Nordic product designLaajuus (3 cr)

Objective

- Developing an understanding of design history, contemporary design and design-thinking in Nordic countries, particularly in Finland.
- Developing theoretical and practical knowledge in ecologically driven product and material design.
- Exploring themes of design thinking and critical design in the creative process.
- Fostering a creative process to produce a broader array of ideas, from ideation and experimentation to presentation.

Content

The Nordic Product Design Summer School is an intensive interdisciplinary course focusing on a specific approach towards the design of products, materials and systems akin to Nordic countries. The course explores themes of design thinking along the current trajectory of Nordic design in the realm of ecological values, sustainable futures, aesthetics, materiality and critical design. The first phase of the course is focused on developing a theoretical understanding of these themes, its practice and history in Nordic Countries, particularly in Finland, through visual material, film, critical/ interactive dialogues and assignments.

The second phase of the course will involve practical explorations, assignments, workshops and experiments, initially in groups and later individually. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to foster a creative process, from ideation to artefact, and to be equipped with an approach towards design thinking and practice in the Nordic context.

Evaluation

Assessment
• Commitment to research and individual/group assignments
• Quality of personal learning diary
• Attendance

Grading
Pass/fail or 0-5
Excellent (5)
Good (3-4)
Satisfactory (1-2)
Fail (0)

Qualifications

None