Entry requirements

1. Bachelor degree in media technology or in a related field with a minimum 180 European Credit Transfer System credits. Examples of related fields include: computer science, informatics, information systems, human-computer interaction, interaction design, media/IT management, game development, media and communication science and digital cultural studies.
2. English proficiency equivalent to English 6 from a Swedish upper secondary school.

Progression level in relation to degree requirements

The course is part of the main area of study media technology and can be included in the degree requirements for a Degree of Master of Science in Media Technology (120 credits).

Course contents

• Design theory and processes,
• Idea generation and concept development techniques,
• Sketching and prototype development of software, hardware, digital services and organisational processes,
• Testing and evaluation,
• Analyses of user and market needs.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course students should be able to:

• explain the role of prototype development in relation to technology, user and business needs,
• discuss how design and prototyping can create value for different stakeholders,
• demonstrate understanding of design theory and design processes in prototyping.

Competence and abilities
By the end of the course students should be able to:

• apply appropriate prototyping tools and methods in different stages of design and development,
• create and develop concepts,
• build prototypes of various types,
• test and evaluate prototypes with users,
• manage design and prototype development processes,
• communicate innovations in different contexts.

Evaluation abilities and approach
By the end of the course students should be able to:

• combine knowledge about technology, users and business needs and translate these into design practice,
• choose and justify sustainable prototype development approaches for specific situations,
• assess value creation through design and prototype development.

Learning activities

The course consists of lectures, workshops and project work.

Assessment

Grading is based on oral and written examination, including a prototyping project.

The course is assessed based on the following:

• Written examination (2 credits, UA)
• Assignments (3 credits, UA)
• Project (2.5 credits, UA)

To pass the course (A-E): Passing grade on all parts above is required.

The final course grade is calculated based on the weighted average of assessed parts.

Course literature

• Brown, T. (2009). Change by design. New York: Harper Collins.
• Buxton, B. (2007). Sketching user experiences. Oxford, UK: Elsevier.
• Goodwin, K. (2009). Designing for the digital age: How to create human-centered products and services. New York: Wiley.
• Kumar, V (2013). 101 Design methods. New York: John Wiley.
• Muratovski, G. (2016). Research for designers: A guide to methods and practice. London: Sage.
• Valentine, L. (2013). Prototype: Design and craft in the 21st century. London: Bloomsbury.

A collection of scientific articles will be added to the above mentioned literature.

Course evaluation

The University provides students who are taking or have completed a course with the opportunity to share their experiences of and opinions about the course in the form of a course evaluation that is arranged by the University. The University compiles the course evaluations and notifies the results and any decisions regarding actions brought about by the course evaluations. The results shall be kept available for the students. (HF 1:14).

Interim rules

When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.

Additional information

If a student has a Learning support decision, the examiner has the right to provide the student with an adapted test, or to allow the student to take the exam in a different format.

The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.