KA4011 - Introduction to Design Project 1.1

This design project module will be delivered using a combination of individual and group tutorials, workshops and set project work. Where applicable, projects will include site visit to real site within the local. Presentations will introduce project briefs and associated thematic information, seminars will help you to develop your visual communication skills and studio-based tutorials support you through your learning journey. The participatory weekly design tutorial provides you with a forum to discuss personal or group progress and your associated project work. Tutors will provide you with formative feedback in a variety of forms to support you in your personal reflection and with the progression of your project work. Directed learning will allow you to research any thematic issues raised within your tutorials, independent learning will allow you to investigate your own themes in response and being situated within the design studios will help you to develop peer learning and peer support skills.

You will be supported through scheduled weekly tutorials as the primary conduit for your design project discussion where you will receive formative feedback from your tutor. In addition, progress reviews at key intervals form collegiate occasions for further guidance and formative assessment of your work. Periods of self-directed and peer learning are essential for personal research, creative explorational and development of project work whilst our open-door policy allows you to seek further support should you need it.
Direct participation in design tutorials, group discussion and associated taught content is essential to your development. The formative feedback you receive each week can be in a variety of forms; verbal, written and drawn, and is provided throughout the duration of the module. Written feedback will be provided at summative assessment points to help you reflect, develop and learn. In addition, project briefs, presentations, relevant associated module information and reading lists will be uploaded to the eLearning Portal (Blackboard), so that you can access module content when you need to. The university library offers support through its extensive physical and on-line resources, through e-reading lists, guidance on developing academic study skills and with IT support, as provided by the Ask4Help facility.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU 1. Apply knowledge of and insight into the process of design within interpretive solutions to design problems.

KU 2. Assemble, analyse and integrate information systematically to develop design solutions.

KU3. Understand and apply the conventions of architectural representation using appropriate manual visual communication methods and media to convey and evaluate design ideas and proposals.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA 1. Communicate effectively through an appropriate use of oral, written, graphic and modelling skills.

IPSA 2. Recognise design constraints to generate, test and develop ideas into appropriate design solutions.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA 1. Demonstrate personal development in terms of self-motivation, management, confidence and imagination, allowing you to develop an enquiring, disciplined and open mind.

Formative assessment will take place within regular tutorials and at interim reviews to provide ongoing developmental guidance and reflection within each of the projects, towards all module learning outcomes.


Summative assessment is of the single submitted design project covering all MLO’s:

1.Design Project 1.1
MLO’s: KU1, KU2, KU3 IPSA1, IPSA2, PVA1




Feedback will be offered in verbal, written and drawn forms, which will provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance. Moderation of summative assessment will take place in project reviews at the end of each project assignment and at the end of the module.

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This project-based module introduces you to the holistic design skills and creative processes that underpin your design investigations and the visual communication methods used to illustrate your ideas. Content will explore the associated contexts and disciplines from which contemporary design awareness and though emerge, alongside the fundamentals of 2D and 3D design communication and physical making processes. Through small scale design-based investigations you will develop your creative critical thinking, experimentation and independent judgement. Such propositions will explore associated influences from the wider arts whilst developing emergent attitudes to the way design explores notions of narrative, spatial and material condition, environmental awareness, precedent analysis and physical context.