Product Design

Product Design Studio 1A (20 CU)
This module lays the foundation for the training and education of the product designer. It introduces you to the role of the product designer and the notion of deriving designs that are oriented towards, and driven by, market imperatives and design trends. You are geared to understand and apply problem-solving skills in designing products that are useful and useable to the consumer.

Working within a specific project brief, you are expected to devise solutions informed by adequate market analysis and relevant case studies. By applying basic visualisation techniques and technical documentation, you are tasked to engage in ideation, concepts and design development. In this module, over and above the usual taught classes, you will be expected to be present at supervised practice sessions, and demonstration and critique sessions.

You will be introduced to the importance of documenting the design process in a Creative Process Journal (CPJ). The CPJ forms an integral part in the education of a product designer. Consistent archival of ideas and development serves as a visual catalogue in the understanding and appreciation of the design process.

You are required to submit all assignments in a timely manner and show professional studentship. Professional studentship is the commitment to attend and participate in all timetabled classes and scheduled activities.

Technical and Professional Studies 1A (20 CU)
This module is designed to impart the necessary fundamental technical skills, knowledge and understanding for you to begin functioning and communicating as product designers.

It lays the foundation for visualisation methods for presenting design concepts that will be used throughout the programme. It introduces you to ideas and concepts using lines, axes, planes, volumes, surfaces, solids, colour, visual composition, space and light and shadow, in both manual and digital formats.

In this module, you will cover the following core discipline skills and knowledge:

• Manual Techniques – Explore 2D and 3D visualisation skills such as sketching, drawing, technical drawings, isometric drawing, exploded isometric drawing and model-making
• CAD Techniques 1 – Includes 2D computer-aided skills such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and 3D computer-aided skills such as Rhinoceros 3D, and/or their latest equivalents

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the ongoing projects within Product Design Studio module, employing the appropriate technique of representation to communicate design proposals accurately.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 1A (20 CU)
This module introduces design histories and theories that have contributed to the development of Product Design as a discipline, and covers fundamental movements, figures, and styles in art and design history from the late 18th century up to mid-20th century.

You will learn how to contextualise the field of Product Design within these historical contexts and familiarise yourself with key terminologies and arguments that are relevant to the history of Product Design, which are the building blocks for furthering knowledge in Cultural and Contextual Studies (CCS) modules in the upper levels. You will also explore the historical links between Product Design and the visual arts to develop a more nuanced understanding of their connection.
You are required to articulate the themes discussed in oral, visual and written formats. In Semester 1, you will complete an assignment which comprises a 500-word written analysis, culminating in a presentation. In Semester 2, you will produce a 1,500-word essay.

Product Design Studio 1B (20 CU)
This module seeks to expand the role of the product designer beyond that of a creator of objects of desire. It will introduce different conceptual underpinnings that can inform product ideation, so as to develop your design process. Drawing reference from case studies and exploring diverse methodologies, you will design and create objects of desire for mass production and consumption.

Studio work focuses on building an understanding that design development is not a linear process. Contextualisation forms the basis for solving design iterations, and by applying visualisation techniques and technical documentation, you will demonstrate your understanding of developing a product from ideation to production. In this module, over and above the usual taught classes, you will be expected to be present at supervised practice sessions, and demonstration and critique sessions.

Documentation of the design process in a Creative Process Journal (CPJ) forms an integral part in the education of a product designer. It not only serves as a visual catalogue in the understanding of the undertaken process, but also as a basis for reflection and even possible improvements.

You are required to submit all assignments in a timely manner and show professional studentship.  Professional studentship is the commitment to attend and participate in all timetabled classes and scheduled activities.

Technical and Professional Studies 1B (20 CU)
This module is designed to impart the necessary fundamental technical skills, knowledge and understanding for you to begin functioning and communicating as product designers. 

Through the course of the semester, you will cover the following core discipline skills and knowledge:

• CAD Techniques 2 – Focuses on extending the 3D computer-aided skills attained in CAD Techniques 1 to a higher level of proficiency, including Rhinoceros3D and Solidworks and/or their latest equivalents
• Material Technology – Offers a broad-based knowledge on materials, production and fabrication, covering the range of conventional to contemporary technologies and systems

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the ongoing projects within Product Design Studio module, employing the appropriate technique of representation to communicate design proposals accurately.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 1B (20 CU)
Building on Cultural and Contextual Studies  1A, this module covers the history of design and products from mid-20th century to the present day. It focuses on major social, political, economical and technological changes that shaped the period,  thereby informing design history and aesthetics.

