The curriculum in transportation design education is set to
follow a gradual increase in complexity along the study programme.
It is also logically planned to guide our students through
following the Scandinavian design principle of having a
human-centered approach in product creation.
1. Skills & Techniques (7,5 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID231
Students join the programme in the fall and are initially
introduced to the basic tools that will be utilized during the
study period. They are trained to handle the equipment found in the
school's facilities and workshops. All new students develop their
creative skills by doing intensive sketching exercises and also
sculpting using materials like wood, wire, paper and clay.
2. CAID 1&2 (7,5 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID229 / 5ID230
During the CAID courses students attend lessons on digital
modeling where the state-of-the-art Autodesk Alias Automotive is
taught. Preparation for rapid prototyping and visualization tools
like Showcase & Keyshot are also covered.
3. Vehicle Concept Design (15 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID234
During this project our students must apply their previous
knowledge to develop a complete vehicle (interior and exterior).
Such exercise is normally implemented in collaboration with the
industry and comprises further education about ergonomics, vehicle
architecture and design methods. These student projects should
present a mix of conceptual ideas and detailed realistic design
solutions that give credibility to their results. An external tutor
is assigned to support the group of students during all phases of
the project and the collaborating company is normally represented
during the reviews.
4. Vehicle Design Analyses (7,5 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID212
The course provides theoretical and practical knowledge about
the aspects that influence form in vehicle design. During the first
module a combination of lectures, seminars and a written assignment
provide knowledge and opportunity for reflection about factors that
influence the configuration of a vehicle. Then, supported by
instructor tutorials, students get familiar with the techniques
involved in physical model-making using automotive clay as
media.
5. Strategic Design (15 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID228
The course is structured in 2 modules, providing knowledge and
practice on brand identity and strategic design. During the
first three weeks of the course students learn how to analyze an
existing brand and practice strategic design and innovation-driven
tools that will support the creation of a design brief that is
aligned to global sustainable development goals. In response
to the students own design brief, ideation phase begins and
creative tools are used to generate a number of possible design
proposals that will fulfill the aspired attributes of the vechicle
concept. These alternatives are discussed and one is selected for
further refinement in the process. Regular tutoring sessions and
seminars support the students learning during this section.
6. Storytelling in Design (7,5 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID227
This course provides both theoretical and practical information
related to visual storytelling used for conceptual design creation,
visualisation and communication. It includes storytelling theory,
movie editing and a creative project work. During the first
part of the course students are introduced to the theory, methods
and techniques used in visual storytelling. Students also learn
about video editing using professional digital tools. After that
students develop a creative assignment from which the outcome is an
individual or a group presentation. The objective of this creative
project is to apply storytelling techniques to generate an advanced
visual presentation that communicates the main inspiration or
motivation behind the design of a new vehicle or transportation
system.
7. Form in Transportation Design (7,5 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID233
As the course title implies our students focus on intensive form
development during this block. Traditional and digital tools can be
applied in the process.
8. Vehicle Interior Design (15 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID235
This project is normally carried out in collaboration with the
industry. Students understand the importance of mapping real user
needs in order to propose attractive, innovative and improved
vehicle interior environments. The formal subjects included in the
project are ergonomics, applied graphics, colours and
materials.
9. Future Mobility (7,5 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID100
This course serves as preparation for the final thesis in the
programme. It involves approaching transportation design with a
holistic perspective and finding opportunities to develop the
subject in bold and meaningful ways. The focus may not be the
vehicle design itself but eventual systematic solutions for public
and private transportation in the future. This course deals with
reflections about the student's own design philosophy and the
responsibilities related to the transportation design profession in
the future.
Elective Track: Practice in Transportation Design (30
credits)
Syllabus: 5ID220
The elective course runs as an alternative to courses 7,8 and 9.
It is structured in 3 sections in which contemporary practice and
work-related situations are explored by the understanding,
analyses, discussions and experience from practical participation
in professional design contexts. Practical experience is critically
compared to design theory and students reflect upon their
observations during the period. Remote tutoring and checkpoints
support the creation of a written report for submission at the end
of the course. Supervision based on written assignments guides the
student in the process of creating a proposal for a thesis project
in the Transportation Design Programme.
10. Degree Project (30 credits)
Syllabus: 5ID200
The final core project in this program runs for 20
weeks and is a self-directed investigation into an area of your
choosing. This project is normally done in cooperation with a
corporate sponsor or external partner, established on the
initiative of the student. You are expected to identify design
opportunities, establish contact with stakeholders and write a
project brief which includes project goals, description of methods,
anticipated deliverables and outline budget. The process of
defining the projects starts early in the third semester and is
done in dialogue with the Programme Director. You will receive
tutoring support throughout the project, with regular checkpoints
to assess your progress. Your final results will be exhibited
at annual graduation event.
