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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Applied Practice in Product Design
Reference AAM209 Version 1
Created May 2017 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved August 2017 SCQF Points 60
Amended ECTS Points 30

Aims of Module
To develop the advanced skills and knowledge necessary, to critically develop his or her own work within a specialised product design context. To develop a high level of independent visual and theoretical inquiry, in product design, which will enable individual students to explore the relationship between this specialist discipline and creative contexts. To provide students with an ability to identify, explore and critically examine theoretical, contextual, and methodological principles, as these relates to that of their peers, contemporary practices and the needs of product design industries. To encourage individuals original ideas, creative thinking and independence of thought, that informs a self-motivated and intellectual mode of applied inquiry.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Demonstrate the ability to select, critically compare and evaluate relevant theory and practice: visual, factual or contextual in nature, which supports their continued professional development.
2 Demonstrate originality in their approach to the development of a range of advanced practice based strategies or theoretical reflective skills appropriate to a studio based product design practice and/or development of external client based projects
3 Demonstrated an understanding of relevant practices and contexts, contemporary or emerging in nature, which will support appropriate levels of contextual development within their product design practice.
4 Demonstrate the development of a creative practice within a product design applied studio an/or professional context, providing evidence of effective planning, self-reflection, self-evaluation and transferable professional skills, which can be evaluated against their personal project ambitions

Indicative Module Content
Building on existing product design practices, concerns and ideas, this module is designed to support Masters students in re-evaluating, experimenting and testing new ideas within this area of applied practice. In this module students will identify and propose a specific research project having undertaken an analytical and critical reappraisal of their creative practice to date. Students will be supported by an appropriate range of teaching methods and specialist academic studio, research and technical staff, through individual and group tutorials, workshops and seminars, towards developing their own personal practice and methodology within this specialist discipline area of product design. This applied practice module aims to support and encourage students in establishing greater depth and systematic understanding of their specialist area of practice: towards establishing the basis for a professional level of applied practice and engagement with appropriate research, production and dissemination methods. All students are encouraged to expand their practice and methodology through self-directed investigation and experimentation with a variety of creative processes and technical skills, whilst further establishing clear theoretical, critical contextual and research questions. This module offers access to specialist teaching, professional mentoring, workshop provision and technical support in the development of students' negotiated applied based practice or external project work.

Module Delivery
The emphasis of this module is on individualized models of study and self-directed reflective practices with the majority of the time allocated to self-initiated and self-directed project work, in a negotiated studio environment or equivalent. Staff and Students identify the most appropriate academic and practice-based strategies in the development of their work. This module is delivered and facilitated by means of a combination of studio based crits and tutorials (peer or individual), and specialist workshops.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 80 80
Non-Contact Hours 520 520
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 600 600
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Students will collate their practical work and relevant research in the form of a 'research and process' file, exposition or exhibition at formative or summative assessment points that will serve to evidence their independent study and practice. Annotating their work, students will reflect on and analyse their applied experimentation / collaborations / interventions throughout this module. This work should make it possible to identify possible start-points or strands that could, if appropriate, be significantly developed in Masters module.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
A portfolio of project development work including and evidencing reflection on all key stages of students applied practice, research undertaken, in the form of a visual portfolio, exposition and/or exhibition.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A An A grade in C1
B A B grade in C1
C A C grade in C1
D A D grade in C1
E An E grade in C1
F A F grade in C1
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students are also required to identify (and will be guided towards), a range of texts and contextual materials relevant to their specialist creative practice and area of research. These will typically include textbooks, journals and on-line resources written by critics, curators, academics, historians, philosophers, theorists, artists and designers.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 TANNER, A., 2010. Batch; Craft, Design and Product: The Work of the Designer Maker. London: Bloomsbury.
2 ERLHOFF, M., 2005. Product Design. Berlin: Feierabend Books.
3 REIS, D. and WIEDEMANN, J., 2010. Product Design in the Sustainable Era. Germany: TASCHEN Books.
4 RODGERS, P. and YEE, J., 2014. The Routledge Companion to Design Research. Oxford: Taylor and Francis.
5 BRAMSTON, D., 2008. Idea Searching. London: AVA.
6 BRAMSTON, D., 2009. Material Thoughts. London: AVA.
7 PARSONS, T., 2009. Thinking: Objects - Contemporary Approaches to Product Design. London: AVA.
8 BREZET, A., DIEHL, J.C. and REINDERS, A., 2012. The Power of Design: Product Innovation in Sustainable Energy Technologies. Chichester: Wiley.

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