Course content

In a world characterized by constant change, this course will explore the interaction between design and technology. The course examines how designers can adapt, anticipate and even shape technological developments to create solutions that are both functional, ethical and sustainable. The course emphasizes design processes that are flexible, iterative and adapted to a constantly changing technological landscape. Furthermore, it considers how new technology can be used in a responsible and user-centred way.

Students will gain insight into case studies and challenges where technological changes and innovations are drivers of the design process. The course provides insight into how different technologies can influence design decisions and how designers can use these technologies to create innovative user experiences. Students will delve into at least one type of technology during their studies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR), mobile and social media and web technologies.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the role of technology in design processes: Know the most important technological trends and understand how these affect the design of services and systems.
2. Analyze technological changes: Assess how new technologies can change solutions to user needs, societal structures and business models, and how design can influence these changes.
3. Implement user-centered design processes: Use design methods that are flexible enough to handle uncertainty and changes in technology, while putting the user's needs at the center.
4. Experimenting with new technology: Carrying out testing of technological solutions that make use of ground-breaking technology.
5. Critical reflection on the implications of technology: Identify social, ethical and legal dilemmas that may arise from the use of technology in design, and develop strategies to meet these challenges.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching will consist of lectures, seminars, group work and practical exercises where the students will have the opportunity to experiment with design processes that incorporate new technology. Through work with case studies and project assignments, students will develop skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, problem solving and creative thinking.

This course is offered to international master students. Language of instruction is English.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

IDG4110 Introduction to Design, Technology and Society

Course materials

A compendium will be put together and made available to the students at the start of the course.