What will I learn on this module?
This module provides an opportunity for you to address a design issue or theme of your own choice or initiation by research, developing and creating a design artefact or prototype. Our ambition for you and your work is to potentially enhance the existing discipline of digital design and extend the boundaries of currently available digital interaction services, products or experiences.
There are a number of approaches to fulfilling this ambition; these may include, for example developing a novel interaction design which addresses a social or problem or redesigning and improving an existing user experience or interaction, or proposing a critical interaction design for debate.
You can use this module to continue in-depth exploration of the theme that you developed in the Research and Prototype (6002) module, or you can use this module to begin a new area of investigation.
You will be expected to produce a design document that encapsulates the key research findings, iterative design development, testing and personal reflection that have led to the creation of your final design artefact/prototype.
The creation of the design artefact/prototype and supporting design document, underpin the central aims of this module to demonstrate the intellectual achievements, skills and creative techniques, appropriate to the holistic development of a designer.
Assessment will be by portfolio submission of a design document, the demonstration and presentation of a design artefact/working prototype, and supporting design material.
How will I learn on this module?
You can expect to be taught through blended lectures, individual tutorials, group tutorials, and presentations. You will receive feedback in one to one, online and live tutorial sessions, and at interim and final presentations/ group critiques.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through in-class tutorials with the tutors, as well as through individual online and live meetings with the tutors.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
LO 1. Show a thorough and critical understanding of the digital design discipline and subject related issues through an applied knowledge of appropriate research methods and practices (KU2)
Demonstrate judgement, knowledge and expertise in the use of digital design skills and technologies through engaged digital design practice (KU3)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
LO 2 Apply a creative design speculation or making to generate innovative or ambitious concepts, proposals, or digital solutions in response to a design brief. (ISPA2)
LO 3 Demonstrate an advanced application of interdisciplinary and specialist design tools, technologies and processes to demonstrate an advanced skill for the production of digital design artefacts. (ISPA3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
LO 4 Demonstrate professional expertise with digital design related materials processes and technologies which embrace an innovative approach to developing design outcomes ( PVA1)
LO 5 Demonstrate a professional approach to self-management and to communicate design creative outcomes to others both visually and verbally to professional standards, in line with personal value and career plan (PVA2, PVA4)
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed on the submission of the following portfolio elements:
Design Document : (50%) A professionally produced Design Process Book encapsulating key research findings and iterative design developments leading to the creation of your final design artefact/prototype. This document should also include evidence of assessment, testing and personal reflection where appropriate.
MLOs : 1, 3, 5
Final design artefact : (50%) The presentation and communication of design artefact realised using appropriate design and development skills and use of technology.
MLOs : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
You will receive formative feedback in one to one and/or group tutorial sessions, at interim and final presentations.
This module will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through portfolio submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module provides an opportunity for you to address a design issue or theme of your own choice or initiation by research, developing and creating a design artefact or prototype. Our ambition for you and your work is to potentially enhance the existing discipline of digital design and extend the boundaries of currently available interaction services, products or systems.
There are a number of approaches to fulfilling this ambition; these may include developing a novel digital design, or redesigning and improving an existing interaction, or proposing a critical digital design for debate.
To support this ambition, you will be expected to produce a design document that encapsulates the key research findings, iterative design development, testing and personal reflection that have led to the creation of your final design artefact/prototype.
The creation of the design artefact/prototype and supporting design document, underpin the central aims of this module to demonstrate the intellectual achievements, skills and creative techniques, appropriate to the holistic development of a designer and the artifact/ prototype they are design.
Assessment will be by portfolio submission of a design document, the demonstration and presentation of a design artefact/ prototype.
Course info
UCAS Code W200
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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