Design Innovation

2–YEAR MASTER OF ARTS

A.Y. 2023–24

STUDY PLAN
DESIGN INNOVATION PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Master of Arts programme in Design Innovation General definitions of types of course and activities: Course (CS)
offers an innovative vision to creativity and the design
industry with the aim of establishing and anticipating Workshop (WS) The CS denomination refers to courses or modules
that cover theory, criticism and history. The scheduled
cross-cultural directions of multi-faceted themes. The workshop is a studio-based learning environment
sessions focus on taught learning with lectures, seminars
Students will explore technology, artificial that involves active learning focusing on project work,
and tutorials led by a member of the academic staff. The
intelligence, Web 3.0, and the ecologies of materials. strategy and experimentation. Cognitive processes
advanced level expects active student participation
They will also apply new design approaches and and skills are developed and refined, exercising critical
in the form of discussions, and group and individual
models to transversal and hybrid futures and to issues thought and creative making while exploring new design
analysis leading to solid knowledge, comprehension and
related to sustainability, and circularity. Students will paradigms. Practitioners, theoreticians and domain
individual perspective of contemporary contexts and
experience an unconventional mix of pedagogical innovators are involved in delivering content, critiquing
their genesis.
activities. work, and guiding outcomes.
Boot camp (BC)
Applied Lab (A-LAB)
Boot camps are short, intensive accelerated
Advanced applied and technical skills are significant
mini-programmes focusing on particular themes,
in contemporary practice, supporting creativity and
technologies or approaches inserted into the study plan
innovation. The A-LAB format is a container and a space
as extended training sessions. Visiting professors and
dedicated to exploring techniques, processes and
leading professionals conduct concentrated cross-
materials. The focus is often aligned and supports the
disciplinary sessions introducing and sharing knowledge
primary workshop module within the course, although
and expertise of advanced and emerging professional
the expected output is often open-ended allowing
realities. In the second year of study, the Future
for exploration, discovery and verification. Within this
Interventions series allows students to choose a boot
format, different tools are utilized that can be physical,
camp that will offer a unique and formative experience.
digital or hybrid and include the use of one or more
of the following; physical laboratories on campus, Laboratory (LAB)
simulations and technique exploration in the classroom,
Through the workshop schedules students have access
digital prototyping and specialized external laboratories.
to the design and the fashion design labs to make and
construct models, mock-ups and prototypes. The
campus is equipped with a Design Lab with specific
machinery, including laser cutting, cnc rounting and 3D
printing. The Domus Academy building hosts a fashion
laboratory equipped with professional pattern tables,
industrial sewing machines and other equipment.

2
Study Plan
STUDY PLAN

YEAR 1

1st SEMESTER 2nd SEMESTER

Courses Type CFA Courses Type CFA

Design 1: (tot 12) Design 2: (tot 12)

Design - Method and Context WS 8 New Design Contexts WS 6

Design Tools Applied A-LAB 4 Design Laboratory 1 A-LAB 6

Project Methodology: (tot 12) Brand Design: (tot 12)

Design Methodology CS 6 Strategies for New Contexts WS 6

Innovation in Materials and Technology A-LAB 6 Visual Communication WS 6

History of Design: (tot 6) History of Art: (tot 6)

History of Design CS 4 History of Art CS 6

Contemporary Design CS 2

1st SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS 30 2nd SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS 30

3
Study Plan
STUDY PLAN

YEAR 2

3rd SEMESTER 4th SEMESTER

Courses Type CFA Courses Type CFA

Design 3: (tot 12) Design 4: (tot 12)

Design and Complexity WS 6 Alternative Design Contexts WS 8

New Tools and Relationships A-LAB 6 Design Laboratory 2 A-LAB 4

Art Direction: (tot 6) Light Design: (tot 6)

Art Direction CS 2 Light Design WS 6

Design Beyond Design CS 4
Additional Activities: (tot 12)

Two activities to be chosen by the student:

Design Management CS 6
Thesis: (tot 12)
Academic Training
Accelerator Boot camp BC 6
Theoretical Context Documented CS 4
Cross-disciplinary Workshops. Individual projects, conferences.
Generative Design Boot camp BC 6 Degree Project DP 8

3rd SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS 30 4th SEMESTER TOTAL CREDITS 30

