Course - Design 3 - Human Centered Design & Innovation - TPD4122
Design 3 - Human Centered Design & Innovation
About
About the course
Course content
This course provides basic knowledge in complex problem solving in design through a human-centered design process (HCD) and approach to innovation of new products and services. HCD is a problem-solving process in which people (users and stakeholders) play a central role and are involved as collaborators throughout the design process. This helps to ensure that products and services are tailored to their needs and preferences. The course combines theoretical learning with project work, including starting from a real complex problem and innovating a user-tested product or service. This means that the participants in the course apply what they learn through lectures directly in real problem solving, and that emphasis is placed on how to work with the effect or impact of the design being developed, and to learn how designers can contribute to innovation and change.
The course will provide an introduction to basic design methods in HCD, with a focus on critical thinking and complex problem solving. This includes practical application of the HCD framework, methods and tools such as double diamond, contextual inquiry, empathy, user interviews, affinity mapping, personas and scenarios, ideation, concept development, prototyping and testing. The course is rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), with a particular focus on improving health and welfare, sustainable development of inclusive and sustainable services, and promoting innovation. This course is taught in English as it is open to international exchange students.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, students should be able to:
Knowledge:
- Use human-centered methods to identify challenges and opportunities for innovation
- Involve end-users and stakeholders and jointly identify challenges and co-create improvements
- Apply methods related to the HCD process, including double diamond, ethnographic analysis, problem framing, affinity mapping, concept development, prototype development and testing.
- Work in teams, design criticism and colleague learning.
Skills:
- Use the HCD process to solve complex problems and innovate new solutions such as digital products and services.
- Use design methods and toolsets effectively.
- Develop software skills in digital prototyping and visualization tools such as Figma and Miro.
General qualifications:
- Have hands-on experience with HCD, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and innovation.
- Take an experimental attitude to iteratively discover and test what is valuable, feasible, and viable.
Learning methods and activities
The course is based on project-based learning. The teaching is highly interactive, and includes one-on-one mentoring, encourages peer learning, group work, and hands-on experience solving complex design problems in real life.
- A main project will provide students with practical experience with the main topics, which are related to, but not limited to, topics for strategic areas at NTNU, the Department of Design, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Compulsory lectures will present theory and methods that can be applied directly in the project.
- Compulsory individual and group supervision and peer review will guide the students through the development work.
- Compulsory lecture seminars - The course literature will be discussed in student-run literature seminars. This facilitates flipped learning and "flipped classrooms."
This course is offered to incoming exchange students and will be taught in English if necessary.
Compulsory assignments
- Compulsory assignments
Further on evaluation
(the information may be changed until June 15th)
Portfolio content and assessment basis
The portfolio consists of a group-based project report (100%), developed throughout the semester. The report documents the entire human-centered design (HCD) process, from problem identification to final prototype and evaluation.
The assessment is based on:
- Problem framing and concept development
- Application of HCD methods and tools
- Prototype development and user testing
- Quality and clarity of the final report
- Final group presentation
An individual critical reflection note is included within the group report and forms part of the assessment.
Nature and scope of works in the portfolio
The portfolio includes one integrated design project, developed iteratively through the semester. This project includes:
- Research documentation (primary and secondary research)
- Analysis outputs (affinity maps, personas, scenarios)
- Concept generation and evaluation
- Digital and/or physical prototypes (e.g., Figma, sketches, mock-ups)
- User testing and iteration results
- Final design solution and justification
The work reflects a complete HCD cycle (Double Diamond process).
Inclusion of process and progression
Process and progression are central to the assessment. Students must demonstrate:
- Iterative development across all HCD phases
- Evidence of applying methods and refining ideas over time
- Integration of feedback from users, peers, and instructors
This is documented through:
- Continuous and regularly supervised project work
- Mid-term presentation and feedback
- Final report documentation
- Individual reflection note, where each student reflects on learning, role, and contribution to the team
Submission order and structure
All components of the portfolio are submitted together as a final report at the end of the semester.
However, students complete intermediate milestones, including:
- Ongoing weekly project work
- Mid-term presentation and report
The final submission follows a structured report template provided by the course instructor. Students do not choose submission order independently.
Form and scope of guidance
Guidance is provided continuously through:
- Weekly lectures and seminars (mandatory)
- Studio-based project work
- Four structured mentoring sessions per group by the main course teacher
- 6 to 8 feedback session from the student assistants
- Ongoing feedback via Teams channels by the course main course teacher though the term (digital platform)
- In-class feedback using physical project folders
- Peer learning and critique sessions
This ensures both formative (continuous) and summative (final) support.
Submission deadlines
Key deadlines include:
- Mid-term report and presentation: Week 40 (date specified in course)
- Final project report submission: first week December at 14:00 (Inspera date specified in course)
- Final presentation: Scheduled near end of semester (dates announced in advance)
Students must follow all deadlines strictly. Late submissions are not accepted unless formally approved.
Submission format and delivery
The final portfolio must be submitted as:
- A group report (PDF) using the provided template
- Including links to final prototype (solution films, links to digital and physical prototypes)
- Uploaded to Inspera
Additionally:
- A final group presentation (20 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A) is required
- Prototypes (digital or physical) must be demonstrated during presentation
All work is submitted collectively as a group, including the report and presentation.
Selection of works for grading
The entire final project report forms the basis for grading. No separate selection of individual works is required.
However, assessment considers:
- The quality and integration of all stages of work
- Contributions across the full HCD process
- Individual reflection within the group submission
All group members receive the same grade, unless significant imbalance leads to group restructuring before mid-term.
Additional clarity on expectations
- Attendance is mandatory (minimum 80%; only two absences allowed)
- Active participation in group work, mentoring, and peer review is required
- Students are expected to follow the weekly progression aligned with lectures
- Clear communication, documentation, and teamwork are essential
If failed, you are allowed to submit a new or revised project 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:
Industrial Design Engineering (MTDESIG)
Required previous knowledge
The following courses or equivalent:
- TPD4010 or TPD4100 and TPD4111
- TPD4102 or TPD4040
Course materials
Course materials will be stated at the start of the semester
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| TPD4121 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Design Methodology
- Interaction Design
- Product development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship