A studio-based learning approach is taken which allows the learners to be supported through a series of open challenges centered around the understanding of the value of the IP in their design work and the opportunities to develop this value through commercial or social enterprise
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the professional/industry element of the business
environment when creating a design practice, a business plan, commercialisation opportunity or research
development. There is a particular emphasis on recognising the value in their design work and setting out a framework to protect that value in terms of IP management. It aims to equip the learner with some of the skills required to function in the commercial environment
successfully and to develop an understanding of design entrepreneurship. The module further aims to provide the learner with the tools to evaluate the value of their design ideas and to communicate this value effectively to potential investors in the form of a business plan.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Understand and evaluate the value in a design or innovation. The learner should be able to see the value in the design proposal, including its non-comercial value. The learner will be able to demonstrate how to curate the high-value design assets maximize this value through options ranging from stand-alone business through to a license model.
LO2
Navigate the IP landscape associated with design ranging from establishing freedom to operate through to recognizing and protecting the valuable IP arising for a design project. The learner will be able to demonstrate the workflow around the protection or disclosure of their IP ranging from open source disclosure through full patent protection or total non-disclosure (trade secret)
LO3
Create a business model and business plan that explore a value proposition and expand this out into the key performance metrics that will allow the learner to fully understand the position of their product and communicate this position to external stakeholders including investors or enterprise support agencies (EI)
LO4
Demonstrate knowledge of how a design business could be established to develop out the value of their design projects. Factors such as capital, income, expense and cash flow will be considered in the context of a design start up both in terms of keeping track of the business and communicating the health and value of the business to external stakeholders.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Recognizing, preserving, and maximizing the value potential in design
The learner will be engaged with recognizing value within design projects and exploring the different types of innovation that can maximise this value. Through the use of a business model canvas, the learner will explore potential routes getting value from the idea ranging from establishing a dedicated business through to licensing the IP.
Navigating the IP Landscape
The module will introduce the fundamentals of navigating the IP landscape. Performing critical review of patents to establish IP whitespace to spot IP potential and establish freedom to operate. The module also introduces some of the tools typically used to protect innovations or controlled disclosure as they proceed through their development cycle.
Determining and presenting the project value
Collecting together key performance forecast information and a strong IP case the module will assist the learner in presenting their innovation to external stakeholders in a concise and compelling format.
Design Studio (Resource)
A dedicated space designed to allow for studio-based learning. This space is specific to a particular learning group. While used to deliver studio-based education the space is available to accommodate learners outside scheduled/timetabled hours. It provides a safe learnerdriven, peer-reviewed environment, supported on a one-to-one basis. It supports the synthesis of parallel concurrent modular knowledge, skills and competency with prior learning & personal aesthetic judgement, to resolve specific design research question/s
Assessment Breakdown
%
Project
100.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Project
The learner will produce an IP report cataloging the IP landscape in which their potential design or innovation sits coupled with documentation establishing freedom to operate and planning to support their proposed IP strategy. The learner will support this with a verbal presentation on their IP position.
1,2
50.00
Week 25
Project
The learner will present a business plan report outlining the feasibility of bringing a proposed project to fruition. This will include a business model and may also include a plan to establish a company or social enterprise to bring the proposal to fruition.
3,4
50.00
Sem 2 End
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment