Handbook

This course will provide you with an overview of the historical context of design and introduce you to the core principles and theories that underpin design history. At the conclusion of this course, you will understand the relevance and purpose of the study of history to the practice of design in relation to your own developing design practice. Design is ubiquitous and infiltrates everyday life via its many forms, including design objects, environments, processes and systems. But, how did we get here? Practicing designers need to understand that design does not operate in a closed-loop, rather that it is contingent on the wider context of the world we live in and, importantly, it’s historical precedence.

This course introduces you to the ways in which design artefacts are shaped by, and understood within, ranging historical frames and narratives. Through a series of tasks, you will explore the various trajectories of design history theory and, through applied academic research skills, demonstrate the contingency of historical understanding and knowledge in relation to design practice.

You will interpret design objects, environments, processes and systems through visual analysis and employ your new skills to demonstrate your understanding of design history theory in relation to contemporary design practice. Your analysis will be supported through learning practical academic research skills, including the effective sourcing, attribution and critical analysis of research material. You will demonstrate oral, written and visual communication skills throughout each of these tasks.