4
Study Plan
 YEAR 1

First Semester
DESIGN 1
MODULE DESIGN – METHOD AND CONTEXT
The course, Design 1 builds upon the 8 CFA
act of designing in the general sense
This module aims to consolidate principles and knowledge of design as
WS
of conceiving, planning, drawing and a cultural act. Understanding and comprehending the parameters of
projecting forward into existence. Creating the individual components of the design process and their interrelation,
an object, system or activity is directed by support the quality and originality of the outcome. The student is expected
process, tools, production and use. The to consider the role of the project context from a theoretical and practical
characteristics and specificities of these perspective during the project development. The design method and the
elements define the design; the knowledge individual project phases will be emphasized in responding to a specific
of and relationship of each defines project project brief.
culture. The process of design is a cultural
act guided by theory, intention, technology
and economics. MODULE DESIGN TOOLS APPLIED
4 CFA
tot 12 CFA This A-LAB module aims to provide knowledge of the advanced tools
A-LAB
that are available to the designer within the design process and in specific
phases. The communication and development of ideas and projects involve
cognitive processes and technical skills that require different tools. The
accessibility of information and development documentation are essential
in constructing conceptual and technical scaffolding to build the project
with each successive phase. Digital tools and blended techniques support
this. A part of the module will be dedicated to acquiring professional
software for 3D modelling and rendering.

PROJECT METHODOLOGY
MODULE DESIGN METHODOLOGY
The course aims to provide the foundations 6 CFA
of new and modified methodologies and
This module begins with tracing some of the most important design
CS
design tools to allow the student to address methodologies to comprehend the approach and contextualize possible
contemporary contexts and to work in an variations in the principles and procedures. Shifting professional focus of
extended professional environment that the design object (whether a product, service or other), combined with
leverages traditional skills of the designer new technological tools (in design, production and experience), requires
and requires new competencies. Project reevaluating how we design in future practice.
methodology provides a framework for
addressing the complex nature of the
design process. It offers a systematic MODULE INNOVATION IN MATERIALS
approach for organizing the development 6 CFA
of ideas generation through the various A-LAB AND TECHNOLOGY
phases, allowing for the integration of Innovation in technology and materials has radically disrupted how and
information, form, function, materials what we design. If recent history was characterized by optimization, today’s
and technology, all in a process guided by
technological development suggests a redefined relationship between
intention, creativity and relevance.
form, materials and manufacturing. This module will evidence this shift
tot 12 CFA through the examination and discussion of the dominant technologies and
the study of the materials of design.

YEAR 1 – SEMESTER 1
6
Study Plan
HISTORY OF DESIGN
MODULE HISTORY OF DESIGN
This course is aimed to offer students a 4 CFA
critical overview of the history of modern
This module will concentrate on design culture with particular reference to
CS
design and the design system (economy, industrial production to build the competencies to read and comprehend
society and consumption). the evolution of design. As interrelated subjects, architecture and interior
An interdisciplinary framework of national design will also be considered as part of the module. The course will include
and international design will be used visits to the ADI Design museum and the Triennale Milano.
to examine twentieth-century and
contemporary design. The course will
also investigate the current most relevant MODULE CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
phenomena of the design environment 2 CFA
This module will integrate acquired information and knowledge from the
within a global scenario. CS
previous module to study past and present design contexts in relation to
tot 6 CFA the evolution of society, aesthetics and symbolic content.
The theoretical approach will use an interdisciplinary perspective to
consider new paradigms within the field.

YEAR 1 – SEMESTER 1
7
Study Plan
 YEAR 1

Second Semester
DESIGN 2
MODULE NEW DESIGN CONTEXTS
The course aims to open a dialogue on 6 CFA
contemporary design directions and
The module places the design activity within a conceptual and theoretical
WS
the profession’s evolution by examining framework to address a widened design focus. The examination of current
contexts, current and future challenges concerns and themes with global impact will provide the context to
and the instruments available to the address strategies of responsible innovation and intervention working
designer. The Modernist project of the 20th toward sustainable practices. The design brief will focus on environmental
century linked design’s role to products sustainability.
and industrial production. Visual appeal,
aesthetics, functionality and producibility
were the designer’s domain. New contexts MODULE DESIGN LABORATORY 1
and conditions necessitate that designers 6 CFA
use their competencies (and develop new
The A-LAB, aligned with the module, New Design Contexts, shares the
A-LAB
ones) to solve complex human issues. focus on environmental sustainability and will provide the context for
the student to examine individual technologies, processes and materials
tot 12 CFA
that can be integrated into broader strategies. Sustainable Materials
Management and life-cycle perspective are key references in choosing,
developing and applying materials and processes. The A-LAB includes
experimentation with materials, techniques and applications.

