Digital Design MA/MSc

Modules

Block 1: Design Values and the Value of Design

This studio-based module explores what design stands for, the values that shape it, and the impact it can have on people, organisations and communities. You will examine the relationship between ethics, culture, sustainability and economics, considering how design can create meaningful change across both digital and physical environments.

Through research, critical thinking and practical application, students will explore how design responds to social, environmental and commercial challenges. The module introduces key principles of sustainable and regenerative practice, including circular design and the Design Council’s Skills for Planet framework, while encouraging collaboration across different design disciplines.

You will develop research, communication and project management skills, enabling you to confidently apply your understanding of design’s purpose, value and impact within professional practice.

Block 2: Research and Design Methodology

In this module you will engage with current design research, professional practices, and advanced scholarship in your discipline. Throughout the module, you will create new hypotheses, form independent judgements in complex and unpredictable design situations, and learn to communicate them appropriately to professional and non-specialist audiences.

You will consider the role of research within a design context, and reflect on your personal attributes, skills, and values as a contemporary researcher. Typical content will include research design; gathering, managing, and analysing data; developing critical and ethical practices; and reporting and presenting research findings.

Block 3: Select one from the following:

• UX and UI

This module is designed to prepare you for a career in UX/UI design. You will develop the skills to design a user interface that enhances the user experience using tools and techniques used in industry.

The content of the module will include conducting research to devise a UX Strategy and you will develop an understanding of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Interface guidelines and best practice. You will apply UX design principles, tools and techniques to an existing or new design solution incorporating awareness of Inclusive design, data security and privacy. The design concept will be enhanced with usability testing and performance reviews (using data analysis) leading to further design iterations.

• Technology for Design

Technological advancement in design and manufacturing techniques are growing exponentially. Designers of all specialisms are curious about how technology can help them create and innovate to develop new practice, effect change things and affect the way we live. This module aims to provide a platform for you to explore a range of technologies and help to advance your knowledge and practice in this area.

You will research a range of technologies and work with the staff team to identify an area which you would like to investigate, which could include computer aided design; computer visualisation; virtual prototyping; direct digital manufacturing and the development of new equipment, materials, artefacts and devices. Staff will assist and provide guidance in the partnering of student and technology where possible, internal within the university or external in local industry.

• Narrative Spaces

This module will explore how the design of spaces can tell a story. You will consider the interaction between objects, space and stories, to better understand complex ideas, messages or emotional connections and empathy. The interpretation of ‘space’ will be stretched beyond physical space, and you will also explore how digital platforms can play a significant role in enhancing and immersing people in the built environment. There will be a particular focus on how modern retail environments and progressive museum and exhibition design use a combination of spaces and experiences to convey a story.

You will produce a group design project and presentation as a design team, with flexibility within the design brief to propose a multi-layered design concept proposal.

Block 4: Design Synthesis and Problem Solving

This module develops the skills and approaches needed to respond to complex design challenges through research, creativity and strategic thinking. You will explore how designers can move beyond assumptions, using evidence and insights to understand and address real-world problems.

Through experimentation, analysis and collaboration, you will explore a range of design tools and methods that support innovative problem-solving. The module encourages you to work across disciplines, translating research into design responses that are culturally relevant, ethically responsible, sustainable, and capable of creating positive social or commercial impact.

By the end of the module, you will have strengthened your design expertise and developed the confidence, curiosity and resilience needed to approach complex challenges with informed, strategic and innovative solutions.

Blocks 5 and 6: Select one from the following:

• Major Project

In this module you will be supported to demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to your own research and advanced scholarship in the completion of a major project. You will demonstrate your ability to use initiative and ingenuity, make complex decisions and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

You will have the choice of either a major focus on design practice supported by a written critical evaluation (practice) or a major focus on the critical evaluation supported by a condensed design practice (academic). This should reflect your chosen path after graduation, should that be into design practice or continuing to an academic path.

• Work-based Project

This module provides the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills acquired from the course in a practical context - for example working with a fashion, textile or design company on the development of a prototype innovation. It is anticipated that this work-based live project will include experience of working on the design or development of products within an area of fashion, textiles or design. You will bring together all aspects of the course ranging from research methodologies to discipline-specific modules. This work-based project will receive supervision from the host organisation and the university and outcomes will be negotiated and may include a mix of a research reports for the host and/or plans.

Overview

Assessment is primarily through design presentations supported by written work. In term one, you can also take part in the RSA Student Design Awards.

Contact hours

In your first two terms you will normally attend around 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 23 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week.

Specialisms

The Digital Design MA gives you the opportunity to specialise in the following:

• Media design, including multimedia design, web design, 2D and 3D computer animation, visual and special effects for TV and film, mobile app design for tablets and smart phones, computer and video games, virtual and augmented reality and 2D and 3D visualisation
• Product design, including the design of any computer-based or screen-based product such as smartphones, smart TV’s, tablet devices, smart watches, games consoles, smart household appliances, information systems and 3D digital printing
• Interior design, including digital display and projection design, intelligent interiors, lighting and furniture design
• Exhibition, museum and installation design, including digital heritage resources, archaeology, interactive kiosk and installation design, virtual museums and exhibitions
• Graphic design, including the design of ebooks, e-learning, interface design, interaction design and digital signage
• Fashion design, including wearable devices, smart clothing and digital fabrics
• Branding and marketing design, including corporate identity design, logo design, social media marketing, digital channel advertising and promotion