Module Title:Modelling for user validation
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Through the use of the modeling studio and workshop, the learners are supported in the use of physical prototypes to discover user need and validate the discovered design solutions through structured testing.
Module Aim: The aim of the module is to apply a range of high fidelity and low fidelity prototyping techniques to efficiently gather feedback and more specifically validate the designs. The module also aims to train the learners in the use of computer-assisted prototyping techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Design and execute needs finding and validation test plans using a mix of appropriately selected high fi and low fi modeling techniques
LO2 Design and build high fidelity functional and appearance models to validate user needs
LO3 Confidently use the CAD/CAM facilities of the modeling studio to 3D print, laser-cut, and vinyl cut components for use in 3D models with a minimum of supervision.
LO4 Perform measurements and make recordings of the performance of the prototypes in user validation testing and from this data make extrapolations, findings, and proposals for design refinements
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
Selecting appropriate model
Utilizing information theory and technical standards the module will examine the most effective and efficient model-making techniques to discover the required information. This will examine the role of "works like", "looks like" and "feels like " models and how splitting this functionality can yeild more rapid development times
Model building with a purpose
Building low-fi and high-fi models using the full range of techniques available to a modern design model making studio with the expressed purpose of test and validation
Utilizing the full capabilities of the rapid prototyping facilities
Through carefully selected case studies the learners will become comfortable with the use of 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and other equipment to produce advanced models which would be prohibitively difficult without these techniques.
User testing prototypes
n/a
Assessment Breakdown%
Project75.00%
Practical25.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Phase 1:Design a design validation plan utilizing a range of low-fi and high-fi prototypes and produce the prototypes to support this plan. Suitable validation case studies will be provided. Phase 2: Execute this user testing and make the appropriate measurements and extrapolate findings 1,4 50.00 n/a
Project Design and build high fidelity functional and appearance models to validate user needs 2 25.00 End-of-Semester
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Demonstrate competence in computer-assisted model making techniques through a series of exercises using CAD/CAM and simple circuit building to generating a high-fidelity physical model 3 25.00 Week 27
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 4.00
Total Hours 4.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_DHPDI_B Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Product Design Innovation 4 Mandatory
CW_DHIDE_D Bachelor of Arts in Design 4 Mandatory