Course code MatZ4016

Credit points 3

Experimental Visual and Creative Thinking

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures12

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes20

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation24.10.2018

Responsible UnitInstitute of Mechanics and Design

Course developer

author lect.

Laura Boldiševica

professional Master's study programme(līm.)

Prior knowledge

InfT2044, IT in Design II

MākZ3016, Major Drawing I

MākZ3027, Fundamentals of Design and Product Registration

MatZ1006, Material Science (Textile)

MatZ4012, Material Science (Construction Materials)

VadZ4084, Design strategies

Course abstract

Study course Experimental Visual and Creative Thinking provides the opportunity to implement new ideas with creative techniques by experimenting with materials, working in groups and improving creative skills. The study course improves the students' theoretical and practical skills in the processes of experimental thinking.
The tasks include impulse activity, analytical decision making and creative approach, while developing initial ideas from sketches to prototypes and presenting the product to a wider audience.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1.Students now the theoretical and practical aspects of design thinking, and they are able to apply creative thinking techniques in practice as a part of the development of new ideas – Packaging design.
2.Students are able to experiment with product creation techniques, they have the knowledge of material diversity and they are able to integrate materials according to the product functional aspects - Product prototyping.
3.Students are able to combine previously acquired computer program skills with newly acquired creative methods to create successful product marketing and presentation material in the form of short movie – Development of video file.

Course Content(Calendar)

1.Methods and techniques of creative thinking – 1h 2.The use of design thinking in practice – 2h 3.Mind map making as a part of the development of new ideas – 1h 4.Realization of sketches in three dimensional forms – 2h 5.Graphic design integration into three dimensional objects – 2h 6.Creating a visual identity of the goods and packaging with creative techniques – 2h Presentation of practical work. Packaging design. (1h) 7.Product creation process for a specific target audience – 2h 8.Application scenario development of the product. Observations from the consumer’s perspective – 2h 9.Experimental work with recyclable materials as a part of realization of new ideas - 4h 10.Prototyping of products – 4h Presentation of practical work. Prototype display. (1h) 11.Existing product testing and optimization techniques - 2h 12.Creation of design added value in a visual and tangible form – 2h 13.Video as a short film material for presentation purposes - 2h Presentation of practical work. Video presentation. (2h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Successfully defended all the practical works allow the necessary credits to be obtained, if the successful mark has been gained.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Create packaging design that is environmentally friendly and which focuses on the aspect how to improve the quality of the living environment.
2. Create a prototype of a new product concept from recycled materials.
3. Prepare the video for the newly created product (work in groups). Short film length should be 2-3 minutes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final evaluation of the study course is calculated from the overall score of three practical works that is divided by three. 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 75% of the total number of classes, then the mark could be raised.

Compulsory reading

1. Industrial Design A-Z. Charlotte & Peter Fiell Bonn: Taschen, 2016. p. 613. Bibliotheca Universalis:
2.Faimon P., Weigand J. The nature of design, OH: Cincinnati, 2004.
3.Pressman, A. Design Thinking: A Guide to Creative Problem Solving for Everyone. London: Routledge, 2018.

Further reading

1.Fiell Ch., Fiell P. Taschen Bibliotheca Universalis: Design of the 20th Century. Köln: Taschen, 2012.
2.Hands D. Vision and values in Design Management, Switzerland: AVA book, 2009.
3.Brand, W., Koene, P. Visual Thinking: Empowering People and Organisations through Visual Collaboration. Amsterdam: BIS Publisher, 2017.

Notes

Compulsory course in the professional Bachelor's program "Design and Crafts", during the full-time studies in the 1st semester of the 4th year and during the part-time studies in the 2nd semester of the 5th year.