Course Contents
The course programme in industrial design at Umeå University contains the following elements.
- Artistic training
- Colour and form studies
- Creations of space
- Presentation and communication
- Ergonomics
- Computer Techniques
- Productions methods
- Construction methods
- Modelling
- Machine and workshop techniques
- Design methodology
- Creativity methods
- Marketing
- Project work
- Product semantics
- Product graphics
- Historical overview
- Study visits
- Final graduation project 15 credits
Each element in detail:
Artistic training
The basic artistic training is designed to develop and strengthen artistic sensitivity and to form a basis for several other course elements such as morphology, presentation and communication amongst others.
Colour and form studies
The course gives a basic knowledge of form development and of methods for studying, analysing and experimenting with form and colour combinations. Humanity is ability to comprehend colour and form, together with the qualities and expressions of basic shapes are studied. Combinations of different forms and the creation of whole objects are strained. Current products are analysed and discussed.
Even the connection of tactility-, form- and sound aspects are trained and experimenting by the students in different tasks.
Creations of space
Training is given in the combination of different products and components to form a unified whole. The meanings of different factors concerning lighting, colour and proportion as regards placing an object in its spatial context are examined.
Presentation and communication
This element provides experience of and practice in separate presentation techniques, how to put forward a presentation logically plus personal experience of performing. Techniques for presenting, sketches, pictures, video films, slide shows and computer animation are studied. Video techniques are used as a work method for mapping information, analysis and presentation. Written exchange of information is practised.
Ergonomics
Knowledge of the human bodies structure, functions, size and strength is included in the first part of the course. In the second part, the human method of understanding, interpreting and dealing with information is studied. Students examine the boundaries between human and object. This course provides knowledge of the basic rules for designing tool, machines and workplaces. Different methods are demonstrated for acquiring information from measurements, simulations etc.
Computer Techniques
The course gives a basic knowledge in computer techniques and computer usage. Word processing programmes, layout programmes, drawing programmes and calculus programmes are all studied. Computer aided design CAD, image processing, animation and computer aided model creation is trained with, amongst others, ProEngineer and Alias.
Productions methods
The course teaches the basics of various production methods, together with their respective advantages, disadvantages, costs and consequences. Economics and environmental aspects of the various methods are dealt with in direct connection with the respective section. Study trips and demonstration in a production environment are conducted, as are discussions with experienced production technicians.
Knowledge and benefits of new materials is an important feature.
Construction methods
Instruction in the different methods used to carry out technical construction, plus training in creating and interpreting the descriptive material of a construction. Teaching in technical drawing, both manually and with a computer, is included.
Modelling
An important part of the creative process is working in three dimensions. The industrial designer must be able to build models, have skills in craftsmanship and in using relevant machinery.
In this course the student is acquainted with construction machines and methods, with materials and pre-fabrications and with modelling components. The presentation of various types of models for example: functional-, sketch- and presentation models are demonstrated and taught. The car industries techniques for presenting models in clay forms part of this element.
Machine and workshop techniques
Acquaints the student with the Institutes various workshop machines. After completing the course, the student signs a declaration promising to follow the rules governing working in this environment.
Design methodology
This element is designed to allow the student to use different methods to systematically tackle various design problems. These methods are applied in exercise tasks and project studies in which simulate stages of the design process. The students are trained to choose methods, to carry out the choice and, eventually, to put forward a whole project. Experiment methods, literature searching and legal protection are included also. The graduation project should show that the student could manage a design project single-handed.
Creativity methods
One of the most important qualities in the design methodology is how to use the creativity. Both in teaching and practising the student train their own creativity and learn different methods to use. During the whole education the student progress his own creativity in various projects. Another purpose is how to use the creativity to make solutions more innovative.
Marketing
The course gives an insight into different marketing strategies. The economic considerations, and the adjudging of products or a companies place in the market, which lead to product release are demonstrated using current examples. Familiarity with various media, marketing models, plus certain concepts of business economics are all included.
Project work
In the course the student works, singly or in a group, on various tasks, nearly always in conjunction with an external client in industry. The purpose is to provide experience in using the methods and techniques learned in other elements.
Product semantics
Illustrates those factors which given our experience of different objects and those factors that form the premise for understanding an object and its uses.
Product graphics
The course gives basic knowledge of typography, layout, product graphics, painting techniques and different methods for production of originals, both manually and computer aided.
Historical overview
The purpose of the course is to place today s design in its historical context. Parallels are drawn with the development of society in general, with economic models of different periods, with the development and phases of industry, and with various artistic movements. The course embraces modern art history, technological history and the history of industrial design.
Study visits
Study visits are designed to provide contacts, experiences and information about current research and projects. Manufacturing companies in various branches, different social sectors, research institutes and consultancy firms are visited.
Final graduation project
In the graduation project the student demonstrates that she or he has the knowledge and experience necessary to independently conduct a design project. The graduation project is undertaken in collaboration with an external employer.