The lectures, readings and class exercises will investigate how unique design strategies simultaneously influence and are influenced by the period’s key historical events. Through the lens of design practice, you will examine post-WWII era and the impact of economic recovery, moving on to trace independent movements from colonialism in Asia, to themes associated with ‘postmodernism’, and consider how they continue to influence current product design discourse.

You are required to articulate your understanding of the themes discussed in oral, visual and written formats. In Semester 1, you will complete a Seminar Presentation based on the topics covered in the weekly lecture. In Semester 2, you will produce a 2,000-word essay that addresses one of the essay questions provided by your lecturer.

Product Design Studio 2A (20 CU)
This module continues to study the role of the product designer and his/her social responsibility in contemporary cultures. You are tasked to objectively and meaningfully question the ethical issues involved in the design of products and the possible meanings to communities. You will be expected to engage in the design process informed by a good understanding of user research and requirements. You are expected to fundamentally question the purpose of designing a product and its potential in improving community and society.

By employing suitable techniques and exploring varied methodologies, you will develop designs through making. User testing and prototyping will form the basis for studio explorations and emphasis is placed on technical proficiencies in model making, digital representations and material specifications. In this module, over and above the usual taught classes, you will be expected to be present at supervised practice sessions, and demonstration and critique sessions.

Documentation of the design process in a Creative Process Journal (CPJ) forms an integral part in the education of a product designer. It not only serves as a visual catalogue in the understanding of the undertaken process but also as a basis for reflection and even possible improvements. 

You are required to submit all assignments in a timely manner and show professional studentship. Professional studentship is the commitment to attend and participate in all timetabled classes and scheduled activities.

Technical and Professional Studies 2A (20 CU) 
This module builds on the foundation of skills and knowledge covered in Technical and Professional Studies modules at Level 1, and allies the you with more progressive prototyping techniques that are key to the testing of design schemes, as well as emerging technical knowledge on materials and production methods.

Prototyping and Production Technology provides you with a deeper understanding of product production in the design process and the parameters determined by prototyping methods, manufacturing processes and material properties. The focus will be on discovery, experimentation and potential applications of contemporary production methods and innovative material technologies in the context of your design practice. This knowledge base covers the range of large-scale mass production to small-scale prototyping production, including but not limited to rapid prototyping, 3D scanning, 3D printing, CNC and laser cutting.

The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the on-going projects within Product Design Studio module, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently and professionally.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 2A (20 CU)
This module begins your analysis of contemporary design issues and extends your knowledge in design history, tracing historical precedents to current issues that designers address in their practice. Here, you are encouraged to create meaningful connections between the past conventions, present tendencies and the future possibilities of Product Design.

As part of this journey, you will examine how objects express and communicate cultural values that shift according to specific contexts. In support of this, the lectures, readings and class activities will introduce concepts from cultural theory that will serve as triggers for reflection.

You are required to articulate your understanding of the themes discussed in oral, visual and written formats. You will also build on fundamental academic skills such as annotating and compiling a bibliography, developing integral research abilities to undertake higher levels of study. 

Product Design Studio 2B (20 CU)
This module seeks to redefine the position of a product designer from that of a problem solver to innovator. Drawing on the experiences acquired in Product Design Studio 2A, you are expected to engage in a higher level of design thinking through exploration and experimentation of materials, processes and techniques.

You are tasked to conceive products that digress from serving existing market demands to that which suggest new possibilities and even opportunities from the angle of experience and environments. Studio work focuses on the design process, and a creative curiosity is encouraged in negotiating the brief that seeks to establish new trajectories in the field of product design. In this module, over and above the usual taught classes, you will be expected to be present at supervised practice sessions, and demonstration and critique sessions.

You are expected to constantly hone your craft, technical and digital skills through the application of innovative material technologies. This supplements the learning and exploration of design with key industry-based knowledge and experience.

You are required to submit all assignments in a timely manner and show professional studentship.  Professional studentship is the commitment to attend and participate in all timetabled classes and scheduled activities.

