course-details-portlet

IDG4110

Introduction to Design,Technology and Society

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Gjøvik
Examination arrangement Assignment

About

About the course

Course content

This is the master's programme's introductory subject which will give the interdisciplinary student group at MDTS basic knowledge about design, technology and societal changes.

The focus within these three major disciplines will be on these three main themes:

1. Wicked problems in society: Investigate deep-rooted societal challenges such as sustainability, inequality and digital transformation, and understand how design and technology can address them.

2. Design as a problem solver: Engage with design methodologies (eg, user-centered design, systems thinking) to navigate ambiguity and create solutions that are human-centered and service-oriented.

3. Technology for change: Exploring the role of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile/social technologies to create social and economic improvements.

The first part of the course will largely be about building basic knowledge about the programme's three focus areas. The last part of the course will be an individual analytical written work where students will analyze a self-selected problem and propose solutions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing the course, the student must:

  • be able to identify some significant social and technological development features that can contribute to the transformative improvement of society
  • be able to explain how design as a profession, mindset and process can help bring about changes

Skills

After completing the course, the student must be able to:

  • carry out an analysis of factors that can contribute to finding new solutions to established challenges

General competence

In this subject, the student achieves general competence through...

  • Demonstrate collaborative skills by working with fellow student evaluations
  • Use their professional skills, new knowledge and critical thinking to discuss possible solutions to societal challenges

Learning methods and activities

  • Lectures
  • Self-study of the syllabus and electronic teaching aids
  • Collection-based discussions/seminar
  • Fellow student evaluation

Compulsory assignments

  • Individual Submissions
  • 80% Attendance

Further on evaluation

The course is a case-based course where the students write a short individual project report that summarizes the literature in the course and summarizes their own thoughts on how new solutions can be created in the intersection between the programme's three academic focus areas. The answer will be given a letter grade from A-F.

The course also contains three smaller compulsory written exercises that prepare the student for the final report.

Mandatory:

  • three (3) individual submissions
  • at least 80% attendance at compulsory meetings

Also note:

  • Some of the teaching may be given in English
  • The student can choose between Norwegian and English as the written language in the submissions
  • Students who wish to improve their grade in the course must retake the course again

Re-take of exam

  • If failed, you are allowed to submit a new or revised exam next semester
  • For voluntary course retake to improve grade, all assessments in the course must be retaken

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Design of Services, Technology and Interaction (MDTS)

Required previous knowledge

There are no prior knowledge requirements in the subject, apart from admission to the master programme MDTS

Course materials

Course material can be adjusted up until the start of the course and will be available at the start of the course.

Subject areas

  • Design Methodology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Design

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment