product design

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Product Design

Product Design is a discipline governed by design thinking, a creative problem-solving methodology that can be applied to an ever-widening scope. As we enter an age where economic, environmental and social change becomes commonplace, the need for adaptive design thinkers increases.

Furthermore, recent shifts in the global distribution of product design, development, manufacturing and distribution have converged in Southeast Asia, increasing the relevance of designers who can respond to and reconcile global demands with a local sensibility.

You will be guided gradually from fundamentals in art and design to basic and intermediate product design skills. Throughout the course, you will be exposed to and evolve through pedagogical themes such as 'Discovering Curiously', 'Learning Rigorously' and 'Applying Professionally' to enhance your academic and professional maturity. You will learn through different practical modules bridging key historical and theoretical studies that will prepare you for real life projects. The programme will also impart skills in the areas of aesthetical, cognitive, technical, theoretical, and creative studio practice, equipping you with the appropriate vocational skills to enter into the creative industries of product design or LASALLE's BA(Hons) Product Design programme.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Placement learning is where students are offered opportunities to experience learning outside the classroom in real-life working environments or in approved partner institutions. Read more about placement learning here.

Modules

Level 1

Introduction to Studio Practice
This module introduces Drawing Fundamentals, Basic 2D and 3D Studio Practice, Critical Thinking, and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) components.

Introduction to Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces you to the fundamental processes of Contemporary and Contextual studies. You will learn how to develop written work including creative, report, and reflective writing.

Technical Skills Workshops for Studio Practice
This module equips you with the essential technical skills required for the successful execution and interpretation of studio practice briefs. These workshops are designed to encourage skills of research and application as well as the acquisition of techniques and procedures.

Exploration of Studio Practice
This module develops the ability to explore and apply skills and understandings in Drawing Fundamentals, 2D Studio Practice, 3D Studio Practice, Grey Matters, and Personal and Professional development (PPD) components.

Specialist Studio Practice
This module prepares your entry into your chosen specialist area. It has both a diagnostic and a preparatory function.

Key Skills in Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces the two key skills of Presentation and Academic Writing. You will be introduced to key terms, styles, and periods in Art and Design History.

Level 2

Studio – Past Continuous (Design From a Cultural Reference)
You will start the evolving practice through the realisation of a design project. This will be based on cultural references and supported by a set of explorative 2D and 3D inter-related sketching towards a product outcome. This module will introduce you to basic knowledge of materials, tools and processes that would be mandatory and applied to your outcome.

Cultural & Contextual Studies: Design History and Anthropology
This module introduces an array of design histories and design movements over the centuries while design anthropology will introduce you to the development of humankind within cultures through the study of languages, rituals, beliefs and values.

Technical Studies – Data Recording and Presentation Skills
This module introduces you to basic software skills that allow you to realise design intent technically. Photographic practice alongside visual communication skills in grids and typographies will support your exposure to computer-aided drawing and photo manipulation.

Studio – Present Perfect (Design From a Usability Reference)
You will be required to develop your practice through a design project based on a usability reference supported by a set of explorative 2D and 3D inter-related sketching and model-making. Alongside design anthropometrics and function, you will develop a studio practice that demonstrates knowledge of scaling, measurements, and skills of producing precision sketching and drawings.

Cultural & Contextual Studies: Design Anthropometrics and Function
This cultural and contextual studies module will look into the basis of humankind and culture and the communication of functions in the development of tools and artifacts. Ergonomics and human factors are delivered here, as a key knowledge that also fuels research that will cumulate in an ability to make sound conclusions.

Technical Studies – Basic Virtual Modeling Skills
This module is an introduction to virtual modeling skills necessary to equip you for Product Design. It includes a formal introduction to the mid-range industry applicable software, Rhinoceros. Computer aided Product design (CaPd) is explored, enabling you to understand and approach problem solving situations.

Level 3

Studio – Present Continuous (Design From a Cultural, Usability and Aesthetics Reference)
This module requires you to develop studio practice of a design project based on a cultural, usability and aesthetics reference with a rich set of explorative 2D and 3D inter-related sketching, extensive research, professional design communication and model-making towards a product outcome reflecting a good understanding of design theories.

Cultural & Contextual Studies: Design Theory and Aesthetics
This module looks into a range of design theories that informs design development. It lays the foundation for understanding the form and factors of products through the lens of design philosophy and aesthetics.

Technical Studies – Intermediate Virtual Modeling Skills
This module further develops your skills in Rhinoceros and rendering. It includes the introduction of measurements and Product Design Control drawings from virtual models. Computer aided Product design (CaPd) is further explored, enabling you to further enhance problem solving within product detailing.

Studio – Future Perfect
This module encompasses the entire three-year learning in a self-directed project that is guided by supervisors. This is a module in which you must initiate an area of study that reflects some level of independence in terms of exploration in your specialised field. You must display, to a degree, the ability to manage your own learning.

Pseudo Professional Placement / Live Project
You will experience key professional skills required for designers to evolve in the industry. You will undertake a pseudo professional placement and commit 200 hours to your engagement, where you could be engaged to live projects that could enhances your expertise.

Faculty Members

Dean
Nur Hidayah Bte Abu Bakar

With extensive teaching experience of more than eight years, Nur Hidayah was appointed Dean, Faculty of Design in 2009.

A graduate from University of Central England, United Kingdom with a Master of Arts in Design For Communication, Nur Hidayah carries with her an impressive and distinguished track record in having served businesses, and offered copywriting and design knowledge across major industry segments; established clients included Sun Microsystems, SingTel Mobile, HSBC, Cheers/NTUC, Prudential, Tequila Singapore, STAR Automotive, and ST Kinetics – ST Engineering.

Nur Hidayah is instrumental to LASALLE's Faculty of Design. She manages the demanding and challenging task of leading seven programme teams in the strategic growth and development of validated programmes.

Over the years, her excellent interpersonal and management skills have enabled her to inspire many students. Her vision and foresight has helped nurture these students into leaders that have contributed to the Singapore creative landscape.

Programme Leader, Product Design
Mustafa Mohamed

Mustafa holds a double tracked Masters in Design from a top research university in this region majoring in both design management and integrated (industrial) design studio practices. He had also had attained various academic and professional certifications in areas of Design Management and Product Design with majors in consumer products (cleaning and powertools) and specialized vehicular design.

Starting off as an Industrial Product Designer before being a Manager of Strategic Design, he has more than fifteen years of experience in leading and designing a varied array of products apart from managing his own creative resource business.

Mustafa was tasked for starting up and running afresh, product design initiatives and had been primarily instrumental to the philosophical conception and pedagogical development of product design education in LASALLE that he pioneered and championed since 2003. His research interests constantly straddles in between morality in design and the creation of sustainable aesthetic experiences.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

You are required to attend an Interview where you will present a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your creative potential.

Preparing your Portfolio

• Portfolio should be A2 or smaller (A4 minimum) and preferably with a zipped cover.
• A range of at least 10 varied pieces of work should be presented.
• Your works should include a range of techniques, e.g. drawings, sketches, 2-D work (e.g. painting, printmaking, digital imaging, photography) or 3-D work (e.g. sculpture, ceramics, fashion garments).
• Originals of work are preferred, however photographs, digital images & JPEG (CD-Rom/DVD) are also acceptable (only for works larger than 60cm x 20cm in size).
• Works and/or images should be accompanied with labels/captions indicating: title of work, year of completion, medium/material, size/dimension of works, and should be presented neatly in a portfolio and/or folder.

What we are looking for?
You need to be selective in preparing the portfolio to ensure that it best represents your creative ability. The assessment of the portfolio is based on the following criteria:

Portfolio

• Variety (drawing, photography, painting, design work, ceramics, sculpture, etc.)
• Exploration (in-depth study of medium, technique or idea/s)

Presentation of Selected Piece

• Ability to describe Process AND Inspiration of a selected work

Discussion

• Evidence of ability to Interact AND Express Ideas

What will happen on the Interview Day?

When you arrive:

• You will be directed to the interview space and asked to lay out your portfolio.
• You will be interviewed by two lecturers from LASALLE as part of the group interview.
• There will be up to seven other candidates in your group.
• While the lecturers are assessing your portfolio, you will be asked to discuss with the other candidates on the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative? As a group you should prepare some ideas for discussion later on in the interview. You are advised to come prepared with some ideas on this topic before the interview.
• Once the lecturers have assessed the portfolios, all candidates will be asked to select a piece of artwork from their own portfolio and talk about it for two minutes.
• You are advised to describe the process of creating this chosen work, its source of inspiration and its development. Be prepared to answer questions from your fellow candidates and the interviewing staffs.
• Once all the candidates have presented their artwork, the whole group will then discuss the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative?
• Finally there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about LASALLE and the content, learning and teaching offered at Diploma Level 1.

This group interview will last for about two to three hours.

Successful candidates will be given a provisional offer immediately after the interview.
Unsuccessful candidates will be given the option to enrol for the Creative Workshop.

Aims of the Creative Workshop

• To introduce participants to the idea of the process in a creative journey.
• To encourage participants to play, experiment, and begin to develop an individual approach to art practice.
• To encourage participants to express their ideas confidently and interact as a group.

Note for Applicants residing outside of Singapore:

• You must submit a digital portfolio saved in a DVD/CD to complete your application.
• All works submitted (including any originals). Submissions will not be returned
• All works submitted will be used strictly for the purpose of assessing applicant's eligibility for entry into LASALLE courses.

