This module introduces the user-centered design (UCD) process for engineers. Learners explore methods for understanding users through their sensory, cognitive, and motor systems, and apply research techniques to create user personas, journey maps, scenarios, and task analyses. The module culminates in formulating prioritized design requirements and actionable design briefs.

This module equips engineers with practical methods for conducting user research — from designing questionnaires and conducting interviews to observational studies, usability testing, A/B testing, and participatory design. Learners also develop skills in qualitative data analysis through coding techniques and quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics, alongside ethical research practices.

This module introduces the principles and practice of creativity and innovation in product design. Students begin by examining real-world examples of creative products that transformed their respective markets — from Dyson's bladeless fan to Tesla's Cybertruck — and learn to distinguish between invention and innovation through the 4 Ps (paradigm, process, position, product) and 4 Cs (context, culture, capability, collaboration) frameworks. The module then presents a structured creative thinking process: formulating a clear design brief, decomposing it into features or attributes, applying ideation techniques, and synthesising ideas into workable concepts. Students learn and practise six formal creativity techniques — brainstorming with Six Thinking Hats, analogies (direct, indirect, fantasy, symbolic), SCAMPER, mind mapping, attribute listing, and creative constraints — each illustrated through a running pillow-design example and supported by industry case studies (Dyson, Tata Nano, Apple iPhone, Tesla, GoPro). The module concludes with methods for measuring creativity and innovation (psychometric approaches, componential models, quantitative and qualitative metrics), the challenges of such measurement (subjectivity, contextuality, multidimensionality), and strategies for fostering a creative culture within teams and organisations. By the end of this module, students will be equipped to lead structured creative ideation sessions and evaluate the innovation potential of the concepts they generate.

This module guides learners through structured ideation and concept selection for product design. Students master creativity techniques — the 5 Whys, 6-3-5 brain writing, role storming, and reverse brainstorming — before progressing to concept generation through affinity mapping and Six Thinking Hats, culminating in systematic concept evaluation using feasibility analysis and Pugh charts.

This module equips learners with comprehensive prototyping knowledge for product design. Students explore low-fidelity to high-fidelity prototyping methods — paper, digital (CAD/CAM/CAE), and physical — along with rapid prototyping techniques including FDM, SLA, SLS, and CNC machining. The module covers prototype testing methodologies, cost–time optimisation, and strategic prototyping decisions across the product development lifecycle.

This module introduces engineers to the principles governing product form and aesthetics. Students learn design elements (point, line, shape, form, texture, colour, value, space), design principles (balance, contrast, emphasis, hierarchy, rhythm, unity, proportion), material–texture relationships, colour theory (RGB, CMYK, colour wheel, colour schemes), proportions and scale (golden ratio, rule of thirds), emotional design, and cultural considerations — enabling them to create products that are functionally sound and visually compelling.