GK3 User oriented design (18 credits) and GK3 Mechanics (6 credits)

• Part 1:  Close reading of an American book about design and evolution of useful objects.
• Part 2:  Collective discussion of selected industrial design objects

• Part 1:  New insights into both theoretical and historical aspects of the design and evolution of useful objects.
• Part 2:  Understanding of different aspects of existing industrially produced objects

• Part 1  (approx. two hours): Chapter-by-chapter readings and discussions of the content. Students prepare three written discussion themes and select three relevant quotations to every class.
• Part 2 (approx. one hour): Opportunity to discuss selected objects; in each class different sets of objects & different themes.

Written exam: concluding essay. Each student’s presence in the class: min. 80%

The course is assessed subject to an A-F  grade scal. E  is the poorest pass mark, as stated in the Regulations for Master's degree programmes at Oslo School of Architecture and Design, § 6-14.

Mandatory reading  

Petroski, H. (1994). The evolution of useful things. New York, Vintage Books.

Recommended reading  

Michl, J. (2002). On seeing design as redesign: an exploration of a neglected problem in design education. Scandinavian Journal of Design History, 12, 7-23.  [Link to full-text].