Design Thinking

Program Overview

Through workshops, lectures, and independent study, participants develop critical thinking, collaboration skills, and an enhanced model for design practice. The program prepares graduates for careers in various design-related fields, including user experience design, product design, and social innovation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This intensive short course investigates the relationship between design, context, and articulation through critical and analytical interrogation of design principles. The program aims to equip students with the ability to:

• Demonstrate a wide understanding of design thinking methodologies and differentiate between evidence and opinion.
• Critically reflect on their own and others' approaches to design and identify commonalities, differences, and potential synergies.

Outline:

The course consists of a single module, "Design Thinking," delivered through lectures, workshops, and independent study. The module is divided into three key phases:

Phase 1: Introduction to Design Thinking

• Explores the theoretical foundations of design thinking and its various methodologies.
• Introduces students to the process of user research, observation, and empathy development.
• Examines the role of questioning in design, including questioning assumptions and implications.

Phase 2: Co-Creative Workshops

• Students engage in collaborative workshops to investigate contemporary social or cultural issues.
• Develop research questions to challenge these issues and explore disruptive solutions.
• Experiment with design thinking methodologies and develop risk-taking approaches.

Phase 3: Individual Project Development

• Students conduct independent research based on their chosen topic.
• Develop a presentation to showcase their research and proposed solution.

Assessment:

The course is assessed through two components:

• Essay (60%): Students write a 3000-word essay that critically analyzes their research topic and proposes a solution.
• Presentation (40%): Students deliver a presentation based on their research to demonstrate their understanding of design thinking and their project development.

Teaching:

The course is taught by experienced design professionals and academics from the Belfast School of Art. The teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Hands-on workshops and group activities
• Individual tutorials and feedback sessions
• Access to online learning resources and support

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for careers in various design-related fields, including:

• User experience design
• Product design
• Service design
• Social innovation
• Design research
• Design education

Other:

• The course is offered part-time on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:30pm during Semester 1, starting on 28 September 2023.
• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree or substantial industry experience.
• The course fee for 2023/24 is £746.60 for students from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and EU Settlements Status.

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlements Status Fees:

£746.60 Payment of Fees and Deposits Fees and Funding

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.