This Module focuses on the user and their interaction with products/services. Through a series of projects students will examine existing products and identify and interview users. They will then develop products while iteratively testing and developing their concepts on their users. They will document their process through a design report.

1. Evaluate competing products

2. Prepare for and interview users

3. Apply Research to Concepts

4. Combine visual media for the presentation of design proposals

5. Produce a Design Report

This module will cover 3D CAD modelling and techniques. The module will encompass CAD modelling whereby students will be able to operate a 3D parametric solid modelling system to create regular parts and simple assemblies.

1. Produce 3 Dimensional regular parts using a solid modelling system.
2. Create regular assemblies and part relationships.
3. Make a 2D drawings using 3D parts and assemblies.
4. Introduction to creating exploded views

This module will cover Photoshop rendering tools and techniques. The student will learn advanced tools in Photoshop software through tutorials and projects and be taught the use of digital pen tablets to create concepts and finished design renderings and presentation boards.

1. Create digital Renderings using Photoshop or other alternative software.

2. Appreciate the advantages of drawing digitally.

3. Communicatedesign ideas throughthe use of digital sketching.

4. Use a digital pen tablet to create design concepts and presentation renderings.

This module allows for design students to develop a marketing approach to design solutions. It provides them with marketing knowledge within the context of the creative industries. An understanding of marketing activities and the importance of the customer is paramount in developing a wider skill set.

1. Understand the concept of marketing and its applicability to creative industries

2. Appreciate the importance of the customer and create profiles of customers and users that will be target markets

3. Be familiar with the marketing research process and various marketing research methods available to organisations

4. Develop a skill set for selling products and services

5. Use online and digital marketing techniques to engage with customers using appropriate messages and content

Visual and Material Culture in Semester 3 addresses the themes and issues that inform Modernism, Postmodernism and issues and trends in contemporary art and design practice. The student will be introduced to the theoretical frameworks that underpin context, time, historical perspectives, cultural meaning, ideas and other issues relevant to Art and Design Practice. The ideas, themes, works and other phenomena generated by Modernism and Postmodernism will also be positioned within contemporary debates.

1. Identify the major themes and issues that inform Modernism and Postmodernism.
2. Research and assess the social and cultural context of art and design production.
3. Evaluate the theoretical framework that underpins Modernist and Postmodernist art and design practice.
4. Critically communicate ideas and findings through written submissions, peer-led seminars and presentations.
5. Analyse texts, documents, bodies of work and artefacts that inform the study of Modernism and Postmodernism

This module will cover 3D product CAD modelling. The module will encompass product design CAD modelling whereby students will be able to create product components and product sub-assemblies and assemblies.

1. Create 3D product components using a solid modelling package.
2. Produce 3D product assemblies and build component relationships.
3. Creating simple exploded views of product assemblies.
4. Make changes, edit and build parts in the assembly environment.

The Module focuses on solving design problems for external clients (when available and subject to meeting learning outcomes). The collaborations are by direct contact with clients or through the ITSligo Innovation Centre and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher scheme.

1. Devise a design brief for a client.

2. Produce concepts/prototypes for presentation to the client

3. Demonstrate competence in the selection and costing of materials and processes with considerationgiven to environmental issues

4. Determine potential market size for designs and derive material, labour and production costs.

5. Demonstrate professional conduct with clients

Design and the Contemporary World: Design for Social Impact

This programme of study explores conditions, themes and issues in Contemporary Visual/Material Culture with particular reference to Design for Social Impact. This will be done through an examination of a variety of artefacts, systems and social activities. Understanding of developments in economic, political, ideological and cultural forces in the creative industries and related disciplines underpin this examination.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between design practices to the production, consumption and reception of Visual and Material Culture.

2. Evaluate the link between theory and practice in the analysis of issues in contemporary art and design practices.
3. Research, organise and analyse material, texts and documents relating to Art, design and Material Culture.
4. Communicate a perspective on themes, issues and ideas relevant to contemporary design through written and oral presentations.

5. Demonstrate an awareness of the theories and issues that inform Design for Social Practice

Students will create vector graphics through tutorials and projects using Adobe Illustrator. They will produce vector print graphic design work, on-screen vector graphical content, and design project presentation work.

