Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Product Design (W241)

Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Product Design focuses on developing the creative professional practice, technological knowledge, and theoretical understanding required for careers in the field of product design. The program aims to produce adaptable and innovative thinkers who are comfortable working across multiple disciplines and collaborating in teams. Students learn to understand emerging technologies and processes while gaining the ability to develop an idea from the initial concept stage through development to a full component design specification suitable for manufacturing. The course explores essential areas of product design, including the design process, user research and experience, ideation and iterative development, ergonomics and inclusive design, sustainability and materials selection, and effective communication and visualisation. Through project-based modules and hands-on experiential learning, students develop their skills by working in studios and workshops to create both physical prototypes and digital solutions. The course also encourages collaboration across creative disciplines, providing opportunities for students to meet, learn, and work together, fostering creativity, innovation, and strong collaborative practice. This course develops essential knowledge and practical skills in both physical and digital product design. Students learn the fundamental principles of 3D design, including ergonomics, materials, scale, size, form, and function, which help ensure that products are functional, comfortable, and visually effective. The course also introduces key UX principles such as user-centered design, information architecture, hierarchy, visual flow, and accessibility to ensure designs meet user needs. Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software and applications used for prototyping and extended reality (XR) experiences, including Photoshop, Rhino, Blender, Figma, SketchUp, and Unity. Through these tools and methods, they apply visual language, form principles, and 3D thinking to communicate ideas and meaning effectively. The program also teaches techniques for shaping, visualizing, and presenting 3D forms while balancing hybrid physical and digital experiences. In addition, students develop an understanding of technical workshop operations and learn to use specialist immersive design facilities. Throughout the course, creative strategies are employed to generate, test, and evaluate innovative design concepts.