Class Design Laboratory

This CU aims to explore the contributions of design as an agent of social change through practical projects developed in real contexts. The projects are created in conjunction with 3rd sector institutions and seek to address emerging societal challenges. This CU favours collaborative work and encourages critical reasoning and systemic thinking; experimentation and dynamic problem-solving through the identification, formulation and methodological resolution of problems; creativity and intellectual curiosity in the search for innovative solutions; the development of interpersonal and collaborative skills in order to promote the exchange of ideas and the sharing of ideals.

Not applicable

This CU emphasises the design process as a fundamental methodology for developing projects. Different subdomains of design are worked on, depending on the requirements of the project, in order to provide original, innovative and assertive responses to the problems raised. The syllabus is divided into 4 blocks related to the phases of the design process, adopting an iterative approach according to the demands of the process: problem definition - research using mixed methods (collection of documentary information, interviews, participant observation, case studies, visual research, mind maps...); ideation - studying ways of approaching the project, how it can be materialised; prototyping - usability tests at different stages of the project, study of materials, functional aspects, accessibility, technical characteristics; implementation and delivery - producing a model, communicating the project and handing it over to the client.

The CU is of a laboratory nature and students can carry out the project individually or in groups. Regardless of the option, and given the nature of the course, the emphasis is on teamwork and cooperation between students in the classroom, sharing problems, ideas and possible solutions for optimised design results. At the start of the semester, a presentation is made of the partner institution and a project proposal. A work methodology is defined, divided into 4 phases (problem definition, ideation, prototyping, implementation) and a timetable is set for completing these phases. The project phases are monitored by the lecturer who will introduce different research and development methods depending on the requirements of the project, and will mediate relations with the partner institution.

Costa, A. (2019). Demência — Desdramatizada e colorida. Prime Books. Ku, Bon, & Lupton, Ellen (2022). Health Design Thinking: Creating products and services for better health. Cooper Hewitt. Norman, D. (2023). Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity Centered. The MIT Press