Prototyping Media Technology

Entry requirements

1. Degree of bachelor in Media Technology or in a related field. Examples of relevant degrees include, but are not limited to: computer science, informatics, information systems, human-computer interaction, interaction design, media/IT management, game development, media and communication studies, and digital cultural studies. All degrees must be equivalent to at least 180 higher education credits.
2. The equivalent of English 6/English B in Swedish secondary school.

Specialisation and progression relative to the degree regulations

The course meets the degree requirement for the degree of Master (One Year), main field of study Media Technology.

Purpose

The course objective is for the student to develop practical knowledge and skills in media technology through various forms of prototyping – including concept development, design and evaluation of new media technology – and be able to apply this to technical, business, and user-centered perspectives.

Contents

• Identification of opportunities and needs for new media technology innovations
• Making prototypes based on analyses of social, technological, and economic context, and of current and emerging media technology innovations
• Establishment of criteria and requirements for design and development of media technologies
• Different prototyping approaches
• Prototyping and concept development
• Testing and evaluation

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate ability to:

• Explain how design and prototyping can create value for media companies and the society in general
• Explain the role of prototyping in relation to technology, users and business needs
• Explain how to lead and manage design and development processes

• Identify innovation opportunities through analysis of user, technology and business needs
• Apply appropriate prototyping approaches at different stages of design and development
• Ideate and develop concepts
• Build prototypes of various types
• Test and evaluate prototypes with users
• Manage design and development process
• Communicate results of one’s own work to different audiences

• Assess and evaluate strategic and innovative opportunities related to media technology in a fast-changing environment
• Combine knowledge about technology, users and business needs and turn it into design practice
• Motivate and select different prototyping approaches for specific situations
• Assess value creation through design and prototyping

Learning activities

Lectures and workshops and individual and group work.
The course requires active participation of the student. The student is expected to participate in lectures, discussions and hands-on project work. Students are expected to take initiative to response work and meetings of various kinds, and be well prepared for lectures and workshops.

Assessments

The course is examined through oral and written examination and prototype assignments.
The course is assessed through the following:

• Individual written examination (2.5 credits)
• Prototyping assignment (5 credits)

Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

• Buxton, B. (2007). Sketching user experiences. Oxford, UK: Elsevier
• Löwgren, J. & Stolterman, E. (2007). Thoughtful Interaction Design. Cambridge MA: MIT Press
• Brown, T (2009). Change by Design. New York: Harper Collins
• Kumar, V (2013). 101 Design Methods. New York: John Wiley

Course evaluation

The university provides all students who are participating in, or have completed, a course to express their experiences and views on the course through a course evaluation which is organized at the end of the course. The university will collate the course evaluations and provide information about their results and any actions prompted by them. The results shall be made available to the students. (HF 1:14).

Interim rules

When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.