Download Design Interactions Programme Specifications (PDF).
During the first year emphasis is placed on set projects which explore different design approaches, contexts and roles in relation to emerging technologies. The first project of the year is for both first and second years. The first project is designed to open up a space for discussion, experimentation and debate about the relationship between design and technology. It is also an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, and how the programme and College work.
The next few projects are designed to expose students to different design roles, contexts and approaches in relation to new technology. Most of these projects will be led by either a member of the core teaching team or a visiting tutor. They will last between one to five weeks.
Guests with specialist knowledge and skills will plug in to each project giving tutorials, talks or crits. Guest lecturers and course staff will also give talks about their work and ideas as part of the weekly evening talk series.
There will be short workshops throughout the first year exploring different technical skills such as software and electronics prototyping, scenario-making and video. Students also undertake the mandatory Critical & Historical Studies programme in their first year, in which a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials culminates in the submission of a dissertation at the start of the second year.
Besides gaining experience as an intern, the summer is an ideal time for students to reflect on what they have learnt during the first year and to think about their design focus for the second year.
During the second year students are expected to initiate their own projects and build up a body of work that reflects the professional context they wish to practise in.
At the start of the second year, students participate in a four-week project set for the whole programme. Following this they are assigned a Personal Tutor and will begin to negotiate their areas of interest and final projects.
Throughout the second year, students are expected to become progressively independent. The emphasis is on developing a body of work that reflects the intellectual and creative requirements of the context they wish to work within on graduation. Students will meet with their tutor on a weekly basis, either individually or in small groups, and will present their work to the whole programme and visiting critics at least twice a term. They will also be able to discuss their work with other staff and visiting tutors.