Creative Research Methods for Design (H6074)
Note to prospective students: this content is drawn from our database of current courses and modules. The detail does vary from year to year as our courses are constantly under review and continuously improving, but this information should give you a real flavour of what it is like to study at Sussex.
We’re currently reviewing teaching and assessment of our modules in light of the COVID-19 situation. We’ll publish the latest information as soon as possible.
Creative Research Methods for Design
Module H6074
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
This module aims to help students develop a wide range of transferable art and design skills, and an understanding of different techniques and processes in the research, development and the communication of design ideas. Through a series of projects exploring different approaches to design development, students are encouraged to develop an agile, creative mind set. The module projects support originality, independent thinking and critical reflection through the use of journals, sketchbooks and design sheets.
Project assignments aim to develop students creative thinking skills and a critical eye, providing opportunities to expand their skills in visual research, material experimentation and the exploration of different processes to develop, communicate and share design ideas.
Library
No single book covers this wide-ranging course but the following books are a helpful resource:
Thinking Creatively - by Robin Landa
The Art of Looking Sideways - Alan Fletcher
Creative Jolt - by Denise M. Anderson, Rose Gonnella, Robin Landa
Product Design - Paul Rogers + Alex Milton
Elements of Design: The Sturcture of visual Relationships - Gail Gret Hannah
Basics Product Design 01 Idea Searching - David Bramston
Basics product Design 03 Visual Conversations - as above
Sketching: Drawing techniques for Product Designers - Koos Eissen, Roselien Steur
Basics Design: Layout - Gavin Ambrose + Paul Harris
Toothpicks and Logos - design in everyday life - John Heskett
Basic Design: The Dynamics of Visual Form
'You can find inspiration in everything (and if you can't look again)' - Paul Smith
Its Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want To Be - Paul Arden
Design Elements a Graphic Style Manual - Timothy Samara
Design Diaries creative process in graphic design - L. Roberts, R. Wright
Module learning outcomes
Use creativity and creative design methods to generate ideas, concepts, proposals and solutions independently and collaboratively
Develop a fluency of thought in the visual communication of ideas and have understanding of visual creativity
Articulate ideas and the outcomes of a project
Apply a range of creative tools to set briefs and as a self initiated activity
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Portfolio | T1 Week 11 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Laboratory | 3 hours | 00001100111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 10000011000 |
| Autumn Semester | Practical | 3 hours | 01110000000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mr Steven Follen
Assess convenor
/profiles/589883
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.