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ASSESSMENTS

Where should the designer ground themselves? In fundamentals of course, for very little attention is paid to understanding or grasping that which matters most. How does the student assess their own designs? The checklist37 below is not exhaustive, and the reader may dwell upon their own criteria.

Resolve Conceptually

  • Generate more than one idea, i.e. propose alternatives.
  • Translate an idea into a concept.
  • Resolve a project conceptually without flaws or gaps in the concept.
  • Situate the idea or concept historically, and conduct a thorough literature review and precedent study on the field, subject, topic or research question of interest.
  • Frame intent and define the brief and boundaries of the project.

Demonstrate Design

  • Develop the capacity to engage with the spectrum of design, i.e. design of products, processes, services, systems, messages, interactions and environments.
  • Apply design principles specific to the nature of the project and articulate how theory has influenced the practice of design.
  • Compose the physical appearance of the design and evolve a personal design language and aesthetic over time.
  • Assimilate diverse knowledge and skills required to bring the concept into being.
  • Display a deep and nuanced understanding of contextual issues, especially society and culture, by engaging with individuals and communities.

Prototype Iteratively

  • Build prototypes at all scales and fidelities, including conceptual and working prototypes.
  • Understand and apply scientific or technological concepts that underpin the design, and work with scientific, engineering and technological teams to achieve design goals.
  • Demonstrate competent making skills, with knowledge of appropriate tools, techniques, methods, processes and materials required to construct prototypes independently, as well as collaboratively.

Communicate Effectively

  • Frame a thoughtful title for the project.
  • Write prose that succinctly, or elaborately, describes the design.
  • Articulate coherent arguments that are embedded in design history, design theory and design philosophy.
  • Represent the design through appropriate visual means such as photographs, diagrams, sketches, renders, drawings, etc. that communicate the design effectively.
  • Construct a narrative or story to communicate the design, where required.

Behave Ethically

  • Engage with the design, and its consequences, philosophically, as well as when the 'thing' enters the world.
  • Acknowledge the contribution of their peers or collaborators in the project, with clarity on roles of every person involved in various phases of the project, the nature of their contribution and its extent.
  • List references to other work that may have influenced or inspired the project.
  • Resist misuse of manpower, machinery, materials and money for personal gain.
  • Disclose intent to secure intellectual property rights for the project, and consider generously sharing outcomes through Creative Commons or Open Source frameworks.
  1. The challenge in preparing a list is how to make it comprehensive yet parsimonious.