Course syllabus autumn 2016
Course syllabus autumn 2016
Title
Designing for wearables
Swedish title
Designing for wearables
Course code
KD337A
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2015-03-02
Syllabus valid from
2015-08-31
Entry requirements
- General eligibility + the equivalent of English course B in Swedish secondary school.
- At least 30 credits in a relevant field, such as computer science, interaction design, performance design, graphic design, visual communication, fashion, product design or equivalent.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
No main field.
Course objectives
Technology has for long been a means for modifying the functionality of the human body and a
tool for personal expression. As technology has become more digital it has changed the concepts of
identity, human behaviour and how we communicate with one and other. As technology progresses it
started to blur the notion of personal technology where technology has become a means for
identification in both a physical and virtual sense.
This course deals with the intersection of design, fashion and physical prototyping as a means for
personal development through both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. The course
seeks to construct knowledge whit in the field through a design-oriented exploration approached
where theory will be continuously mix with practical outcomes.
This course explores the emerging filed of wearable computing to reach a deeper understanding of
what it means to embody technology through an integrated approach between creative, cultural,
productive marketing and communication aspects.
This course mixes student for different fields where they content is based upon a interdisciplinary
approach to the subject.
Course contents
In this course we will study how technology can be used in wearable contexts as a means to
complement the functions of the human body and enhance personal expression. The course
covers product design, fashion design and prototype production. The course offers a theoretical
introduction and foundation, which is iterated through practical course elements in the form of
concept development and prototyping.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge in
and understanding of:
- how portable technology can be used as a medium for personal expression within cultural communication and critical reflection (1)
- basic understanding of product design (2)
- basic understanding of interactive design (3)
- different methods for examining and developing design concepts (4)
- basic tools for prototype development (5)
- basic electronics (6)
- basic programming skills (7)
- advanced understanding of technology suited for a portable context. (8)
Upon completion of the course the student should also be able to:
- participate in, and reflect upon, interdisciplinary design processes (9)
- develop and implement ideas for functioning prototypes. (10)
Upon completion of the course, the student should have sufficient practical and theoretical
- knowledge in order to, unaided, be able to:
- develop own thoughts and tentative design for how one can use existing technology as a medium for personal expression (11)
- critically reflect on the own design process using the methods and tools presented during the course (12)
- critically reflect the design processes of others and be able to give constructive feedback. (13)
- Develop working prototypes based on original ideas (14)
Learning activities
The course is built around a studio-based learning environment, with a combination of lectures, practical workshops and seminars. The students will work both in groups and individually. The students will also have the opportunity for supervision during the course.
Course literature and other study material
Olsson, Tony. (2012). Arduino wearables. [Berkeley, Calif.]: Apress
Quinn, Bradley (2002). Techno fashion. Oxford: Berg
Seymour, Sabine (2008). Fashionable technology: the intersection of design, fashion, science and technology. Wien: Springer
Course evaluation
The course is evaluated in writing by all students and orally together with teachers in the form of group discussion. The results are analyzed by the responsible teacher and reported in writing to the students.
Additional information
The Swedish title of the course is ”Design för bärbar teknologi”.