DE4026 - Design Factors

What will I learn on this module?

Design Factors refers to several considerations we need to think critically about when designing products. You will always have to design within certain constraints or to meet particular objectives. This module will introduce you to a range of design factors that you should consider and research as part of your design process. Successful design often demands a combination of quantifiable factors (e.g. ergonomic data or material performance) with intuitive choices (for example, the aesthetic appeal of particular materials). By the end of the module, you should have a good awareness of how these factors interrelate and how you can weigh-up various, and often competing, demands.  

 

The content will be introductory but will identify areas for deeper exploration in your later studies and practice. Design factors covered will include: 

 

Production scale and cost; 

Materials; 

Manufacturing - including circular design principles; 

Function and usability; 

Ergonomics and human factors; 

Aesthetics; 

 

You will learn through a series of practical activities that highlight the influence of particular design choices on the overall outcome. You will be directed to resources that help you explore the various topics in greater depth; and you will develop tools and templates that help you consider each of the factors. By exploring these factors, you should feel able to make informed decisions to guide your design decision-making. 

How will I learn on this module?

You will participate in short practical activities, case studies, seminars or creative tasks. Assignments will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your learning on the module researching topics and presenting back to peers. Directed learning and reading will encourage independent research and critical reflection through design and practice. During each timetabled session, you will progress through a structured product design process, practical workshops, group tutorials and /or 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 to your brief. 

 

Formative assessments based on project work will provide the basis for feedback and development throughout the module. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own development, helping you to become aware of how the skills and knowledge you have gained can be further refined and applied to subsequent product design projects. 

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Each project will begin with a comprehensive 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 your module 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 studio sessions to structure your learning experience. In these, you might participate in group discussions to 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 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 and apply critical thinking of design methods and processes through their appropriate application during design research and development.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Record and annotate design research and development through sketchbooks or other prescribed documentation formats.



Independently generate concepts, proposals, solutions or arguments.



Personal Values Attributes

(Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Demonstrate, experiment and develop product design skills through the creation of sketching, prototyping and communication of design concepts.

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. 

 

Summative assessment for the module will be against one or more product design assignments over the course of the module submitted at the end of block 2. For each assignment, students will be assessed against the module outcomes and criteria set out in the brief. The combined marks for the project(s) 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

This module will introduce you to the critical thinking needed when designing products, touching on themes such as: aesthetics, materials, manufacturing, functionality and usability. You will be able to make both creative and responsible decisions when designing, through an increased awareness of the interrelating factors that design processes demand. Through practical activities and guided project work, this exploration of themes will invite decision making and reflection on design processes, help you to develop tools and methods to employ in other project work beyond this module.

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

Fee Information

Module Information

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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