1. Design and create vector graphic logos and business literature.

2. Create vector graphical icons and other design content in Adobe Illustrator.

3. Understand the advantages thatvector images have over raster images.

4. Use vector images in creating originaldesigned art in project work.

This module aims to introduce students to the necessary creative and technical skills to produce a simple video project. Students will work individually and in groups from proposal through shooting to video editing.

1. Originate and develop a project proposal for a video production.

2. Shoot a very short independent piece, bearing composition, sequencing and audio in mind.

3. Work within a small group to initiate, organise and shoot a short video on a proposed and agreed topic.

4. Edit the video into a finished form, incorporating titles, transitions, and color grading, including export to final formats suitable for online delivery.

5. Deliver a written reflection on the experience; lessons learned, practitioners they studied, notes on the outcome.

Students originate project concepts from the examination of given work or living environments and develop appropriate solutions. This involves project planning, design, the selection of processes, problem solving and decision making. Students are encouraged to link up with external "users/experts" to carry out primary research, focus groups, user testing and evaluation.

1. Originate and manage a self selected design project
2. Resolve design development issues through research and expert involvement
3. Determine appropriatedevelopment methods to meet user expectations and cost/quantity targets
4. Demonstrate proficiency as a design professional
5. Utilise appropriate media to demonstrate the solution and its development in a convincing showcase presentation.

The module engages students from a selection of creative programmes in collaborative interdisciplinary projects led by lecturers from a range of disciplines from the arts, design and architecture.

1. Demonstrate awareness of convergent and divergent thinking; and an awareness of interdisciplinary approaches to creative practice.

2. Interact effectively with others, through collaboration, team work and negotiation.

3. Utilise both familiar and unfamiliar diagnostic and creative skills in unfamiliar contexts.

4. Develop ideas as part of a group through to resolved and accessible outcomes

5. Demonstrate an expanded capacity to work with materials and media.

This module further develops the students Computer/CAD skills to enable them to produce 3d models of real world products. The module will build of model complexity both externally, in terms of the ability to model more complex geometric forms and internally, in terms of attention to design detail such as clips and fasteners, part mouldability etc. Other Computer Aided Engineering technologies will also be introduced such as Computer Aided Manufacture and Reverse Engineering.

1. Produce CAD models of real world products.
2. Produce geometrically complex CAD models.
3. Model designs for different manufacture processes; metal casting, sheet metal forming and injection moulding.
4. Produce Designs of products taking into account process capability.
5. Model products incorporating design detail such as lips, bosses, clips etc.
6. Use assocated technologies such as Computer Aided Manufacture, Rapid Prototyping and Reverse Engineering.

This module will allow the learner to develop content using polygons and NURBS surfaces. The module will focus on the design & production of 3D content and will focus on enabling the student to visualise and present their design ideas in new ways furthering their understanding of digital design principles.

1. Use polygon modellingworkflows to createa highly detailed model of an object, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor.

2. Competently incorporate NURBS modelling workflows into creating a highly detailed model of an object, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor.

3. Competently incorporate lights sources and camerasinto a scene, with a view to rendering scenes, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor.

4. Demonstrate a basic competency with applying materials to models.

5. Demonstrate basic competency animating models, which will fulfila briefissued to them by their tutor.

In Design in Context 1 students undertake independent academic research which will identify research strategies that support their studio projects. This allows the projects to be positioned within broad social, cultural and design contexts. The main emphasis is on recognising the importance of thorough and informed research in justifying and supporting design rationale with particular emphasis on user input. The submission of a Research Log will form part of the assessment. Final submissions may be written text or a combination of visual and written material.

1. Demonstrate critical ability through analysis of a broad range of written and visual material, relating to issues within contemporary design practice.
2. Interpret material from a range of resources, using research methodologies appropriate to specific design problems or themes.

3. Articulate solutions to design and research problems, organising and collating material though a coherent argument.

4. Producewrittendocumentsthat areinformed by the research path generated by studio projects

5. Identify relevant themes and issues in contemporary design that justify and support design rationale

This module is a blueprint for students wishing to commercialise their product into a business, or establish a design business. It introduces students to the major principles of entrepreneurship and planning for business.

1. Identify strengths and weaknesses of their business proposal, key areas to develop within the expertise and the financial risk involved in setting up the business.
2. Verify their project as a viable business idea, by outlining all aspects of a proposed business, including who, what, where, when, and why of day-to-day business operations, costs, and projected profitability.
3. Predict financial requirements for individual products, set up costs, daily costs etc.
4. Set up milestones to progress the business and forecast any potential stumbling blocks such as standard requirements and legal protection.

