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Designer as a Part of the Enterprise

Course developer

Prior knowledge

MākZ3027, Fundamentals of Design and Product Registration

MatZ1006, Material Science (Textile)

MatZ4012, Material Science (Construction Materials)

Course abstract

Students as an observers and employees get acquainted with the product designer’s profession by examining the industrial design sector specification. Task is to develop a concept of a practical design solution while gaining experience in the planning and work organization as well as analysing business principles. The most important methods must be identified for the creation of the new product design concept. Students must know a variety of material properties and application technologies. They are able to synthesize the problem solving process for the new product presentation in the market.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: A student knows the design theory, types and functions and understands design added value in the process of new product development. Students analyze the work of designer from the perspective of the product creation process and explore material, equipment and technology application in the practice. Students learn about how to make a professional and innovative activities, developing new concepts.
• Skills: Students are able to develop a new product design concept, make a market and demand analysis, determine target audience and feel competent in the diversity of materials that are available. • Competence: Students are able to use knowledge, skills and design building methodology in the professional activities and development process and formulate the mission of design. They know how to plan artistic design work and organize project management as well as define material, technical, aesthetic, ergonomic and functional attributes of a product set.

Assessment: practice report, presentation and defense.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Individual work with the practice manager - coordination of the practice program. Concept development of new design products, the role of the designer in the company
2. Contemporary design trends and the latest developments in design in the context of the industry
3. Company and product identity, brand.
4. Design as an element of competitiveness and added value in the creation of new products
5. Materials and technology innovations in the implementation of new products
6. Creative idea visualization methods, offer to clients. Presentation of the concept, reflection of the idea, using oral, written, electronic and other information transfer techniques
7. Product design development analysis, new product sales opportunities and production stages
8. Market analysis and target group research.
9. Detailed presentation of practice tasks in the Practice Diary. Submitting a practice diary to IMI. Practice presentation preparation, report presentation.

Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished

Requirements for awarding credit points

Regular meetings with the practice manager. Submitting a practice diary to IMI. Successfully evaluated practice report and presentation. Test with a mark.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Gathering and analysis of information about the company's activities in the development of new product design concept in cooperation with customers, reflecting the job responsibilities of designers and trainees and identifying the role of the designer in the company's context.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Successfully evaluated practice report and presentation.

Compulsory reading

1. Uzņēmuma dokumentācija
2. Slack L. What is product design? Switzerland: RotoVision SA, 2006. 256 p.
3. Ashby M.F., Johnson K. Materials and Design. 3rd edition: The art and science of material selection in product design. Amsterdam [etc.]: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 2014. 416 p.
4. Parsons T. Thinking Objects: Contemporary approaches to product design. Switzerland: AVA Book, 2009. 208 p.

Further reading

1. Butler J. Universal Principles of Design. Singapore: Rockport Publisher 2007. 272 p.
2. Aspelund K. The design process. New York: Fairchild Books. 2010. 304 p.
3. Hands D. Vision and values in design management. Switzerland: AVA Book, 2009. 200 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Labu dizainu pērk, sliktu – ne. Dienas Bizness, Nr. 197 (5057), 2015.
2. How design thinking can enrich marketing and businessinnovation [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 01.02.2017.]. Pieejams: http://www.wpp.com/wpp/marketing/design/how-design-thinking-can-enrich-marketing-and-business-innovation/
3. Hunter M. What is Design and why it Matters [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 01.02.2017.]. Pieejams: http://www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/uk-creative-overview/news-and-views/view-what-is-design-and-why-it-matters

Notes

The practice is included in the compulsory part of the professional higher education bachelor study program "Design and Crafts" in full-time and part-time studies.