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Basic of Design in Woodprocessing

Course developers

Prior knowledge

LauZ2023, Construction Materials

MatZ2002, Wood Cutting Processes

MatZ2008, Wood Science

MatZ2026, Design Basics of Wooden Articles

Course abstract

Understanding of the concept and history of design as well as causality between design, production basics and other processes is crucial in order to ensure successful creation process of new products.
Within the scope of this course, students are provided with theoretical and practical knowledge in the basics of design and processes of different wood products.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge
Recognize, explain and understand meaning of the concept of design, history, methods and factors, that influence these processes. Be familiar with phases of product development and basics of prototyping.
Assessment: test.
Skills
To judge the causality of form and construction. Being able to design products and their parts.
Assessment: test.
Competence
In coordance with principles of design thinking, design, prototype and prepare for manufacturing new products. Make adjustments to the product in coordance with causalities of manufacturing and different requirements.
Assessment: test and practical assignements.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Concept of design. Lecture.
2. History of design. Lecture + seminar.
3. Interaction of design. Lecture + seminar.
4. Basics of composition. Lecture + practical assignment.
5. Basics of color theory. Lecture + practical assignment.
6. Methods of manufacture. Lecture + seminar.
7. Methods of manufacture. Lecture + practical assignment.
8. Design methods. Lecture.
9. Design methods. Lecture + seminar.
10. Test No. 1.
11. Basics of design thinking. Lecture + practical assignment.
12. Safety requirements for products. Lecture + seminar.
13. Steps of product development. Lecture + seminar.
14. Designing. Lecture + practical assignment.
15. Prototyping. Lecture + practical assignment.
16. Test. No.2.

Requirements for awarding credit points

• Attendance – not less than 75%.
• Grade in both tests.
• Grade for the practical assignments.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Total amount of independent work: 48h.
Within that 30 hours are allocated for doing assignments from seminars and practical assignments.
Literature studies – 18 hours.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Test No. 1.
Students are assigned sketches of random products and a list of manufacturing constraints. Based on that a refined sketch project and guidelines for manufacturing is done by taking into account composition and colour properties and manufacturing possibilities.
Test No. 2
Student, in coordance with the principles of design thinking, solves problems regarding safety and usability of the product, visally presenting problem solving process and making a complete or part prototype of the product.

Compulsory reading

1. Lācis, M., Latvijas dizains. Rīga, Liesma, 1984.
2. Kupča, I., Vītola, I., Dizaina stāsti. Rīga. Biedrība “Mākslas izglītības centrs “Trīs krāsas””. 2015.
3. Norman, D., The design of everyday things. New York. Basic books. 2013.
4. Smardzewski J. Furniture design. London: Springer, 2015. 652 lpp.

Further reading

1. Ulme, A., Gudro, I., Dizaina procesu kritiska analīze: Lekciju konspekts studiju priekšmetā “Dizaina analīze un kritika”. Rīga. Rīgas Tehniskā Universitāte. Dizaina tehnoloģiju institūts. 2011.
2. Agoston, G., A. Color theory and its application in art and design. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. 1987.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Freimane, A. Dizaina pēdas. Rīga: Biedrība “Radošā partnerība”. 2016.