LV EN RU DE FR

Product Design

Course developer

Prior knowledge

InfT2044, IT in Design II

MākZ1004, Composition and Colour Studies I

MākZ3026, Drawing

MākZ3027, Fundamentals of Design and Product Registration

MašZ2015, Product Design AutoCAD I

Course abstract

Study course Product Design aims to educate students in the industrial design industry and introduce them to the essential features of this industry by providing the opportunity to create practical design solutions in accordance with the requirements of product functionality and aesthetics. Within the framework of this course, students have the opportunity to get acquainted with new materials and technological processes, as well as to get introduced to the basic principles of social design, ethical design standards and to be able to identify the benefits of universal design. The product design course educates the students to create new products through the research of the target audience, market and a variety of materials, also creating sketches and drawings as well as prototyping and making digital presentation materials.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1.Students are familiar with theoretical aspects of product design and can apply the theory of design thinking in practice - practical exercises.
2.Students are able to distinguish and apply ethical design standards, social design principles as well as develop a sustainable design concept. Students know the difference between the universal design and product design created for a specific target group, understanding its essential requirements for functionality, aesthetic qualities and ergonomics - a written test.
3.Students know the material qualities and are able to apply them in practice. They know the main stages of product design development and can create new products by following them. Also, recyclable materials are used to create new ideas for improving the quality of living environments - the creation of new mini-product collection featuring small household items.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Theoretical aspects of product design - 1h
2. Design process, product types – 1h
3. Development of product design specification – 2h
Practical assignment 1. Technical approach to design process – modification of existing product according to the functional and aesthetic features. (2h)
4. Product design research methods – 2h
5. Social design, responsible design, social sustainability – 2h
Practical assignment 2. Conceptual approach to design process – creating an object / application / product that encourages children (5 to 12 years old) to choose healthy foods. (2h)
6. Luxury products – 2h
7. Ethical design principles – 1h
8. Sustainable design, use of innovative materials in the process of product design development – 3h
Written test. Theoretical aspects of product design, ethical and social design principles and sustainable design standards. (2h)
9. Prototyping and testing of ideas by using different materials and techniques – 1h
10. User-centered design, inclusive design and specific examples – 1h
Practical assignment 3. Aesthetic approach to design process – creating an interior or fashion accessory for a specific social group based on ethical and social aspects. (2h)
11. Use of human senses in design perception, emotional design – 1h
12. Design trends and material properties -1h
13. Basic principles of developing product collection -1h
14. Integration of recycled materials into design – 1h
15. Product presentation methods – 1h
Practical assignment 4. Experimental approach to design process – integration of recycled paper into product design by presenting a mini product collection. (2h)

Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

The successful presentation of practical assignments and successfully passed the written test allow students to earn the necessary credits.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1.Written test about the theoretical aspects of product design.
The questions include:
- Basic principles of design creation
- The main stages of design development
- Description of the design purpose
- Reflection of design values
- Social design and its examples
- Basic principles of ethical design
- Application of universal design in practice
- Sustainable design standards
- Experience Design

2. Practical assignment 1: Technical approach to design process – modification of existing product according to the aesthetic, ergonomic and functional features.

3. Practical assignment 2: Conceptual approach to design process – creating an object / application / product that encourages children (5 to 12 years old) to choose healthy foods. Focus on the selected target audience by using one of the product design research methods learned before.

4. Practical assignment 3: Aesthetic approach to design process – creating an interior or fashion accessory for a specific social group based on ethical and social aspects. Identification and integration of intangible and immaterial design features.

5. Practical assignment 4: Experimental approach to design process. Development of design with recycled materials, 3D form making techniques. Creation of a mini product collection.
Students have the task to develop a mini-product collection that includes at least three everyday or household products as well as there is a requirement to integrate recycled paper into products. The collection is presented in the form of three-dimensional finished products or prototypes. Additionally, a presentation of the collection is being prepared as an A4 format catalogue. The assessment takes into account the originality of the presentation of the collection.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final assessment of the study course is calculated from the total score of five marks (written test and practical assignments) divided by five. If the average arithmetic grade is in decimals, then the attendance of the classes is taken into account. If the number of attendance is at least 70% of the total number of classes, then the mark could be raise

Compulsory reading

1.Fiell Ch., Fiell P. Designing for the 21st century. Köln: Taschen, 2005.
2.Milton A., Rodgers P. Product Design. London: Laurence King, 2011. 240 p.
3.Lefteri Ch. Materials for Design. London: Laurence King, 2014.
4.Legzdiņš A. Mani darbi un nedarbi. Rīga: Neputns, 2012.

Further reading

1.Best K. The Fundamentals of Design Management. Switzerland: AVA book, 2010.
2.Jackson P. Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2011. 223 p.
3.Gimenez M. European Product Design. Barcelona: Instituto Monsa de Ediciones, 2013.
4.Best K. Design Management. Switzerland: AVA Book, 2006.
5.Hellers S., Andersone G. Grafiskā dizaina rokasgrāmata. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2016.

Notes

Compulsory course in the Professional Bachelor's program Design and Crafts, full-time studies in the 2nd semester of the 2nd year and part-time studies in the 1st semester of the 2nd year.