Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- design packaging and product graphics according to the goals of an assignment
- support the brand management of the client with their design
- create production-ready files of the packaging designs
- test and develop the usability and ergonomics of packaging
- work within the role of their specialization in design and marketing teams.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Project based learning (Design office simulation)
- Weekly meetings
- Short introduction and information sessions
- Learning exercises and tasks
- Idea pitching and presentation
- Constructive feedback and discussion sessions along the course
- Self and peer reviews and evaluations

Timing and attendance

The course is based on regular contact days and physical presence on the Lahti campus.
- Full commitment to your own project is expected for passing the course.
- More detailed timing and attendance information is provided in Moodle.
- Mandatory attendance on the kick-off day, weekly meetings, and presentation days.
- Absences may result in a substitute assignment.
- All course assignments must be completed and returned within the given schedule. Late submissions affect the grade.
- Exceptional cases, e.g. illness/"force majeure", must be notified in advance.

Learning material and recommended literature

- Study and lecture materials and the bibliography are given with the course's Moodle implementation.

Working life cooperation

- As far as possible, the project will be done as a working life collaboration (commissions from companies/organizations/projects/LAB/LUT).

Learning environment

- Office room simulation
- Packaging workshop
- Other campus project workspaces, computer classes, workshops, and special spaces are reserved as needed.
- Excursion.

Student time use and work load

Varies depending on the project:

E.g.
- Learning-supporting lectures, exercises, practice/homework and a possible exam 40%
- Project work 60% (incl. project meetings, presentations and possible excursion)

The course requires working independently and/or in a group on a project outside of contact days

- 27 hours of student work = 1 ECT credit

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Prior knowledge:

- Professional basic studies completed (esp. basics of design, user-oriented and environmentally efficient design)
- Basic software skills (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, ArtiosCAD, 3D knowledge).

Assessment criteria

- Attendance
- Exercises and learning tasks
- Presentations and discussions
- Project management and outcome
- Peer evaluation and self-evaluation

The client's assessment may affect the grade.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

- The product packaging and product graphics do not comply with the objectives of the assignment or they are incomplete
- The design work does not support the customer's brand management
- The files of the implemented plan are not suitable for production, or they are incomplete
- The usability and ergonomics of the packaging have not been studied and tested
- The role and/or teamwork in the design project has failed

The course is also rejected if the student:
- Does not know how to use professional concepts, and does not justify her/his/their activities
- Does not use the methods and processes learned in the course
- Can't act customer-oriented

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The product packaging and product graphics are generally in line with the objectives of the assignment
- The design work at least partially supports the client's brand management
- The files of the implemented plan are generally suitable for production
- Attention has been paid to the usability and ergonomics of the packaging
- The role and/or teamwork has been performed acceptably.

A course grade of 1 also requires that the student:
- Can use professional concepts and justify their actions
- Can use learned methods and processes
- Can act customer-oriented

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The product packaging and graphics are according to the objectives of the assignment and have been implemented in a versatile way.
- The design work is wide-ranging and supports the client's brand management
- The files of the implemented plan are suitable for production
- The usability and ergonomics of the packaging have been studied and tested using some method
- The student knows how to function well in a role according to Her/his/their specialization in planning and marketing teams

A course grade of 3 also requires that the student:

- Can use professional terms in a versatile way and communicate professionally
- Can choose methods and processes suitable for the activity and justify their choice
- Can take into account the needs of the target group and/or the client appropriately, as well as other course participants

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

- The product packaging and product graphics are in line with the assignment's goals and even exceed them. The whole has been implemented in a versatile way and taking into account different perspectives.
- The design work is wide-ranging and improves the client's brand management
- The files of the implemented plan have been made professionally and according to the instructions and they can be implemented in production
- The packaging's usability and ergonomics have been studied and tested in a variety of ways and with different methods
- The student is proactive and acts excellently in a role according to her/his/their specialization in planning and marketing teams.

A course grade of 5 also requires that the student:

- Can use methods expertly and communicate understandably, and take all target groups into account.
- Can choose, combine and develop methods and processes suitable for the activity to support work
- Can take full responsibility for learning and the project
- Receives excellent feedback from the client and also from other course participants