BRAND DESIGN
MODULE STRATEGIES FOR NEW CONTEXTS
This course addresses strategies and design 6 CFA
methodologies for business and product
This module aims to introduce students to state-of-the-art approaches
CS
communication (also extended to the and strategies in creating and transmitting identity. The languages and
project environment) with a particular focus instruments of communication are analysed for their effectiveness
on innovative and new content where an in- and application to new contexts and issues. Students will be asked to
depth knowledge of relationship of image, benchmark against successful examples from wide sources to construct
text and video are integrated with particular new concepts.
concentration on the digital environment.
tot 12 CFA
MODULE VISUAL COMMUNICATION
6 CFA
In this module, students will apply a structured methodology to construct
WS
new strategic content and create visual project within the physical and
digital realms. Students will create experiences to enhance the brand
identity as part of the design process.

YEAR 1 – SEMESTER 2
9
Study Plan
HISTORY OF ART
MODULE HISTORY OF ART
tot 6 CFA 6 CFA
This course is divided into two parts.
CS
The first will allow the students to read and understand contemporary
artistic phenomena and important artistic movements of the 20th century.
The second part will concentrate on recent visual arts production, spanning
different disciplines to compare and contrast creative arts’ stylistic and
cultural references. Various visual art forms will be considered, from
traditional fine arts (painting, sculpture, photography, etc.) to a section
dedicated to new media art. That area primarily focuses on digital art that
integrates new technologies and innovative practices (2D and 3D digital
painting and sculpture, digital collage, video and other experimental
mediums such as artificial intelligence-generated art and augmented
reality art).
The implementation of a critical approach will foster the elaboration of
knowledge to integrate into personal approaches. The course will include
an overview and analysis of recent venues such as Art Basel and the
Biennale di Venezia.

YEAR 1 – SEMESTER 2
10
Study Plan
 YEAR 2

Third Semester
DESIGN 3
MODULE DESIGN AND COMPLEXITY
This course acknowleges the complexity 6 CFA
of contemporary design contexts and the
This module aims to offer tools, strategies and methodologies for the
WS
multiple references that have become designer to manage diverse and complex relations of people, (stakeholders,
project parameters, and the new and future co-creators and users), processes and technologies in creating positive,
domain of the designer as enabler. Strategy, ethical and innovative design propositions. Modified processes of
vision, empathy and perspective enter designing, producing and experiencing are integrated into a specific brief.
into the toolbox, guiding, directing and
managing the objects of our environments
and desired experiences. MODULE NEW TOOLS AND RELATIONSHIPS
6 CFA
tot 12 CFA Emerging design and manufacturing convergence are at the centre of this
A-LAB
A-Lab to experiment with innovation through different tools, including
generative design, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) and
machine learning. Big data and the relationship between access and
consumers will be analysed as part of the lab.

ART DIRECTION
MODULE ART DIRECTION
This course aims at providing strategies for 2 CFA
developing and channelling the acquired
This module aims to e knowledge and skills acquired through previous
CS
cultural and disciplinary knowledge and courses and professional experience and introduce competencies
skills to offer creative and artistic direction necessary for Art Direction. Creativity, communication, and design are
within the professional design environment. illustrated and analysed through innovative multidisciplinary case studies.
The course focuses on commonalities The module will include a seminar on identity, image, content and strategic
and differences between art and creative direction of creative contexts.
direction, identifying skills, competencies
and experience. A highly developed sense
of aesthetics and visual sophistication MODULE DESIGN BEYOND DESIGN
typical of the designer’s training combined 4 CFA
with strategic vision can create unique
This module focuses on the theoretical foundations of a critical vision of
CS
opportunities in a transforming market. new directions in the design field and perhaps the necessity for a new
paradigm. Design and its methodologies are applied to solve problems
tot 6 CFA
beyond the traditional disciplinary boundaries. The increased field of action
and expanded design focus radically changes what design is and the tools
needed to address complex problem issues. A strategic and critical analysis
will offer a vision of the practice of design and guide personal directions.