5. Attract and secure funding, loans and investors by providing information on the projected path for the business, how much investment is needed and how it will be spent.
6. Compile and deliver a presentation to a peer group and to listen and critically respond to the views of others.

The purpose of this course is to give the student an introduction to law, the Irish legal system and the role of the European Union in the formation of legislation. The student will be introduced to the basic principles of contract law, negligence, product liability and intellectual property law. It is intended that this module will create an awareness of where legal expertise may need to be sought.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Irish legal system, EU law and the administration of justice in Ireland;

2. Apply the fundamental principles of contract law and tort law in a Design context;

3. Analyse key issues in relation to intellectual property in the context of Creative Design;

4. Evaluate salient factors which influence decision making within a legal environment.

The Portfolio of experience provides an opportunity for students to undertake a teamwork entrepreneurship in-house project within creative design.

1. Recognise the importance of planned personal and career development and a commitment to the ongoing development of competencies to enhance personal employability/enterprise awareness
2. Reflect on the significance of multidisciplinary approaches to problems
3. Contextualise their own discipline area in terms of its interrelationship with other disciplinary fields
4. Demonstrate project and time management skills
5. Demonstrate a responsiveness to the requirements of external parties, including the development of excellent communication skills
6. Demonstrate qualities of flexibility, responsibility and independence

The student will undertake a work placement in a design-based studio or business for this module. For this module, the student will engage in a professional environment and learn the workings of design in a professional context. The student will fulfil their work-placement role for the full duration of semester 2. A critical part of the placement is for the student to document their own learning and to demonstrate self-management throughout semester 2. This 'Work Placement' module enables students to build their confidence by utilising their existing design skills in a professional environment.

1. confidently work in a design-led environment.

2. describe the operational practices within the host enterprise.

3. work as a team member and have developed communication and interpersonal skills.

4. describe the quality assurance procedures in the host enterprise.

5. apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

6. Reflect on and analyse the work placement learning experience in relation to the work environment.
7. Account for their learning and goals in the workplace through work experience assessment deliverables.
8. Apply knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the programme of study to the analysis and solution of workplace problems

This module is available for 30 ECTS credits of a semester abroad of learning where the student is required to attend modules of academic study in a relevant host/partner College/University/Institute. A learning agreement is used to identify a variety of modules and group of educational components offered by the Erasmus partner, preferably in cognate fields to match their existing programme. All teaching and assessment will be carried out in and by the host College/University/Institute.

1. have developed intellectual flexibility through approaching their academic discipline from another perspective.

2. have an increased awareness of and sensitivity to other cultural customs, normsand design culture in the host country/institute.

3. use the experience of differenteducation culture and exposure to new teaching and learning methods to prepare them better for employment or further study and be able to outline the benefits of same.

4. utilise a range of personal development qualities and skillsincluding cross-cultural communicationand problem-solving skills in a range of familiar and unfamiliar situations.

5. have developed a range of self-management and life-long learning skills including time management, adaptability, confidence, independence and enterprise.

Students will design and create a full multi part 3D CAD project complete with a full suite of production drawings for portfolio.

1. Design and developa production ready product

2. Value engineer every componentto ensure the most economicoutcome

3. Create production and marketing strategy.

This Module will build on the experience the students have already gained through their engagement in the Digital Media for Design suite of modules, allowing them to produce 2D graphics material to industry ready standards and to produce and test user interfaces.

1. Produce industry ready materials for dissemination through print and digital media

2. Use a vector-based wireframetool for designing and prototyping user experiences

3. Carry out low fidelity user testing of digital interfaces

The broad aim of this module is to provide an environment for students to apply creative, critical and reflective faculties in relation to real life design solutions. The students work on professional design project from products, systems, services, and interactions in conjunction with external clients, bodies and agencies.

