BA (Hons) Product Design (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at Northampton

This module enables students to research and apply established working practises, concepts and principles through a variety of design tasks. Projects include all aspects of the design process including 3D experimentation, visual language and technical considerations initiated through a briefing process and culminating in appropriate peer group presentations and assessment.

This module explores the various interconnected disciplines, including social, cultural, technological and material factors that influence the design process. It provides an overview of design history, introduces key research resources, and practices, fostering design thinking skills and enabling students to make informed creative decisions helping develop a deeper understanding of the broader influences on design practice.

This module emphasises practical, experiential learning through a series of design activities that support both individual growth and collaborative skills. Through ideation, prototyping, systems thinking, and user interaction, students work together and apart to tackle a range of design challenges, enhancing their ability to solve problems creatively and cooperatively.

This module introduces students to the use of industry-standard computer-aided-design (CAD) 3D modelling software to create dimensionally accurate and visually realistic rendered imagery. It also focuses on understanding manufacturing and production processes, and the communication of information through 2D orthographic technical drawings, using industry-standard practices.

This module examines professional practice in the design industry, focusing on business structures, operations, and the evolving role of designers in industry. It equips students with key employment skills, including creating professional documents essential for pursuing a career in the creative sector.

This module introduces students to 2D and 3D visualisation, focusing on visual perception and idea generation. Through an exploratory approach, students engage with traditional and digital media to communicate technical and aesthetic concepts effectively, developing skills to articulate and present design ideas with clarity and precision.

This module enables second year students to research, integrate, apply and develop established working practise, concepts and principles through a variety of design based projects. Project work reflects professional design practice and involves research, analysis, application and presentation of realistic design proposals through practically orientated projects.

This module enables second year students to research, integrate, apply and develop established working practise, concepts and principles through a variety of design based projects. Project work reflects professional design practice and involves research, analysis, application and presentation of realistic design proposals through practically orientated projects.

This module enables the student to develop knowledge and skills using 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE). The work undertaken will encourage students to create and evaluate virtual models of products in relation to technical, aesthetic and manufacturing considerations. Students will document their models using orthographic 2D drawings and 3D visualisations.

This module enables the student to develop a greater understanding of computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis utilising virtual simulations and computer-aided manufacture (CAM). The work undertaken will encourage students to create, model and simulate a product¿s real-world physical behaviour and manufacturability, such as; draft analysis; mould-flow and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Students will document their models using orthographic 2D drawings, 3D visualisations and physical outputs.

Future designers need to have an understanding of the economic, social, technological, environmental and cultural context of their work. Students¿ will develop the ability and confidence to contribute ideas and challenge traditional thinking. The purpose of this module is to encourage designers to develop ethical and critical skills in their design and research work.

Product design requires general and specific knowledge in various related subjects. Part of this is the recognition, understanding and articulation of commercial factors in the design process. This may include a general understanding of business and industry organisations through to the creative development and marketing of a design outcomes.

This module builds on the Level 4 Materials and Processes module and develops and increases the knowledge of materials and processes. In addition it develops an understanding of communication between design for manufacture, assembly, disassembly and end-of-life (MADE), including servicing and repair. It's purpose is to increase understanding and develop the intellectual application skills necessary for the world of work.

This module builds on Form and Colour and provides the student with an understanding of anthropometric research and its use in ergonomic design together with the application of colour. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) will be investigated to develop a crucial awareness and understanding of the relationship between the human factors, colour and good design.

This module records the research conducted in developing a Major Design Project (MDP), supporting the investigation and creation of relevant product concepts. Students will submit a research report summarising their chosen topic, defining the problem, and outlining the fundamental design approach to be pursued.

This module consolidates and applies knowledge from levels 4 and 5, introducing innovation, venture creation, enterprise, and entrepreneurship. It explores viability, feasibility, and desirability in a commercial context, guiding students to develop design solutions in two and/or three dimensions while supporting their major design project modules.

The Major Design Project (MDP) integrates students' acquired knowledge and skills from prior study or experience. Students will develop a self-initiated project, applying research from their major design project research module. The final design proposal will be documented in a development report and presented through critique, exhibition, and audio-video presentation.