YEAR 2 – SEMESTER 3
12
Study Plan
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Two activities to be chosen by the student:
In this area, students may integrate their
skills and competencies by choosing two COURSE DESIGN MANAGEMENT
activities between the course, Design 6 CFA
Management and the additional training This course integrates the programme’s design and strategic studies
activities of Future Interventions. focus, leveraging the research and advanced design mindset to offer a
perspective and comprehension of how creative propositions relate to
tot 12 CFA
project management, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This course aims
to connect strategies for developing, promoting and managing innovation
and design. Design-based methods and tools are developed and applied in
an innovation ecosystem that unites business and design goals.

FUTURE INTERVENTIONS
The module concentrates on the process of creation through a professional
and methodological design process. Students will acquire advanced
techniques to create concepts and functional solutions. Students will select
one of the two cross-disciplinary boot camps:

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY GENERATIVE DESIGN BOOT CAMP

6 CFA
Dedicated to offering the student an introduction to an innovative design
BC
process and leading-edge interdisciplinary professional and business
proposition that unites information technology and an advanced design
process. Participants will learn and refine necessary computational skills
(including software) and the steps and processes in creating innovative,
advanced design that is at the forefront of the use of creative technologies
in the professional environment.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY ACCELERATOR BOOT CAMP

6 CFA
Dedicated to offering the student opportunity to participate in an intensive
BC
bootcamp that outlines the processes, stages and expectations of a startup
and accelerator programme. Students will have the opportunity to develop
and present a minimum viable product and development plan on which the
will be guided by experienced mentors and industry experts.

YEAR 2 – SEMESTER 3
13
Study Plan
 YEAR 2

Fourth Semester
DESIGN 4
MODULE ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONTEXTS
This course builds upon the design 8 CFA
workshops and theoretical course
This workshop module aims at implementing design propositions that
WS
throughout the programme of study fully acknowledge the changed focus of design and prepare students for
to challenge the student to address engagement in 21st-century practice. New operative modes, technologies,
alternative design contexts with developed and design approaches will lead to experiencing the design artefact,
theoretical foundations. The documented whether physical and tangible or digital and intangible, in a changing way.
process is to include experimentation The intent is to create products and services for a better world.
and exploration, leading to original and
unedited concepts and creative methods
that are applicable in expanded design MODULE DESIGN LABORATORY 2
contexts. 4 CFA
The aim of this module is as dedicated container where the individual
A-LAB
tot 12 CFA design process connected to the design workshop module, Alternative
Design Contexts, is thoroughly document in all of its phases supplementing
the output. The A-LAB will contain illustration of methodological process,
primary and secondary research, digital and physical modelling and process
prototypes and final model.

LIGHT DESIGN
MODULE LIGHT DESIGN
tot 6 CFA 6 CFA
The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the technical and
WS
sensorial qualities of light as a design element and full comprehension of
the typological and technical aspects of products. Innovation in the sector
is driven by technological advancements, performance, aesthetics and
experience.

YEAR 2 – SEMESTER 4
15
Study Plan
THESIS
MODULE THEORETICAL CONTEXT
The degree project is the culmination of 4 CFA
the student’s study in the programme. CS DOCUMENTED
Students have the opportunity to The Degree Project is based on strong theoretical foundations and
consolidate all of their learning to date in will culminate in a substantial body of work representing the student’s
the form of project-based research and
individual and innovative approach. This module supports the development
development, which acknowledges the
nature and complexity of the industry. It
of the theoretical context and documents the framework for the project.
will enable students to demonstrate their
ability to employ advanced research and
design methodologies in response to a
MODULE DEGREE PROJECT
8 CFA
self-initiated and relevant brief. The student will submit an individual proposal that will set the character and
DP
scope of the degree project and be approved by the Programme Leader.
tot 12 CFA
A mentor is assigned to guide the development. Students are expected
to develop a suitable project-based research proposal framed within the
context of existing academic and disciplinary research that responds to the
evolving conditions of the contemporary context. The student will present
and defend the thesis in front of a committee composed of the Programme
Leader and professors.

YEAR 2 – SEMESTER 4
16
Study Plan