DE5021 - Interchange 2 – Emerging Issues and Practices

You will either select a design brief aligned with your personal interests or be assigned one that matches your field of study. These briefs are designed to introduce you to the latest emerging issues and practices. This exposure may play a role in shaping your direction in your final year of study.



To achieve this, you will learn through a series of interactive workshops that may include a blend of short lectures, group discussions and practical skills learning to help you immerse yourself in these emerging design issues and practices. 



Working co-operatively or collaboratively in small groups or teams, you'll engage in critical debates, conduct research, and work design making projects that reflect the real-world challenges faced by today's designers and researchers. Your final design artefacts, prototypes or proposals will be presented or exhibited to share your collaborative learning with others.



Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to think critically, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate with your peers to develop innovative solutions to these emerging design problems or opportunities. By the end of the module, you'll emerge with a deeper understanding of contemporary design issues and practices that will prepare you for tackling some of the latest challenges in a rapidly evolving design landscape.

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.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding: .

Use critical discourse to analyse or question contemporary design issues or projects. 



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Integrate multi-disciplinary knowledge and perspectives in the development of design artefacts.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Take an explorative approach when challenged to conceive fresh or innovative ideas.

Develop and enhance craft skills through sketching, prototyping and communication of design concepts.

Participate in collaborative team working activities or projects to tackle problems that benefit from a multi-perspective approach

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.

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In this module, you will immerse yourself in the forefront of design, tackling the societal challenges and evolving practices within design. This module forms a pivotal role in your design education, prompting you to engage deeply with contemporary challenges such as sustainability, inclusivity, technological innovation, and global design movements.



Through interactive workshops, group discussions, and collaborative projects, you will learn to critically assess and innovatively respond to complex, dynamic design dilemmas. The module culminates in the creation and presentation of design artefacts or proposals, equipping you with the understanding and skills to navigate and influence the rapidly changing design landscape.