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What will I learn on this module?
Product designers need the ability to communicate their ideas in 2 and 3-dimensions through a range of sketching, visualisation and model making techniques. You will learn to use the sketching processes to explore your own design intent and to communicate ideas to others. You will learn how to develop ideas from initial sketches to models that allow you to explore form, structure and detail. Through a range of exercises, you will build dexterity and fluency in how you communicate in 2 and 3-dimensions.
For sketching, you will learn an array of visualisation techniques, embracing both hand and digital methods. You will learn how to sketch and communicate ideas quickly, develop concepts and draw details. Model making skills will be developed through a range of exercises that build your confidence and attention to detail.
To complement hand drawing skills, you will be expected to learn industry-standard computer applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, through independent learning. These are necessary tools that every designer should know and employ as part of their basic design toolbox. Access to essential learning tutorials will be provided through online learning platforms. You will acquire and develop knowledge of correct techniques and practices so that you are able to apply these skills within this module and as part of your design practice in other modules.
You will be given an induction into the safe use of machinery and professional working practices within a workshop, studio environment supplemented with online streamed / video workshop activity or demonstrations. You will build competencies and confidence in your design making and communication skills, whilst developing an experimental approach.
How will I learn on this module?
You will engage in experiential learning through studio-based and workshop activities, which work towards the completion of a design brief(s). During each timetabled session, you will progress through a structured product design process, practical workshops, group tutorials and peer group discussions to help you develop and deliver your design output and / or other design deliverables.
The studio-based learning environment provides a lively, creative and collaborative environment with the opportunity to gauge your own progress, learn from each-others’ strengths and build friendship groups. Tutors will both guide your design progress and encourage you to interact with your peers in sessions – sometimes to work in teams and always to support each other and give positive and helpful feedback. You will be encouraged to think critically, experiment with new ideas throughout the module and collaborate with peers to develop innovative proposals in response to a brief.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Each project will begin with a briefing that will outline and clarify the design project along with the expected learning outcomes, the module and project requirements / deliverables and a detailed schedule. Where a collaborative or live project is involved, professionals from the external partner will work with tutors to agree a suitable project and any additional support they can offer. This may include in-person briefings, feedback and guidance throughout the project, site visits, access to proprietary research and specialist equipment.
You will have regular weekly sessions in studio and workshop settings to structure your learning experience. In these, you will receive guidance and feedback from your peers and tutors. Tutors are aligned to each module that relates closely to their own design expertise and experience providing specialist support, whether that is through prior professional experience, through ongoing industrial collaborations or through current research work undertaken within the University.
The module has a specific virtual learning environment (eLearning Portal) which acts as a resource where you can access all the relevant documentation including module briefs and guides, presentations and assessment requirements. The digital submission of work, both formative and summative assessments, allow for expedient communication and the effective review of work whilst also utilising industry standard practices. During core working hours for the Design School but outside your timetabled sessions and project dependent, you will have access to a wide range of technician-supported workshop environments. Project and solution driven, these will support all your making requirements including specialist model making materials, laser-cutting, 3D printing, creating sewn soft-products, sensors and electronics, photography and videography. CAD workstations and industry-standard digital modelling software are accessible on campus 24/7 in certain buildings.
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:
Demonstrate knowledge through the safe operation of machinery, hand tools, production processes or software applications.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Independently generate concepts, proposals, solutions or arguments.
Apply knowledge of established development processes to create design-related artefacts.
Personal Values Attributes
(Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Demonstrate making skills through the creation of design prototypes and artefacts.
Communicate design concepts, proposals or solutions using appropriate media.
How will I be assessed?
You will be regularly assessed formatively and informally, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions and at key stages of the design development process. Students may be asked to present their work verbally to an audience of peers, tutors and stakeholders to receive feedback and guidance.
Students will be summatively assessed against one or more product design assignments over the course of the module submitted at the end of block 1. These will split 50/50 between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional outputs. Students will be required to produce a sketch portfolio complimented with related 3-dimensional card and foam models. For each assignment, students will be assessed against the module outcomes and criteria set out in the briefs. The combined marks for the projects will form 100% of the overall mark.
Feedback is written and delivered via tutorial review and via eLearning portal (eLP) after the submission at the end of each block (module).
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module, you will learn to use 2-dimensional and 3-dimensioal processes to help explore and communicate your design intent to others. Learning how to develop your product design sketching ability and explore these in simple 3-dimensional sketch models to help explore form, structure and detail. This module will build your dexterity, fluency and attention to detail in how you communicate your concepts. You will also learn how to use industry-standard computer applications, developing techniques and practices to apply as part of your design process in other modules, building competencies and confidence in your design making and design communication skills.
Course info
UCAS Code W246
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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