Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives:

In order to be part of a leading design team, it is essential to be able to develop and communicate new interaction design concepts for the implementation and production of future electronic devices. The course rationale is that students need to have an understanding of physical interaction design processes, where ideas are formed, developed and tested in proof-of-concept models that can be demonstrated to others via video, poster presentations, and working prototypes. The focus is on understanding and applying design and development strategies needed to move from concept to working prototype, with the most recent tools and techniques for producing new forms, input/output from computers and embedded systems, and interactive systems and devices. The course incorporates advanced fabrication techniques; students should be able to build a prototype for any concept they can imagine. By incorporating computer-assisted industrial and electronic design techniques, knowledge about specific design tools and procedures is gained. In order to be able to apply this knowledge, a thorough understanding of the many underlying concepts is required.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the module will obtain the following qualifications:

• The student must have knowledge about various approaches to Concept Design methodologies
• The student must have knowledge about standard methods and techniques for prototyping of new devices and systems
• The student must be able to understand the relationship between concept development and implementation/fabrication, specifically regarding research-based prototyping techniques

Skills

Students who complete the module will obtain the following qualifications:

• The student must be able to apply concept design methods and prototyping techniques to real world scenarios involving fabrication of objects or systems with intended functionalities (e.g. responsive environments, interactive games, robots, musical interfaces, public installations, etc.)  Specific skills to be gained by the student may include many of the following:
• Knowledge of concept development techniques
• Knowledge of modelling and design tools
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping techniques
• Understanding advanced microcontroller programming
• Understanding sensors, actuators, and displays
• Understanding wired and wireless communication protocols
• Understanding 3D input devices and haptics
• Understanding iterative development (redesign/polish of product)
• Understanding circuit design (schematic to printed circuit board)
• Understanding Field Programmable Gate Arrays

Competences

Students who complete the module will obtain the following qualifications:

• The student must be able to analyse a problem, design a solution and translate it into an rapid prototyping design
• The student must be able to analyse his/her solutions in order to compare and assess the potential of different concept design methods and prototyping techniques, iteratively making the proper design choices
• The student must be able to synthesize results and concepts in a professional way equivalent to practices in both academic and industrial contexts

Type of instruction

For the types of instruction for this course, see § 17.

Exam

Exams