Student-Led Visual Research: International Design Moments

Overview:

This semester, second-year product design students at SETU Carlow embarked on an enriching journey through the "International Design Movements" module, where they delved into over a century of design evolution, from 1900 to the present. The objective was to summarize, organize, and communicate the impact of key design movements, their influential figures, and the pivotal roles these played in shaping contemporary design landscapes.

The project, titled "100+ Year Design Timeline," was not just an educational task but a collaborative adventure. Students were grouped to explore various international design movements. Each group tackled different eras, ranging from early foundational movements like Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau to modernist and contemporary movements like Bauhaus, Minimalism, and Sustainable Design.

The groups employed a variety of tools, including Post-It Notes and printouts, to create a visual map on the studio wall. This approach not only facilitated a hands-on learning experience but also fostered teamwork and deepened their understanding of design’s interconnectedness with societal, cultural, and technological shifts.

One of the significant highlights was the creation of "International Design Movement Boards." Using an Adobe Illustrator template, each group synthesized their research into visual representations, which they later presented. These boards encapsulated the philosophy, key figures, and influential works of the movements, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview.

The students were assessed on various criteria including the depth of their research, the holistic connectivity of their findings, and their ability to visually illustrate the impact of these design movements. The culmination of this project was marked by group presentations on November 7th, where the mounted boards served as a backdrop for verbal presentations, showcasing their findings and professional communication skills.

This project was a testament to the power of collaborative exploration in learning. By engaging with the past, these young designers gained not only knowledge but also inspiration, which is essential as they continue to shape the future of design.

In conclusion, SETU Carlow’s initiative to blend historical insights with practical, collaborative methodologies offers a blueprint for educational excellence in design, encouraging students to think critically and creatively about the role of design in society.

Learning Pedagogy & Methods:

At SETU Carlow, the learning pedagogy adopted for the second-year product design course, specifically in the "International Design Movements" module, is an innovative blend of collaborative and experiential learning strategies. This educational approach is designed to immerse students deeply in the study of historical and contemporary design movements, enriching their understanding and application of design principles in today’s world.

Collaborative Learning

The core of the module’s pedagogy is rooted in collaborative learning. Students work in teams to research and analyze different design movements spanning from the early 20th century to the present. This teamwork is structured around shared goals of creating comprehensive visual timelines and presentation boards that summarize the evolution of design styles, philosophies, and the socio-economic forces that shaped them. This collaborative environment encourages students to exchange ideas, debate design concepts, and collectively develop a nuanced understanding of each movement’s impact on modern design.

Studio-Based Learning

Studio-based learning forms an integral part of the course structure. Students spend extensive hours in the studio, engaging with physical materials, visual aids, and digital tools to create their project outputs. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing practical skills in design and visual communication, as well as for fostering a direct connection with the material being studied. It also mirrors real-world design studio conditions, preparing students for professional environments.

Experiential Learning

By applying their theoretical knowledge to create tangible outputs, students engage in experiential learning. The use of Adobe Illustrator to design their presentation boards allows them to integrate digital tools with traditional design processes, enhancing their technical skills and digital literacy. Moreover, the requirement to present their findings verbally in front of peers and instructors simulates real-world scenarios where designers must communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

Independent and Team-Based Learning

The course is structured to balance independent learning with team-based activities. Each student is expected to contribute individual research to their group projects, promoting personal responsibility and self-directed learning. Meanwhile, team-based learning hours are significant, fostering a collaborative mindset that is essential in modern design practices.

Project Outcomes:

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