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Product Design

Product Design is a discipline governed by design thinking, a creative problem-solving methodology that can be applied to an ever-widening scope. As we enter an age where economic, environmental and social change becomes commonplace, the need for adaptive design thinkers increases.

Furthermore, recent shifts in the global distribution of product design, development, manufacturing and distribution have converged in Southeast Asia, increasing the relevance of designers who can respond to and reconcile global demands with a local sensibility.

You will be guided gradually from fundamentals in art and design to basic and intermediate product design skills. Throughout the course, you will be exposed to and evolve through pedagogical themes such as 'Discovering Curiously', 'Learning Rigorously' and 'Applying Professionally' to enhance your academic and professional maturity. You will learn through different practical modules bridging key historical and theoretical studies that will prepare you for real life projects. The programme will also impart skills in the areas of aesthetical, cognitive, technical, theoretical, and creative studio practice, equipping you with the appropriate vocational skills to enter into the creative industries of product design or LASALLE's BA(Hons) Product Design programme.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Placement learning is where students are offered opportunities to experience learning outside the classroom in real-life working environments or in approved partner institutions. Read more about placement learning here.

Modules

Level 1

Introduction to Studio Practice
This module introduces Drawing Fundamentals, Basic 2D and 3D Studio Practice, Critical Thinking, and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) components.

Introduction to Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces you to the fundamental processes of Contemporary and Contextual studies. You will learn how to develop written work including creative, report, and reflective writing.

Technical Skills Workshops for Studio Practice
This module equips you with the essential technical skills required for the successful execution and interpretation of studio practice briefs. These workshops are designed to encourage skills of research and application as well as the acquisition of techniques and procedures.

Exploration of Studio Practice
This module develops the ability to explore and apply skills and understandings in Drawing Fundamentals, 2D Studio Practice, 3D Studio Practice, Grey Matters, and Personal and Professional development (PPD) components.

Specialist Studio Practice
This module prepares your entry into your chosen specialist area. It has both a diagnostic and a preparatory function.

Key Skills in Contemporary and Contextual Studies
This module introduces the two key skills of Presentation and Academic Writing. You will be introduced to key terms, styles, and periods in Art and Design History.

Level 2

Studio – Past Continuous (Design From a Cultural Reference)
You will start the evolving practice through the realisation of a design project. This will be based on cultural references and supported by a set of explorative 2D and 3D inter-related sketching towards a product outcome. This module will introduce you to basic knowledge of materials, tools and processes that would be mandatory and applied to your outcome.

Cultural & Contextual Studies: Design History and Anthropology
This module introduces an array of design histories and design movements over the centuries while design anthropology will introduce you to the development of humankind within cultures through the study of languages, rituals, beliefs and values.

Technical Studies – Data Recording and Presentation Skills
This module introduces you to basic software skills that allow you to realise design intent technically. Photographic practice alongside visual communication skills in grids and typographies will support your exposure to computer-aided drawing and photo manipulation.

Studio – Present Perfect (Design From a Usability Reference)
You will be required to develop your practice through a design project based on a usability reference supported by a set of explorative 2D and 3D inter-related sketching and model-making. Alongside design anthropometrics and function, you will develop a studio practice that demonstrates knowledge of scaling, measurements, and skills of producing precision sketching and drawings.

Cultural & Contextual Studies: Design Anthropometrics and Function
This cultural and contextual studies module will look into the basis of humankind and culture and the communication of functions in the development of tools and artifacts. Ergonomics and human factors are delivered here, as a key knowledge that also fuels research that will cumulate in an ability to make sound conclusions.

Technical Studies – Basic Virtual Modeling Skills
This module is an introduction to virtual modeling skills necessary to equip you for Product Design. It includes a formal introduction to the mid-range industry applicable software, Rhinoceros. Computer aided Product design (CaPd) is explored, enabling you to understand and approach problem solving situations.

Level 3

Studio – Present Continuous (Design From a Cultural, Usability and Aesthetics Reference)
This module requires you to develop studio practice of a design project based on a cultural, usability and aesthetics reference with a rich set of explorative 2D and 3D inter-related sketching, extensive research, professional design communication and model-making towards a product outcome reflecting a good understanding of design theories.

Cultural & Contextual Studies: Design Theory and Aesthetics
This module looks into a range of design theories that informs design development. It lays the foundation for understanding the form and factors of products through the lens of design philosophy and aesthetics.

Technical Studies – Intermediate Virtual Modeling Skills
This module further develops your skills in Rhinoceros and rendering. It includes the introduction of measurements and Product Design Control drawings from virtual models. Computer aided Product design (CaPd) is further explored, enabling you to further enhance problem solving within product detailing.

Studio – Future Perfect
This module encompasses the entire three-year learning in a self-directed project that is guided by supervisors. This is a module in which you must initiate an area of study that reflects some level of independence in terms of exploration in your specialised field. You must display, to a degree, the ability to manage your own learning.

