The aim of this module is to focus on the use of physical artefacts to engage people in dialogue. It is a course in how to uncover and question the deeper psychological needs of our time, so that we may offer solutions with a longer scope and quality.
We like to think that we can control the effects of our solutions by using models and theory - but we tend to ignore the fact that negative factors like chance, irrational psychology and inertia have enormous power over how our designs are received and survive in this world. The premise of this course is to acknowledge these factors - and try to tackle some of the biases that are inherent in technologically based designing, which traditionally focuses on convenience and accessibility.
You will value this course; if you are interested in the use of near future speculation to get people questioning how we choose to live, as popularised by programmes such as Netflix’s Black Mirror. If you wish to work with your human strengths of doubt, uncertainties and questioning. If you would like to learn to use the Maker Lab tools and put them to use with critical prototyping methods. If you would like to practice your problem solving and concept development in a direct hands-on practical way. If you would like to learn to put written words on how you come to terms with the complexities and paradoxes of designing innovative products. And visually communicate through process photography, product photography and video documentation to make a joint editorial publication centred around the SDG 3 Good health and wellbeing.

- Innovation process.
- Future analysis.
- Technology.
- Dissemination and rhetoric.
- Knowledge of materials.
- Knowledge of visual communication.

- Handle, Transform and communicate knowledge visually.
- Assess, select and argue in favour of material selection in relation to design.
- Use visual communication to support a product/concept.
- Reflect on and argue in favour of relevant theories and methods.
- Use innovative methods to problem solving.

- Handle development-oriented assignments within design and innovation.
- Work communicatively and innovatively with ideas in a commercial context.
- Manage development-oriented assignments in design and innovation.