THD110 – Design Theories, Practitioners and Context

This module introduces students to a range of design philosophies, approaches and thinking, and to the work of influential design practitioners. Students will develop a basic foundation of knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical and historical contexts which have shaped modern design, and which could potentially influence students’ own work.

 The module will intentionally take a broad view that covers a range of design disciplines, to avoid ‘tunnel vision’, and to open up the creative possibilities for your work, which can also be found outside your specialist areas of study. Tutors may choose to take a position on certain design issues which differs from your own, and which challenges conventional thinking, and provokes debate. Students will be expected to independently research the subject areas covered in lectures and to demonstrate their ability to define and discuss relevant aspects of design theory and history in the assignment(s).