Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2024

Course Code: GRAP9477

Course Title: Design products from a brief

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5435 - Diploma of Product Design

Course Contact: Robin Blood

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4683

Course Contact Email: robin.blood@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Malcolm Thomas

malcolm.thomas@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 144

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design a product from a brief that specifies the product’s purpose and target market. 

It requires the ability to interpret the product design brief, undertake research, understand target user demographic, develop design options, plan the design process, test and iterate design with users and provide visual concepts to the client before making the product model. 

This unit applies to product designers who design and develop products from a brief. Product designers may work independently or as part of a product development team. 

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VU23428 Design products from a brief
Element:	1.Analyse the product design brief
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Interpret the specifications of the brief 1.2 Establish the market, market segment or client for the proposed product 1.3 Clarify specifications and parameters of the brief with relevant individuals
Element:	2.Undertake research to inform the design
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Source, evaluate and record research information relevant to the brief, including any available shadow testing of user experience of current relevant products 2.2 Discuss research with target users, relevant colleagues and clients to determine relevance to the brief 2.3 Use research information to establish criteria for selecting appropriate design options for the design problem
Element:	3.Develop innovative options
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Create different design options and ideas to meet design brief requirements 3.2 Apply relevant principles of functionality, perceived quality (craftsmanship), user experience, usability, ergonomics, aesthetics, and sustainability to develop the design options 3.3 Develop and use range of criteria to evaluate the different design options and ideas 3.4 Select preferred design option for the product against agreed criteria, research undertaken, and in consultation with relevant stakeholders 3.5 Document the research, rationale and criteria used for the design option selection process
Element:	4.Develop design proposal and project plan
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Plan the design proposal representing the design vision 4.2 Identify all components and resources required to produce the design option 4.3 Assess the technical, resource, design for colour materials and finish (CMF) and workspace and/or manufacturing requirements associated with the design option 4.4 Consult with, and document input from, any technical experts or specialist services required to produce the design option 4.5 Produce 2D and 3D visual interpretations of the design that communicate the size, shape, CMF and ergonomics of the product 4.6 Prepare written and visual support materials to contribute to final presentation 4.7 Incorporate compliance with relevant certification, regulatory and legislative requirements in the project plan, where applicable to the design
Element:	5.Deliver concepts to client
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Present the design proposal and project plan to client, including rationale for any changes 5.2 Respond to feedback and make changes to the design as required 5.3 Confirm design proposal and project plan with client
Element:	6.Realise product design
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Develop the product model using devices, tools, techniques and materials to meet conceptual vision 6.2 Evaluate product model against nominated criteria and document findings to inform future improvements and address constraints identified during its development 6.3 Use safe working practices throughout the process of making the product model 6.4 Prepare documentation and specifications to accompany final design 6.5 Confirm that intellectual property and other legislative requirements have been met 6.6 Identify processes for protecting intellectual property of the design, where required

Learning Outcomes

Refer to Elements/Performance Criteria

Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio and maker space using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study. In-class activities will include:

• class exercises
• tutorials
• practical demonstrations
• workshops
• group discussion
• review and revision
• peer learning
• peer teaching and class presentations
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• workshop for all student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

 

Out of class activities may include:

• independent research
• independent project based work
• studio practice
• online tutorials and activities
• review and revision

Teaching Schedule

Week	Design component	Assessment
Week 1	Intro to Projects  Introduction to the course and assessment tasks Project Plan done in class using Excel Market research  Make a page for your Development folio, showing what you discovered in your market research Decide which topic you will work on
Week 2	Moodboard –2 X A3 Moodboards are used to represent 2 typical users of the product Key requirements – point form analysis of key requirements (see brief) Complete Moodboard Make a page in Development Folio showing Key requirements
Week 3	Research products similar to yours Start assembling your development folio (see brief) Start concept generation – 20 X thumbnails and/or sketch models
Week 4	Research products similar to yours Continue concept generation – 20 X thumbnails and/or sketch models Produce 3 Concept drawings or models
Week 5	Class presentation and feedback (3-5 minute informal presentation of your work so far) Start refinement stage Refinement -( 8+ refinements) SCAMPER Design elements and principles Draw and model design at 1:1 scale	Assessment Task 1 Due
Week 6	Start refinement stage Refinement -( 8+ refinements) SCAMPER Design elements and principles Draw and model design at 1:1 scale
Week 7	Technical Drawings Use Illustrator, AutoCAD or Solidworks to produce technical drawings of your design Start high quality model
Week 8	Final Model Complete a high quality model of your final design
Week 9	Class presentation 5 minute presentation Introduction to Assessment 2 Client briefing – take notes about project requirements Moodboard -users Brainstorming ideas
Week 10	Research Concept generation (20 thumbnail sketches or models) (3 preferred concept drawings or models)	Assessment Task 2 Due
Week 11	Continue above and start assembling development folio (see brief)
Week 12	Mid cycle presentation to client and class Design refinement - aesthetics - ergonomics - ease of use - sustainability - cost effectiveness - simplification - abstraction - safety considerations
Week 13	Technical drawings Use Illustrator, AutoCAD, Solidworks or similar to produce technical drawings of your design Purchase materials if required
Week 14	Start making a high quality model
Week 15	Complete final model Complete design development folio	Assessment Task 3 Due
	ASSESSMENT WEEK. ALL WORK SUBMITTED BY DUE DATE, NO CLASS ACCESS AVAILABLE.

While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Students will need to refer to CANVAS as teaching resources may vary according to teaching schedule and task requirements.

 

Prescribed Texts: There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course.

You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information.
A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software.

 

Study Support

Study support - RMIT University

RMIT Library.
You will also have access to the library resources.
Among the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students.

RMIT Library has produced the following:
subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

Library - RMIT University

Overview of Assessment

Assessments will be held throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess your performance and the application of your knowledge and skills and may include practical tasks, project,direct observation including exploration of and experimentation with techniques,written and/or oral questioning and discussions to assess your knowledge and understanding of this unit. 

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. 

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher for each assessment task. 

 

Assessment Task 1: Product Portfolio
Due: Week 5*

Assessment Task 2: Product Development
Due Week 10*

Assessment Task 3: Materials and Manufacturing
Due Week 15*

 

*Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.

You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time. 
The submitted projects will be assessed with written feedback as well as a checklist that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration and CANVAS for each assessment task.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

 

Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Assessment - RMIT University

Student Progress 
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Academic progress - RMIT University

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (e.g. applying for an extension of time):

Assessments and results - RMIT University

 

On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission 
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your competency assessment. 
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

Academic integrity - RMIT University

 

Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-­digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e­ Submission process.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

Current students - RMIT University

 

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

Credit for prior study or experience - RMIT University

Course Overview: Access Course Overview