Section 3

Unit Title Design for Manufacture

Unit Code PD104
Programme BA (Hons) Product Design
Credits 10 Level 1 Unit Status Mandatory

Contact Time 60 Access to Resources 20 Independent Study 20

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to product design for

manufacture and emphasis is placed upon the practical application
of knowledge about basic materials and manufacturing techniques.

Students will develop a practical awareness of the properties of

materials and related manufacturing processes, performance
characteristics, qualities and (physical and emotional) associations
of materials and how these inform the creation of three-dimensional
artefacts.

Introduction As an extension of the design process and an introduction to the

understanding of project parameters, the project associated with the
unit will engage students with the factors associated with a product’s
manufacturing and retail contexts. The project will enable students to
analyse the external influences such as point of sale, distribution
and delivery which may impact on the design and manufacture of a
product (for example weight, size, costs and feasibility of
manufacture and material use). In response to this, students will
develop creative and appropriate solutions to the issues raised.
Students will be encouraged to engage with the project through an
investigative and practical approach to problem solving.

Students will develop an understanding of materials and

manufacturing in a practical context and, as such, topics may
include:

• Understanding context and criteria in the design process;

• Basic materials and manufacturing;
Indicative • Design as an iterative process;
Curriculum • Workshop practice and designing through intelligent making;
Outline • The appropriate use and application of materials and
processes;
• Product and user testing;
• Instruction design;
• Packaging and product graphics;
• Retail contexts.

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In order to pass this Level 1 unit, students must demonstrate that the
following learning outcomes have been achieved:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Understand the role of iterative development and creative

thinking in the design process; (LO1)
2. Knowledge and awareness of basic materials and
Unit Learning manufacturing. (LO2)
Outcomes
Skills

3. Develop design concepts into practical product solutions;

(LO3)
4. Use appropriate materials and workshop techniques to
develop practical design solutions; (LO4)
5. Analyse the factors affecting design solutions in design for
manufacture. (LO5)

This unit will make use of the following:

Teaching and • Initial briefing;

Learning • Tutorials;
Strategies • Guest lectures/lectures;
• Seminars;
• Self-directed study and research.

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Formative Assessment
Students will receive written feedback from project presentations
giving them an indication of their performance in relation to the
learning outcomes before final unit submission.

Summative Assessment
Final assessment of unit submission requirements are developed in
relation to formative assessment feedback. Each assessed element
Assessable will contribute to the final grade, in the proportions shown in the
Elements following table:

Assessable Elements Percentage of Final Grade

Practical project; Product or 50%
prototype
Associated development work 50%
which may include 2D sketch, 3D
development models, evidence of
user testing and GA drawing

At the end of this unit students will be assessed on:

Practical project; Product or prototype, ‘Point Of Sale’ (POS)

visualisation and packaging solution
• Accuracy of final product or prototype in relation to GA
drawing; (LO4)
• Appropriateness of packaging solution relevant to the given
system of delivery; (LO3, LO5, LO2)
• POS 2D visualisation which clearly communicates the ‘unique
Assessment selling point’ of the product. (LO1, LO3)
Criteria
Associated development work; 2D sketch, 3D development models,
evidence of user testing and GA drawing
• Evidence of design development and iteration through
sketches, models, testing and analysis to develop a design
solution; (LO1)
• Intelligent use of materials and processes to develop a final
design appropriate to the given system of purchase and
delivery; (LO2, LO5)
• Accuracy of GA drawing in relation to final design. (LO1, LO3)

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Books

Jenks, C. (1973) Adhocism – The Case for Improvisation, Seckler.

Norman, D. (1988) Design of Everyday Things, Doubleday.

Miijksenaar, W. (1999) Open Here – The Art of Instruction Design,

Thames & Hudson.

Denison, E (2001) Packaging Prototypes – Thinking Green,

Rotovision.

Mason, D. (2004) Experimental Format, Experimental Packaging

Rotovision.

Onna, E. (2003) Material World, Birkhauser.

Byers, M. (1998) 50 Lights/Tables/Products, Rotovision.

Indicative Periodicals
Reading List
Blueprint

Icon

Axis

Frame

Domus

Abitare

Websites

www.muji.co.uk

www.thorstenvanelten.com

www.ikarus.de

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006