Interdisciplinary Project
Interdisciplinarity is a key principle of a LASALLE arts education. Exploration of interdisciplinarity in your creative practice will provide you with the platform to work across disciplinary boundaries and explore new ways of developing ideas, concepts and practices.

In this module, you will be required to undertake an interdisciplinary project. You will have the opportunity to work with team members from different programmes and disciplines on a common project brief. As a team, you will learn to integrate knowledge and skills from various disciplines to produce new insights and/or outcomes. 

Technical and Professional Studies 2B (20 CU)
This module familiarises you with current product design industry and practice. You will gain knowledge on the various product design sectors and laterally affiliated industries. Internships and Industry visits form essential components of the module in familiarising you to the local design context.

Professional Practice acquaints you with interview processes and practices, work ethics, professional portfolios, presentations and the professional and legal responsibility of an product designer.

Internships and Industry will familiarise you with the understanding of the various product design practices and the operational procedures within the studio working environment. This also includes site visits to design, prototyping and manufacturing in local contexts. You will undertake an internship during the semester break between Semesters 1 and 2 (approximately 200 hours). This experience aims to provide you with an opportunity to work with industry professionals and understand the demands and realities of the industry.

You will refine your visualisation and communication skills in preparation of your final Specialisation Project, showcasing a professional package of your body of work, proficient skills and knowledge acquired throughout your course of study.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 2B (20 CU)
This module continues to hone a critical reflection of design in the context of socio-cultural concerns. In responding to these concerns, the field of Product Design necessarily intersects with other disciplines, and as such, the module will guide you in synthesising historical, theoretical and practical knowledge in order to evaluate interdisciplinary practices.

The topics covered in this module prepares you to advance reasoned propositions about the changing role of the designer and the varied ways that terms such as ‘design’, ‘user’, and ‘experience’ may be interpreted – these steps are important for transition to the final level of study.

You are required to articulate your understanding of the themes discussed in oral, visual and written formats. You will produce a presentation and a short written work that is of relevance to the essay. The essay must reflect a solid grasp of the themes discussed in this module, as well as adhere to the academic conventions of essay writing.

Student Exchange Elective (60 CU) 
This module gives you the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives and alternative approaches to your creative discipline, by undertaking a semester-long international learning exchange in another institution. The aim of the module is to provide interested students an opportunity to enrich their learning journey, enhance their creative practice, learn from a socio-culturally different educational setting, and be exposed to new cultural and creative industries.

Please note that this is an elective module. Students who undertake this module will not be required to take additional modules.

In this module, you will spend a semester studying in a cognate programme or a selection of relevant modules at one of LASALLE’s partner institutions. You will also be expected to be an independent learner to relate and integrate the experience, knowledge and skills acquired to the assessments required for this module. Through this international experience, you will be able to strengthen your ability to adapt and react to changing trends and environment. You will build your capacity to contribute effectively as an active and informed local and global citizen, while broadening your network and enhancing your career prospects in the arts and creative industries. 

You are responsible for applying to this elective option through the College’s Division of Quality and Planning (Email: [email protected]) before Week 7 of Semester 1 . 

Your application for this elective module must be supported by your Programme Leader. You are expected to adhere to the regulations, guidelines and planned curriculum issued by the host institution. At the same time, you are expected to regularly update your assigned lecturer on the progress of your learning at the partner institution, and also seek guidance on the completion of the units of assessment for this module.

Industry and Community Engagement (20 CU) 
This module is designed to enable you to broaden your knowledge of the cultural and creative industries by placing you, as a learning professional, within a professional work environment. The aim of the module is to help you develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields relating to your study, and expose you to a diverse set of professional trajectories. You will map your acquired skills, interests and aspirations against current (and future) opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, while putting to practice skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. You are required to attend various industry preparation workshops, such as resume-writing, interview skills, and etc., as part of this module.

In fulfilment of this module, you can choose one of the following options: 

Option A: Industry-based Internship(s)
You will independently source and apply for internship opportunities. You are required to identify your interest and career-trajectory. These opportunities should be in an organisation where the job functions are related to your discipline. 

The internship may be with a single organisation or an accumulation of short-term work with different companies, to accumulate the minimum 200 hours of on-the-job training. The internship may be spread across a number of days/weeks and need not be a full-time position. Where possible, you are encouraged to go beyond the minimum hours in order to showcase your talent and abilities, which will aid your quest for permanent employment and/or gain more opportunities to learn about the job and industry. 

