What will I learn on this module?
This module will comprise of two elements that underpin the study of Product Design: Design History along with Design Theory. These two elements will equip you as a designer to make responsible, creative and critically aware decisions with cultural sensitivity when designing.
In the Design History section of the module, you will explore the history of design through chronological survey of key styles, movements and practitioners. You will also explore the underlying historical and cultural factors that shape design history. Classes will examine, but are not limited to, themes such as Modernism, Art Deco, Streamlining and Postmodernism. These classes will develop your knowledge of design history, expanding your visual vocabulary as a designer and enabling you to take inspiration from the design of the past along with knowing how designs evolved.
The Design Theory section of the module will allow you to explore more creatively the wider social and cultural significance of your design practice, reflecting on issues such as the meanings of design, the role of the designer, fun theory and the position of the designer within society. These will allow you to challenge your design thinking, pushing the boundaries of traditional design enabling you to design for future ‘what if’ scenarios.
How will I learn on this module?
The teaching and learning will be a combination of tutor-led lecture(s) and seminar-based learning with group work and debates. The exercise(s) and assignments will draw upon the research methods and analysis skills introduced and practiced in the formally taught sessions. Assignments will be supported by individual and group tutorials.
The studio-based learning environment provides a lively, creative and collaborative environment with the opportunity to gauge your own progress, learn from each-others’ strengths and build friendship groups. Tutors will both guide your design progress and encourage you to interact with your peers in sessions – sometimes to work in teams and always to support each other and give positive and helpful feedback. You will be encouraged to think critically, experiment with new ideas throughout the module and collaborate with peers to develop innovative proposals to your brief.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your module tutors will provide specialist project support through the timetabled sessions. You will have regular weekly sessions in a studio setting to structure your learning experience. In these sessions, you’ll participate in group discussions to receive guidance and feedback from your peers and tutors. Tutors are aligned to each module that relates closely to their own design expertise and experience providing specialist support, whether that is through prior professional experience, through ongoing industrial collaborations or through current research work undertaken within the University.
This module has a specific virtual learning environment (eLearning Portal (eLP)) which acts as resource where you can access all the relevant documentation including module briefs and guides, lecture notes, presentations and assessment requirements. The eLP also provides access to Turnitin® for any electronic submission of written assignments. During core working hours for the Design School but outside your timetabled sessions and project dependent, you will have access to a wide range of technician-supported workshop environments. Project and solution driven, these will support all your making requirements including specialist model making materials, laser-cutting, 3D printing, creating sewn soft-products, sensors and electronics, photography and videography. CAD workstations and industry-standard digital modelling software are accessible on campus 24/7 in certain buildings.
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:
Recall and explain contextual issues, historical movements and design perspectives that shape design practice.
Apply critical thinking to debate design issues or develop creative work.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Show self-knowledge and reflection by discussing personal development in relation to design principles and related debates.
Source, review and reflect on industrial design-related issues and apply this knowledge to the creation of critical arguments and design concepts.
Personal Values Attributes
(Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues and responsible design practice and how to apply these to your own practice.
How will I be assessed?
You will be regularly assessed formatively and informally, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process. Students may be asked to present their work verbally to an audience of peers, tutors and stakeholders to receive feedback and guidance.
Summative assessment of this module is via the submission of an illustrated presentation and design history presentation at the end of block 1 (50%) and block 2 (50%). For each assignment(s), students will be assessed against the module outcomes and criteria set out in the brief. The combined marks for these presentations will form 100% of the overall mark.
Feedback is written and delivered via tutorial review and via eLearning portal (eLP) after the submission at the end of each block (module).
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module, you will explore how the study of design history and design theory can be drawn upon within your product design projects to help you make responsible, creative and critically aware decisions. You will learn to apply your knowledge and research methods to help reflect on issues such as the meanings of design, fun theory and the position of the designer in society. You will learn to challenge design thinking, pushing the boundaries of traditional approaches to design.
Course info
UCAS Code W246
Credits 20
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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