1. Conduct design research to inform design decisions and innovation

2. Incorporatedesign thinking strategies on how research and insights informed design solutions

3. Applying design thinking to iterate, develop, test and refine thedesign solutions.

4. Reflect on the significance of multidisciplinary approaches to problems
5. Present coherent and reflective arguments to support design strategies and decisions
6. Communicate strategically the role and value of design in entrepreneurial and professional contexts

This module concentrates on the value and use of specific research strategies that are determined by studio projects. The emphasis is on positioning the student's design project in the context of contemporary design perspectives and on developing effective research methodologies through the submission of a Research Document that critically charts and evaluates their research path.

1. Generate, collect,collate and communicate primary and secondarysources of data and information
2. Initiate,identify and integrate relevant research methodologies for meaningful design solutions
3. take responsibility for the scheduling and management of research initiatives from inception to fruition
4. determine ways of addressing issues pertaining to function, use, ergonomics, styling and trends in a variety of research-for-design contexts
5. engage effectively in creative decision-making processes andproblem-solving activities in an independent manner

During the course of this module the student-designer, through different elements and activities, engages and applies acquired skills and preferred communication styles and skills to communicate Design-related ideas, perspectives and findings effectively. Central to this is an awareness of the role of team/group work in creating and branding a team design visual identity to a professional standard.

1. Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively with and liaise betweenclients and other stakeholders through a team visual identity.

2. Deliver persuasive presentations of ideas or designs using appropriate media.

3. Identify and apply communication strategies to secure employment in the design-related fieldanddevelop entrepreneurship.

4. Produce professionaldocumentation and content relevant to Design including design briefs, reports and project-specific evaluations.

5. Collaborate in groups/teamsin themaking of decisions, project planning, problem-solving and the facilitation ofothers.

This final module of the honours degree program provides an opportunity for students to apply professional creative and reflective faculties in relation to real design challenges. The students will work to identify critical issues and propose professional near future design solutions to a theme issued by program staff.

1. Identify design issues based on a broad theme by conductinghigh level design research.

2. Correlate, analyse and evalute user-centred information and data to prioritise design specific criteria
3. Determine best practice in working with clients through the different design stages and processes
4. Understanding of commercialawarenessin the context of the design process

5. Communicate strategically the role and value of design in entrepreneurial and professional contexts
6. Present coherent and reflective arguments to support design strategies and decisions

In this module students will create an advanced professional digital C.V and portfolio where they will use design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Audacity, Dreamweaver and Wix to produce a digital portfolio and a web presences. The students will be introduced to the technology and software required to create a web presences for the end of year design showcase.

1. Create an personalprofessionallogo and brand for a digital and print portfolio.

2. Use professional digitalsoftware to produce an online digital portfolio.

3. Create an professional digital CV & porfolio which will be use in conjunction with ProfessionalPractice modulefor interviewswhich are organise with employers and to gain future employment as a designer when they graduate.
4. Have the knowledge to produce a digital presencefor the end of year Design Showcase through the use of web and social media.

The emphasis in this module is to further enhance research skills that will enable the student to engage with clients, stakeholders and other relevant public bodies through the application of advanced research skills. This will involve setting up client/expert/user testing research strategies. Public engagement will be reinforced through the organisation and structure of a Symposium by the student cohort. This provides a platform for student's research and encourages effective communication skills. Effective writing skills will be further enhanced through the submission of a Research Paper.

1. Initiate, identify and integrate relevant research methodologies for meaningful design solutions.
2. Determine ways of addressing issues pertaining to function,use, ergonomics, sustainability and trends in a variety of research-for-design contexts.
3. Engage effectively in creative decision making processes and problem-solving activities in both group and independent situations.
4. Interact professionally with team members, project contributors and external agencies.
5. Propose solutions to design problems, informed by meaningful and relevant research.

During the course of this module, the student-designer engages and applies, through different elements and activities, essential transferable and soft skills to communicate ideas, perspectives and findings relating to their own design work. Central to the development and promotion of a credible designer profile and presence is the identification, articulation and visualisation of attributes, goals and values pertinent to personal/ career objectives.

1. Disseminateknowledge and applyskills in ways that are relevant topitching design-related expertise and insights and the development of practice.

2. Deliver persuasive presentations of ideas or designs using appropriate media.

3. Identify and apply strategies for securing employment in the design market and/ordeveloping entrepreneurship in a design-related field.

4. Produce professional written documentation and content relevant to the realm of Design includingproject-specific reports and CV/online profile elements.

5. Collaborate with relevantstakeholdersinmakingdecisions on student designeridentity and an emerging designerpractice.