DE3005 - Design Portfolio and Exhibition

You will engage in experiential learning through studio-based activities, with practical workshops aimed at developing your design portfolio and preparing for a final exhibition. During each session, you will follow a structured programme of workshops, seminars, and group tutorials to refine your design process and produce a portfolio of creative work for your final exhibition.

Your progress will be formatively assessed at key stages, and you will participate in projects, peer critiques, learning valuable collaboration skills while working together to develop the exhibition. Throughout the module, you will document and reflect on your design process, valuing both successes and failures. Experimentation with various design ideas, methods, mock-up techniques, and prototypes will be key in shaping your final portfolio and exhibition.

The school operates an extended studio approach (X-Studio), combining physical studios, making workshops, and virtual spaces to create a flexible and responsive environment. Each design challenge begins with an introductory lecture outlining themes and learning outcomes, followed by staged interim critiques where you'll receive valuable feedback. Formative assessments will help manage your workload and apply feedback before final assessments.

Learning materials, including module documentation, presentations, and reading lists, are accessible via the eLearning Portal, with additional support available through Skills Plus workshops and Academic Language Skills (ALS) for international students. Module tutors will guide taught sessions and offer consultation hours for further feedback.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of core design principles and their application across various disciplines.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Develop and present creative design solutions using a range of media and materials.
• Independently generate ideas and prototypes that address design challenges.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in team-based design projects.
Personal Values Attributes:

• Critically reflect on personal design work, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

Formative feedback:
You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

Formal formative feedback:
Formal formative tutorials and interim sessions will provide feedback and informally record academic progress.

Summative assessment:
You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of your exhibition, design development process book and design portfolio, which will include design prototypes and artefacts. At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your final submission.

N/A

Design Studio Skills (DE3001)
Design Contexts (DE3002)
Design Specialisms (DE3003)
Major Design Project (DE3004)
Design Portfolio and Exhibition (

The Design Portfolio and Exhibition module focuses on developing your personal design portfolio while preparing for a final exhibition of your creative work in one of the four design disciplines; communication design, interior design, product design or fashion design. Through studio-based activities, practical workshops, and group tutorials, you will refine your design process. The module includes a series of connected assignments that guide you in personal branding, conceptualising your design identity, and applying modern design methods.

You will practice your knowledge to experiment with visual communication and enhance your practice with digital design tools. Peer critiques and formative assessments will help you enhance your work as you move towards the final submission. The module culminates in a collaborative group exhibition, where you will present your portfolio and showcase your creative journey. This module encourages self-reflection, experimentation, and the development of essential presentation and collaboration skills for your future design career.