Course syllabus - Product and Process Development

Objectives

The objective of the course is to achieve a deeper understanding of the process and use of tools in product development, where a holistic view of functional, ecologically sustainable, esthetic and ergonomic design aspects is a matter of course. Generally speaking, modern product development is about the design of user interfaces with a view to people, the environment, and the entire lifecycle of a product. In the search for innovative, cost-effective and high-quality solutions, the process is as important as the product itself.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:
- be able to summarize current models, tools, and processes for product development as well as to critically reflect upon and discuss these at seminars, all of which in an efficient manner
- be able to analyze, theorize about, create and apply processes and tools in connection with a research- or business-oriented project assignment
- be able to document and argue for (in writing) the process and result of a product development task
- be able to present and argue for (orally) the process and result of a product development task
- understand how an efficient product development process can be created in a company
- be better prepared for possible doctoral studies within innovation and design

Course content

The course is built around an independent project that is connected to an ongoing business- or research-oriented project assignment or potential research project within the School´s research area Innovation and Design. The course content thus comprises product development processes and tools with a view to the entire lifecycle of a product, as well as the analysis, theorizing, adaptation, and application of processes and tools for the creation of user interfaces in a realistic, commercially viable or research-oriented project.

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place by means of lectures, seminars, independent literature studies, and a major project assignment.

Specific requirements

At least 22.5 credits on the advanced level in product development and design, basic-level courses in applied engineering subjects (mechanics, materials technology, machine elements, the mechanics of materials), as well as a basic knowledge of CAD and experience of drawing documentation; experience of project work and project reports, knowledge and experience of creative methods. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 2 and English course A/English course 5 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 2.

Examination

Exercise (INL1), Individual hand-in assignment (graded according to a 1-6 scale)., 3 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Project (PRO1), group assignment (graded according to a 1-6 scale).
The forms of examination will be adapted to the participants. The choice of assignments as well as the form of the presentations will be decided in conjunction with the examiner. Normally, both written and oral presentations are expected. The final grade on the course depends on the weighted grades for the different parts of the course., 9 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Seminar (SEM1), group assignment., 3 credits, marks Pass (G)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail