The main part of the course consists of a project. The project aim to design a new or improve an existing product. Aspects of form, function and manufacturing must be considered. The proposals shall then be illustrated with physical and virtual models (eg pasteboard and 3D CAD). The project starts with a kick-off with exercises in project work, group dynamics and creativity.
The projects is supported with tutorials, exercises and laboratory work. The teacher led activities includes the following topics: CAD, MATLAB, Design, and Communication.
Also included in the course is a lecture and excercises in study technique.
The concept sustainability is introduced and in excercises the role of the engineer within this field is discussed.
After the course, the student should
a) have knowledge of design and product development process and methodology and the engineer´s role in this.
b) know the historical background of industrial design and the importance of industrial design in the product development process.
c) be able to use methods for increasing creativity and knowledge of group dynamic excercises.
d) be able to use some of the engineer´s computor tools, specifically:
- MATLAB to make simple program that solves the basic mathematical and engineering problems.
- CAD for making 3D models for pictorial communication and base for production.
- MS Word for writing reports with figures and graphs.
e) be able to visualize concepts of products by simple sketches and models.
f) have experiance of working in both small and large groups with formal project meetings and tasks.
g) understand the structural setup of a technical report and have training in language and contet in a technical report.
h) be able to prepare and conduct an oral presentation.
i) understand the role of study technique for successfull studies.
j) be able to describe the concept sustainable development.
k)