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Design I

Module code: MEU22EM3 · Semester: 1

Resources​

How it's assessed​

No end-of-semester exam. It's assessed through project work.

A group user-centred (universal) design project with a community user group: you research a real need, iterate on concepts and build an electro-mechanical prototype with an Arduino controller, sensors, actuators and at least one 3D-printed part.

AssessmentWeight
Weekly need-finding and concept assignments, presented to the class50%
Universal design project: prototype and promotional materials (website, video, poster)40%
Labs (prototyping, 3D printing, Arduino)10%
  • Groups present their work every week and get feedback in front of the class.
  • Reassessment is by assignments.

Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.

From students who've done it​

No write-ups yet.

Questions by Year​

This module has no end-of-semester exam, so there are no past papers. See How it's assessed above.

Topics

  • Universal design and user-centred design with design thinking LO1–2
  • Need finding with real users: observation and interviews LO1–2
  • Prototyping: foam cutting, acrylic bending, 3D printing LO3
  • Arduino programming with sensors and actuators LO4
  • SolidWorks modelling LO5
  • Standards and machine components LO6
Learning outcomes
  1. Value differences in people's abilities through a universal design project, with social responsibility
  2. Use a user-centred design process to find needs, generate ideas and evaluate concepts
  3. Use additive and subtractive manufacturing and prototyping equipment
  4. Write Arduino code for sensors and actuators
  5. Model parts and assemblies in SolidWorks
  6. Conceive, design, implement and operate (CDIO) simple prototypes
  7. Work in teams and present with posters and slides

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.