Footwear Design

This module will introduce numerous visual styles and techniques to inform the design and development process.

The module will look at product illustration, mood board creation, schematic drawings, presentation techniques, material sourcing, design development process, fashion markets and range building. All of these areas will be taught and explored in a practical order so that each new skill will benefit from prior learning of previous skills.

Assessment: 70% research & development and 30% practical package

This module introduces pattern cutting for footwear design and the development of a variety of basic shoe styles into pattern form, using 2D and 3D translation techniques. The participation and completion of this module will enable you to acquire a comprehensive overview of footwear from initial design concept to finished product.

Practical techniques and skills will be developed, and work compiled into an in-depth technical reference file, providing both theoretical and practical underpinning of the design and manufacturing process.

In addition to the practical skills, you will explore critical studies through lectures, seminars, and tutorials, looking at research and resource method and introducing key designers of the fashion area.

Assessment: 60% technical enquiry and 30% practical application.

This module introduces the techniques, processes, and methods necessary to enable you to develop knowledge and skills in footwear manufacture. Further extending the skill acquisition for transition from design to prototype including pattern development, material selection and construction techniques.

Assessment:  60% design file and 40% practical resolution

This module consolidates the learning from level 4, allowing you to use a range of design research and development skills in the creation of a design package. You are encouraged to use digital and traditional technologies to produce concepts and conclusions for relevant independently defined contexts. You will be introduced to a broader range of visual and technical communication approaches.

The practical content is further underpinned by theoretical content delivered by the Design Cultures department to contextualise current practice within an historical framework. Students will consider origins and influences - how traditions develop and evolve in response to social and political - as well as research methods, visual literacy, and the skills for academic writing.

Assessment: 50% concept package and 50% other coursework

This module will cover the elements of Bespoke, or made-to-measure footwear, as one of the oldest forms of manufactured footwear in existence. There will be practical demonstrations and speciality lectures to highlight the unique skills connected with Bespoke, Orthopaedic and Biomechanical Performance footwear production.

The module will enable and encourage, input and feedback to be given by external clients and practitioners, exposing your work to comment and analysis from professionals within the footwear industry. Where feasible, a visit to a relevant footwear production unit may take place.

Assessment: 60% development file and 40% bespoke package

This module is focused on the design development and communication of a range of footwear for a defined markets and sector areas. You will assume the role of the designer in developing a design project. Including the investigation of materials, components, and the effect of other consumer product areas on the design process.

Presentation skills will be reinforced with the input from CAD with new information being delivered via workshops and seminars with time allowed for you to explore these skills before developing them in order to answer the module brief.

In addition to the footwear briefs, you will explore critical studies through lectures, seminars and tutorials addressing clothing communication, society, and professional practice.

Design Cultures contextual teaching is included in this module. At Level 5 students engage with issues and debates including sustainability, gender, and cross-cultural awareness. You will research and explore relevant historical, theoretical, critical, and global concepts underpinning their understanding of contemporary issues in the fashion industry.

Assessment: 50% concept development and 50% other coursework

This module is focused on the design development, resolution and communication of a range of footwear for a specific athletic and performance market context. Providing you with an experience of design for increasingly diverse market sectors and a more comprehensive understanding of industry standards and requirements.

There will be opportunities to explore the design and technical process in increasing depth, whilst there will be further theoretical underpinning through lectures and seminars on Biomechanics. The module will enable input and feedback to be given by external clients and practitioners, exposing your work to comment and analysis from professionals in the footwear industry.

Assessment: 80% design enquiry and 20% design presentation

This module is focused on advancing your design development, resolution, and communication skills via a self-initiated project. You will undertake an investigation of a defined market and context of your own preference. Establishing a platform for more in-depth research and development of design methodologies, technical processes, materials, and design communication.

There will be opportunities to undertake workshops in advanced 3D and digital production. Providing you with a broader awareness of innovative design and development practice.

Assessment: 70% design investigation and 30% design resolution

This module focuses on expanding your conceptual thinking, research, creative and technical skills, whilst providing a platform for the strengthening of a personal design direction.

A specific project brief will set, establishing a platform for a body visual research to be produced leading to a personal interpretation. Through considered investigation and analysis you will develop your ideas through advancing technical experimentation in a range of processes. Access is provided to a broad range of practical and digital production workshops, establishing an increasingly independent learning experience.

Assessment: 60% research & development and 40% coursework

This module focuses on advancing your research, creative and technical skills, whilst providing the opportunity to strengthen your personal design direction.

The project design brief will be co-created by the staff and you through negotiation, establishing a platform for a body of visual and technical research to be produced.

Thorough investigation and analysis allows you to develop your ideas through advancing technical experimentation in a range of processes and materials. You will be encouraged to compete in both national and global design awards which will further expose your work in the wider context.

Assessment: 70% research & development and 30% coursework

This module focuses on resolving your personal design direction by providing an opportunity to advance your independent research, creative and technical methods.

The project design brief will be co-created by the staff and you through negotiation, establishing a platform for a body of individually focused visual and technical research to be produced. Through thorough investigation and analysis, you will develop your ideas by advancing your technical experimentation in a variety of processes and materials. Access is provided to a broad range of practical and digital production workshops, establishing an increasingly independent learning experience. This will be further underpinned by teaching and support from the Design Cultures department.

For Design Cultures, you will consolidate your skills of research, organization, critical analysis, and communication in order to develop and agree a self-directed title for an extended essay or alternative assessment. A link between the written assignment and studio projects is encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theory and personal design practice.

Assessment: 75% design development & resolutions and 25% essay