IDE2808

Consumer product design 1

3 points - 2 studio hours and 4 independent study hours per week - Second semester - Caulfield - Prerequisites: IDE2103 or IAR2103 or DGN2103 - Co-requisites: none - Prohibitions: none - Elective

Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students should understand and be able to discuss the major design movements that have, over the last six decades or so, influenced consumer product design; the underlying philosophies that are embodied in each product discussed; the aesthetic values that make the product appealing and marketable; and the technological advances, such as electronic miniaturisation, that have dramatically affected product design generally, and consumer product design in particular.

Synopsis The subject is designed to increase the students awareness of notable examples of consumer product design. Published material on chosen examples is critically appraised, compiled into a written report and presented to the class for discussion. In the selection of design projects, students become familiar with industry classification of product groupings and select from the following classifications of semi automatic products: small domestic appliances, personal care products, small audio, radio and telecommunications. Studio-based activity involves design projects incorporating electro-mechanical components and devices to high volume mass-produced consumer products in the context of changing design trends.

Assessment Written assignments: 30% - Portfolio submissions: 70%

Recommended texts

Bayley S (ed.) The Conran directory of design Conran, 1985
The international design book Thames and Hudson (released each year, and edited by a guest editor each year)

Back to the 1999 Art and Design Handbook