Design Theories

Academic unit or major

Graduate major in Engineering Sciences and Design

Instructor(s)

Yuval Kahlon

Class Format

Lecture/Exercise (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

5-8 Fri (W9-202(W922))

Class

-

Course Code

ESD.C503

Number of credits

110

Course offered

2026

Offered quarter

1Q

Syllabus updated

Mar 5, 2026

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course provides students with the fundamentals of design science, advanced processing theories, and methodologies to explore questions related to design.

Course description and aims

To acquire the intellect, knowledge, and skills related to cutting-edge theories and methods of design research, such as the design process, design rationale, design computing, and creativity in design.

Student learning outcomes

実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)

The lecturer will often draw on their practical experience in architectural design to discuss how design theory relates to practice

Keywords

Design Science, Constructive Methodology, FNS, FBS, Information Processing, Creativity, Thought Process, Problem Solving, Logical Thinking, Design Computing and Cognition, Computational Design

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Interactive activities, such as discussion on designated topics, active learning, among the students, the teaching assistant, and the instructor are employed. Some essential fundamentals are given through reading assignments. Specific topics are selected on the basis of the students' research questions. If no research interest is shown from the students, this class will lose the significance.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

TBA

Reference books, course materials, etc.

TBA

Evaluation methods and criteria

Class contribution (20%) and the quality of reports (30%) and the final presentation (50%)

Related courses

• ESD.A402 ： Design Thinking Fundamentals
• ESD.A401 ： Engineering Design Challenge
• ESD.B401 ： Engineering Design Advanced
• ESD.B402 ： Engineering Design Project
• ESD.A501 ： Engineering Design Project A
• ESD.A502 ： Engineering Design Project B
• ESD.A503 ： Engineering Design Project C
• ESD.F404 ： Affective Engineering / Emotional Design
• ESD.H405 ： Product Design and Development

Prerequisites

Experience in advanced design project, such as Engineering Design Advanced, Engineering Design Project B & C, professional design practice, is required. The intention to become an expert of design science is essential.

Other

Those who have finished Design Theories (ESD.C401) cannot get the credit.