Project 1: Methodology in Product Design

Education facts

Code: 5ID224

The course introduces methods for rapid ethnography studies and participatory design with a user-centred approach. The course also includes creative group methods for synthesis of conclusions, insights, ideation and concept development. During the course the students will define and select a relevant design opportunity of their own choice and reflect and argue for the intended approach, project planning and the completed the project work. The final outcome of the course is a design solution addressing the identified problem, in most cases a proposal for a product or a system. The course focuses on a specific user group and context. It is usually carried out in collaboration with a predetermined partner. The course consists of the following modules: **1. User studies, group workshop and brainstorming, 3 credits** This module teaches design methodology for practical user studies and includes observations, interviews, visual documentation and general information gathering. It concludes with a structured documentation of the students learning process and conclusions. A group workshop and brainstorm is carried out where the students will explore, identify and structure relevant problems, followed by the ideation and initial visualization of potential design opportunities. This module ends with the students choosing and defining their own project direction within the defined scope of the course. **2. Design and development work, 9 credits** This module trains the practical design of a product or a system with a focus on functionality, technology and user needs, by translating the insights from previous modules into a concrete concept and design proposal. **3. Visualization and documentation, 3 credits** The final module focuses on design refinement and visualization of the design concept using suitable media. The module ends with a final presentation and the submission of a written report that summarizes the student's work process and final projects result.

Entry requirements

Univ: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS credits in the field of Design. In addition, the student must have passed the first 7,5 ECTS of first year level master courses at Umeå Institute of Design or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Project 1: Methodology in Product Design

  Umeå University

  Umeå

  Start date: 2 November 2026

  End date: 17 January 2027

  Pace of study: 100 %