Pseudo Professional Placement / Live Project
You will experience key professional skills required for designers to evolve in the industry. You will undertake a pseudo professional placement and commit 200 hours to your engagement, where you could be engaged to live projects that could enhances your expertise.

Faculty Members

Dean
Nur Hidayah Bte Abu Bakar

With extensive teaching experience of more than eight years, Nur Hidayah was appointed Dean, Faculty of Design in 2009.

A graduate from University of Central England, United Kingdom with a Master of Arts in Design For Communication, Nur Hidayah carries with her an impressive and distinguished track record in having served businesses, and offered copywriting and design knowledge across major industry segments; established clients included Sun Microsystems, SingTel Mobile, HSBC, Cheers/NTUC, Prudential, Tequila Singapore, STAR Automotive, and ST Kinetics – ST Engineering.

Nur Hidayah is instrumental to LASALLE's Faculty of Design. She manages the demanding and challenging task of leading seven programme teams in the strategic growth and development of validated programmes.

Over the years, her excellent interpersonal and management skills have enabled her to inspire many students. Her vision and foresight has helped nurture these students into leaders that have contributed to the Singapore creative landscape.

Programme Leader, Product Design
Mustafa Mohamed

Mustafa holds a double tracked Masters in Design from a top research university in this region majoring in both design management and integrated (industrial) design studio practices. He had also had attained various academic and professional certifications in areas of Design Management and Product Design with majors in consumer products (cleaning and powertools) and specialized vehicular design.

Starting off as an Industrial Product Designer before being a Manager of Strategic Design, he has more than fifteen years of experience in leading and designing a varied array of products apart from managing his own creative resource business.

Mustafa was tasked for starting up and running afresh, product design initiatives and had been primarily instrumental to the philosophical conception and pedagogical development of product design education in LASALLE that he pioneered and championed since 2003. His research interests constantly straddles in between morality in design and the creation of sustainable aesthetic experiences.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

You are required to attend an Interview where you will present a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your creative potential.

Preparing your Portfolio

• Portfolio should be A2 or smaller (A4 minimum) and preferably with a zipped cover.
• A range of at least 10 varied pieces of work should be presented.
• Your works should include a range of techniques, e.g. drawings, sketches, 2-D work (e.g. painting, printmaking, digital imaging, photography) or 3-D work (e.g. sculpture, ceramics, fashion garments).
• Originals of work are preferred, however photographs, digital images & JPEG (CD-Rom/DVD) are also acceptable (only for works larger than 60cm x 20cm in size).
• Works and/or images should be accompanied with labels/captions indicating: title of work, year of completion, medium/material, size/dimension of works, and should be presented neatly in a portfolio and/or folder.

What we are looking for?
You need to be selective in preparing the portfolio to ensure that it best represents your creative ability. The assessment of the portfolio is based on the following criteria:

Portfolio

• Variety (drawing, photography, painting, design work, ceramics, sculpture, etc.)
• Exploration (in-depth study of medium, technique or idea/s)

Presentation of Selected Piece

• Ability to describe Process AND Inspiration of a selected work

Discussion

• Evidence of ability to Interact AND Express Ideas

What will happen on the Interview Day?

When you arrive:

• You will be directed to the interview space and asked to lay out your portfolio.
• You will be interviewed by two lecturers from LASALLE as part of the group interview.
• There will be up to seven other candidates in your group.
• While the lecturers are assessing your portfolio, you will be asked to discuss with the other candidates on the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative? As a group you should prepare some ideas for discussion later on in the interview. You are advised to come prepared with some ideas on this topic before the interview.
• Once the lecturers have assessed the portfolios, all candidates will be asked to select a piece of artwork from their own portfolio and talk about it for two minutes.
• You are advised to describe the process of creating this chosen work, its source of inspiration and its development. Be prepared to answer questions from your fellow candidates and the interviewing staffs.
• Once all the candidates have presented their artwork, the whole group will then discuss the topic: What Does it Mean to be Creative?
• Finally there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about LASALLE and the content, learning and teaching offered at Diploma Level 1.

This group interview will last for about two to three hours.

Successful candidates will be given a provisional offer immediately after the interview.
Unsuccessful candidates will be given the option to enrol for the Creative Workshop.

Aims of the Creative Workshop

• To introduce participants to the idea of the process in a creative journey.
• To encourage participants to play, experiment, and begin to develop an individual approach to art practice.
• To encourage participants to express their ideas confidently and interact as a group.

Note for Applicants residing outside of Singapore:

• You must submit a digital portfolio saved in a DVD/CD to complete your application.
• All works submitted (including any originals). Submissions will not be returned
• All works submitted will be used strictly for the purpose of assessing applicant's eligibility for entry into LASALLE courses.