All internships must be approved by the Programme Leader, prior to commencement, to align with learning aims and outcomes. 

Option B: Negotiated Projects 
You will take a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to identify and create a niche for yourself, within the cultural and creative industries. You may undertake a combination of the following types of projects:

• Industry Live Project: You can source for an industry project, or this can be facilitated through the programme.
• Entrepreneurial Project: You may devise a business proposal and execute it. 
• Community Engagement Project: You can engage with a community of your preference, and develop and execute an initiative for them. 
• Short-term internship (about 100 hours)

To ensure that you fulfil the learning outcomes of this module, all proposals and short-term internship opportunities must be discussed and approved by the Programme Leader. 

Dissertation (40 CU) 
This module is the culmination of the research and contextual knowledge that you have acquired during the course of your study. You will be required to undertake in-depth critical research, and present a coherent argument based on investigation and analysis. The chosen topic will be relevant to your main course of study, and will be used to support and inform your specialist practice. It will demonstrate your deep appreciation of your field, and competency of key approaches and methodologies to contextualise it.

You will demonstrate an ability to identify a research topic that is close to your practice or field of study through a clear literature review, and present relevant arguments and hypotheses in the written form of between 6,000 to 8,000 words.

Before commencing your dissertation, you will be required to develop a research proposal outline to demonstrate your research question and approach to completing the dissertation. In consultation with your supervisor, you may form your dissertation around an exegesis that foregrounds your major creative studio practice. Programmes where you are eligible to develop a piece of creative practice as part of your dissertation may be negotiated with your supervisor. In this instance, the word count for the written element may be negotiated, but a minimum word count of 4,000 words is required.

You are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent and self-motivated research. You will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance in your research work. You will also be required to attend all dissertation-related classes.

Graduation Project (60 CU)
This module brings together all the skills and professional knowledge you have acquired so far, allowing you to focus on an area of personal and particular interest. Depending on your preferences, you will be able to work in a team and collaborate with degree students from other design programmes.

In this module, you will work on a project that requires a higher level of social sensitivity in the design of user-experience and interface. You will explore a partly self-driven programme brief, detailed research, analysis and critical understanding of user surveys and site contexts, where you will be tasked to not only integrate and balance functional and aesthetic aspects, but also the social interpretations and representations of design.

This module encourages you to reconsider the utopian role of the designer when faced with practical concerns in design construction, and to continue challenging conventional design thought, while employing critical thinking to processes, materiality, technologies and user-experiences.

Your study will be self-directed and conducted in relation to theoretical frameworks explored in your Dissertation. Through writing your own brief, you will learn to identify and articulate clearly your research trajectories and anticipated design challenges. Backed by substantiated research, you are to experiment and develop these trajectories as part of a comprehensive design proposal. Informed by industry-standard practice, you are to produce innovative, conceptual and even discursive design solutions that are presented as progressive yet realistic outcomes.

Design processes and conceptual thinking methodologies, as the primary focus, are explored in a practice-based studio environment. This is where you explore and apply technical knowledge and skills with a critical understanding of design history and contemporary theory gained from core modules. Each studio session is facilitated by staff/assigned supervisor and invited industry practitioners.

You will learn to manage the design process, as well as define project development stages and benchmarks. You will conduct interim evaluations, tests and experiments that influence and inform the final design outcomes. You will be expected to exhibit part or all of your design process and outcomes on one or several occasions. Exhibitions provide you with a platform to test your ideas, interact with a range of audiences and engage in critical dialogue.

To support the design practice at this level, you are expected to produce a Creative Process Journal (CPJ) in which you will document written, visual and aural materials in support of your practical work. You will critically assess these along with your research findings. Your CPJ needs to document verbally and visually the development of your ideas and concepts, and the application thereof. You are strongly encouraged to include and critically analyse your failed attempts. Your choices and progress in relation to the design development will need to be articulated professionally and convincingly. Your CPJ needs to be designed and produced to meet design industry standards.

You are required to submit all mandatory assignments and show professional studentship. Commitment and full class attendance are key aspects of achieving satisfactory studentship for each level of study, and they will be taken into account for the assessment of this module.