module?
At timetabled workshop sessions you will receive inductions and watch demonstrations delivered by specialist cabinet-making, metal-smithing, machining and fabrication technicians. You will then work closely with these technicians in small groups, to make your own artefacts according to drawings provided. Over a period of weeks, you will be guided to practice and rehearse making processes, in order to build your competence, confidence and knowledge.
In addition to this time in the workshop, you will contextualise the workshop-based learning during studio sessions with academic staff. Exercises and feedback will enable you to reflect on the knowledge you have gained in the workshop, to understand its potential and consider how you will apply the making processes in design work. You will collate this work into a submission to be summatively assessed.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be taught via timetabled studio and workshop sessions delivered to groups of students. Dedicated specialist technical staff will support you in the cabinet-making, metal-smithing, machining and fabrication workshops. Studio teaching time provides the opportunity for you to receive on-going tutor and peer feedback as you develop your understanding of making processes.
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?
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
? Demonstrate your knowledge of the safe operation of machinery, hand tools, and of complex production processes
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
? Demonstrate an awareness of how workshop making processes can be selected, used and combined to create complex and sophisticated prototypes.
? Demonstrate competent presentation and technical drawing skills in the documentation of your making knowledge.
Personal Value Attributes
? Demonstrate commitment for your studies as evidenced through your engagement with, and management of, your own learning.
How will I be assessed?
The module has 2 assessment tasks:
? A Pass/Fail task, based on attendance of the programme of workshop inductions, the submission of sample pieces and a workshop process document that evidences both an understanding of health and safety and the competencies built up during this experience.
? The module will be summatively assessed via the submission of an illustrated document at the end of block 1 (100%). This assignment addresses all the module learning outcomes.
Feedback is written and given via an end-of-module review tutorial.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Successful furniture and product design relies on an ability to prototype and evaluate ideas in three-dimensions. The making of prototypes enables designers to test and refine the qualities of a nascent artefact, perhaps by improving its functionality, proposing an alternative manufacturing method, tweaking the proportions, or reworking the subtlest of aesthetic details. Designers think through making. And the clarity and precision with which they can think has its parallel in clarity and precision with which they can make.
In this module, students will develop knowledge and skills in workshop-based prototyping practice, such that they will be enabled to effectively prototype in three-dimensions. The teaching is based around a bespoke workshop induction and competency building programme that underpins the requirements of study on level 5 of the Furniture and Product Design degree. Supported by technicians and academics, students are asked to precisely make several complex furniture and product artefacts according to dimensioned drawings over an 8-week period, using a wide-variety of industry-standard equipment. Students will use this experience to build a critical, hands-on knowledge of materials and processes, and the understanding necessary to design and prototype their own sophisticated three-dimensional designs in subsequent modules. Upon completion of the module, Furniture and Product Design students will be uniquely enabled to work in a safe, confident and highly competent manner in the workshop environment, so that they can successfully use this space as a means of prototyping their designs.
Course info
UCAS Code W266
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.
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