This module will embed the induction process with the library and the Teaching & Learning Centre (TLC) online resources. It will guide on the synthesis of these resource into the day to day delivery and project work of this module. The learners will also be expected to engage in reading and developing their language around design appreciation.

Learners will be introduced a range of iconic designers primarily from a product design background but also from associated design disciplines. Through a series of lectures, presentation and videos learners will become aware of these designers, their philosophies, the focus of their design work and aid as an inspiration to their own design work and development. Some examples of design icons that could be covered are: Dieter Rems, Charles and Ray Eames, Marianne Brandt, Don Norman, Jony Ives, Neri Oxman, Zaha Hadid, Kenneth Grange, Ross Lovegrove, Thomas Heatherwick, Eileen Grey, Phillipe Starck, Raymond Lowey, Ron Arad, Ettori Sotsass, etc. The learners will also be introduced to verbal presentation the techniques and approach to delivering and effective verbal communication

As part of this module the learner will participate in a number of guided field trips to design focused museums and outlets. These destinations will vary depending in the exhibitions that are running at particular times. Some example might be Collins Barracks – Eileen Grey, Visual Carlow and Ikea. These trips are aligned with assessment deliveries and will inform on the deeper context of designers and designer products.

Learners will be introduced to celebrated designs that will aid as an inspiration in their own design education. By engaging in group discussions around particular designs, learners will develop this language of design appreciation. Through a series of lectures, presentation and videos learners will become aware of good design and develop that language to communicate this successfully. Some examples of products include: Modern Chair design, Normann of Copenhagen, Alessi, Iconic car design as well as a range of individual product that would be specific to projects running within the main studio module, emerging contemporary design. The learner will also be introduced to essay writing and the methodologies and approaches to academic writing, Referencing, plagiarism, essay structure, bibliography.

Learners will present for interview and submit a portfolio, reflective chart reviewing performance across the six key learning streams & future development plan

Learning is conducted in a dedicated space designed to allow for studio based learning. This space is specific to a particular learning group. While used to deliver studio based education the space is available to be used outside the time frame of the working day. It provides a safe learner driven, peer-reviewed environment, supported on a one-to-one basis. It supports the synthesis of parallel concurrent modular knowledge, skills and competency with prior learning & personal aesthetic judgement, to resolve specific design research question/s

Each learner requires access to studio computers. There should be access to printing and plotting facilities in order to complete Projects. The room must also be fitted with good quality projector, document visualiser and sound equipment for delivery of hybrid approaches.