DG1S002 - Design Thinking 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: DG1S002
Module Title: Design Thinking
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design (old)
Module Leader: Stephen Leadbetter
Module Team: Sarah Down, Ryan Preece, Rachel Grainger, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2023 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100061 - graphic design
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

  • Introduce learners to a common method of design practice through process and phases

  • Provide learners with an opportunity to apply Design Thinking Processes to a Design challenge

  • Integrate modules: Design Principles and Design Revolutions components into the process of Design

  • Introduce and encourage risk, trial-and-error and to embrace ‘failure’ as an expected and essential part of the process of Design

Content Summary

This module is an introduction to design thinking processes and a common working model associated with what is commonly referred to as ‘a design process’ within the subject discipline.

You will be encouraged to recognise and practice a basic process of design and identify the phases of Research, Creative Ideation, Concept Development and Refinement, situated within a demonstrated common design process model. Further exploration and practice of the integrated components, methods and techniques that are embedded within each of these phases will be supported through practice-based learning workshops.

As well as Design Thinking, you will look at similar ways of describing the design process such as the Design Council’s ‘Double Diamond’ and Eric Karafuto’s ‘Design Method.’

Each phase of the design process provides exciting inquiry-based workshops to support and develop curiosity and understanding, in relation to the necessity of the presence of a design process within creative practice.

You will gain experience of process methods to gain alternative perspectives to the understanding of a problem, and similarly practice a range of techniques to conceptualise outcomes to be proposed as solutions to set challenges.

With a developing knowledge of a design process, you will be required to reflect and configure their own design process map, that can be applied to team-based challenges situated within the module assessment, requiring and incentivising pre-planning approaches to future creative practice.

The module develops a methodological understanding of common design processes through insights that deconstruct process phases to encourage your adoption through practice:

Research methodologies that enable exploration, knowledge and an understanding of a given challenge.

Ideation techniques and design principles that aid the exploration of original concepts and strategies in relation to a design challenge.

Concept testing, development and decision making in relation to specific problems identified within the initial design challenge.

The module will require the recording, cataloguing, mapping, and presentation of a ‘working’ design process, reflective of a learning journey as they explore the intricacies of design processes.

The module contextualises taught components of semester A, preparing students for further independent challenges that populates the remaining level 4 curriculum

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 6
Practical classes and workshops 6
Supervised time in studio/workshop 4
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 64
Groupwork 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe the order of a design process map through visual examples, explaining tools and methodologies within compartmentalised phases
LO2 Use design thinking process maps to support future project management with the practice and documentation of a design process used in response to a design challenge.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Poster 1 A stylised visual interpretation of a Design Thinking Process Map, that can be applied to support and manage future design-based challenges. 0 N/A 30 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Creative Designs / Art 1 Documented annotated visual journey to a stakeholder, evidencing the phases of Design Thinking Process. 0 N/A 70 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Poster 1
Creative Designs / Art 1

Reading List

Adams, S. and Dawson, P. and Foster, J. and Seddon, T. (2020) Graphic Design Rules. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Bierut, M. (2021) How to use graphic design to sell things, explain things, make things look better, make people laugh, make people cry, and (occasionally) change the world. London: Thames & Hudson .

De Bono, E. (2007) How to have creative ideas: 62 exercises to develop the mind. London: Vermilion.

De Soto, D. (2011) Know Your Onions: Graphic Design. Amsterdam: BIS Publishers B.V.

Ingledew, J. (2016) How to have great ideas: A guide to creative thinking. London: Laurence King.

Ingledew, J. (2011) The A-Z of Visual Ideas: How to solve any creative brief. London: Laurence King.

Lupton, E. (2011) Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming. New York; Baltimore: Princeton Architectural Press; Maryland Institute College of Art.

McAlhone, B. and Stuart, D. and Quinton, G. and Asbury, N. (2015) A Smile in the Mind, Witty Thinking in Graphic Design. London: Phaidon Press Limited.

Wilde, R. and Wilde, J. (2015) Process. London: Laurence King Publishing