Engineering and design

Drawing for Design

Module code: H7112
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

Drawing and other visual practices have an important role to play not only in Product Design but in every discipline. Drawing helps to sharpen observational skills and enables rapid and accurate recording of key details.

Drawing and sketching enables you to understand abstract or complex ideas and processes, and make them clear and tangible. This ability provides a basis for these ideas to be discussed, explored and challenged, and is a powerful way to develop critical thinking, reinforce memory and create understanding.

Drawing, sketching and other visual images also provide a trigger for discussion and dialogue which means they can be used to both develop communication skills and also to encourage you to reflect on your own experience, goals and plans for development.

This module is about exploring the rich variety of drawing methods used to generate, develop and present ideas and in so doing you will understand how to use drawing as a tool for observation, communication, reflection, dialogue, development, testing, evaluation and analysis.

Module learning outcomes

• To demonstrate how drawing develops critical thinking and reinforces memory and understanding.
• Demonstrate the ability to use sketching and drawing to create, explore, illustrate and develop a design idea from start to completion.
• Demonstrate the ability to use drawing as a problem solving skill.
• Demonstrate how to use sketching and drawing as not only a tool for creativity but for communication, reflection and dialogue.