TY2UD-User-centred design

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Rachel Warner
Email: r.e.warner@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

User-centred and inclusive design skills are essential for developing meaningful, useful, and marketable communications and services. The module helps you to develop an insightful approach to user-centred and inclusive design.

This module builds on the integrated approach established in TY1INT, integrating the development of design skills with theory and professional knowledge. Practical project work develops skills in identifying user needs and then applying these needs though a professional design process. Inclusive design workshops and design hack tasks develop the ability to communicate effectively about design decisions in relation to inclusive design, adding engagement with theory, research, and professional knowledge to complement the practical work.

Aims:

The module aims to develop an insightful approach to user-centred and inclusive design within graphic communication. This insight will be informed by practice integrated with theoretical, and professional insight, and competence in relevant technologies.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Present design proposals, for different audiences and contexts of use, and technological/production criteria professionally.


• Conceptualise and synthesize solutions to project briefs through the identification of user needs, analysis, research, planning, idea generation, and implementation 


• Realise effective design solutions for project briefs using an appropriate range of tools and platforms


• Evaluate, analyse, and critically discuss design solutions in relation to relevant inclusive, socially responsible, and user centred design practices.


• Substantiate design decisions with reference to relevant inclusive, socially responsible, and user centred design practices. 

Additional outcomes:

Students should also be able to engage with research to inform their project work, defend their approach to a problem, and make an effective verbal and visual presentation of their ideas.

Outline content:

Students will typically work on a studio practical project and a report project based on an inclusive design workshop. Both of these projects are equally weighted, and both may include collaborative work.  For the practical project, students will develop a design outcome in response to a brief and user needs, working in response to tutor and peer feedback.

For inclusive design core content will be covered through a series of workshops that combines lectures, tutorials, and small tasks. Students will work on a range of tasks designed to enable them to communicate effectively and insightfully about their design decisions for the design hacks. Workshop tasks will build-up content for the final report.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The practical project is started with a plenary briefing session where the brief is set and the project parameters explained. Briefs are written to encourage solutions that spring from an analysis of the problem or task, rather than from a particular stylistic or formal approach. Projects will vary in the degree to which a particular technological approach is required. Students are expected to use studio facilities within the department wherever possible during projects. Seminars and small ta sks may be used to introduce concepts and approaches, which inform project work. Interim criticism and other contact with tutors is typically through small group sessions.

For inclusive design, teaching methods may encompass: self-directed reading, research, and small tasks.

Students will work independently, in small groups, and in full group sessions. Workshops may include lectures and task-based learning used to introduce inclusive design concepts and approaches , which inform the final submission.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	25
Demonstration	2
Practicals classes and workshops	5
Supervised time in studio/workshop	23
Work-based learning	16
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	63
Peer assisted learning	5
Advance preparation for classes	68
Preparation for presentations	15
Preparation of practical report	63
Reflection	15
Total hours by term	300	0	0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

2 final assessments:

One substantial practical project with accompanying documentation of process/pitch, the assessment of the project may include presentations.

One report (using text and images) is submitted that provides students with an opportunity to develop skills for communicating effectively across a range of visual and verbal modes.

Formative assessment methods:

Projects are completed during the term and submitted according to an established schedule. Formative feedback is given during tutorials and through peer review.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Work that did not achieve a passing mark must be resubmitted in August/September; exact date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: £20-30

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: Adobe Creative Suite (this is available on computers in the Typography Department, but ideally students should have it on their own laptops)

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023