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Presentation
Presentation
The course Theory and Criticism of Design is situated within the theoretical-reflective field of the Bachelor´s Degree in Communication Design. It provides a critical foundation for the analysis and contextual understanding of visual and utilitarian objects, enabling students to engage with the historical, cultural and ideological dimensions of material production. This module bridges the domains of art and design, essential for fostering critical engagement with the material and symbolic world. It is a fundamental part of the study plan, enhancing students' theoretical awareness and supporting their practical work in design through critical reflection and intellectual rigour.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULP729-7247
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
Introduction to theory and criticism in art and design: concepts and methods The history of the utilitarian object: origins, evolution and meanings Critical analysis of everyday products: function, form and symbolism Industrial production, materials and manufacturing processes Sustainability, ergonomics and accessibility Planned obsolescence, consumerism and material culture Fundamentals of criticism: discourse, argument and rhetoric Techniques of presentation, debate and critical communication Figures of speech and their application in design theory and design projects. The figures of speech Anaphora, Pleonasm, Irony, Antithesis, Hyperbole, Metaphor, Personification, and Synesthesia, and their application in design theory and projects, as well as in architecture.
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Objectives
Objectives
Students are expected to develop critical thinking and theoretical analysis skills through the examination and research of everyday objects, placing them within their respective historical, social, cultural and technological contexts. They will acquire aptitudes in independent research, oral and written communication, aesthetic and ethical reflection, and the ability to contextualise the development of utilitarian products within the broader fields of art and design. The module aims to cultivate informed judgment and argumentation regarding cultural and industrial products.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
This module adopts an active, student-centred approach, based on applied research projects. Sessions combine short theoretical lectures, guided group discussions, student presentations, and peer feedback. Visual resources, case studies, and direct observation are used to strengthen the link between theory and practice. Oral presentation is a central component, promoting critical expression and academic discourse.
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References
References
Barthes, R. (1980). Mitologias. Lisboa: Edições 70. Forty, A. (2004). Objetos de desejo: design e sociedade desde 1750 . Lisboa: Edições 70. Findeli, A. (1994). A Questão Epistemológica no Design: uma Hipótese e uma Proposta. Projeto, 18,3-11. Sudjic, D. (2009). The Language of Things. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. Munari, B. (1981). Das coisas nascem coisas. Lisboa: Edições 70. Flusser, V. (1999). The Shape of Things: A Philosophy of Design. London: Reaktion Books. Baxter, M. (2010). Projeto de produto: Guia prático para o design de novos produtos. São Paulo, Brasil: Blucher. Allen, T. (2019). Solving critical design problems: Theory and practice. London, England: Routledge. Burdek, B.E. (2006). Design: História, Teoria e Prática do design de Produtos. Brasil, Editora Edgard Blücher. Willis, A.-M. (Ed.). (2018). The design philosophy reader. London, England: Bloomsbury Visual Arts.
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Assessment
Assessment
A Unidade Curricular de Teoria e Crítica do Design tem um carácter teórico-prático. A avaliação é contínua feita com base nos trabalhos realizados ao longo do semestre e nas participações ao longo das aulas, privilegiando-se sobretudo a evolução das aquisições ao longo do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Só serão aceites trabalhos que tenham sido acompanhados ao longo das aulas pelo docente.
Descrição
Ponderação
Pesquisa e realização de dossier "A Anáfora e o Pleonasmo no Design"
20%
Pesquisa e realização de dossier "A Ironia e a Antítese no Design"
25%
Pesquisa e realização de dossier "A Hipérbole no Design"
10%
Pesquisa e realização de dossier "A metáfora e a Personificação no Design"
25%
Pesquisa e realização de dossier "A Sinestesia no Design"
20%
Avaliação é contínua, obrigando os alunos a respeitarem as regras da pontualidade. Caso os alunos surjam nas aulas após 15 minutos do seu início, ser-lhes-á marcada falta. A participação tem de ser feita mediante 75% de presenças obrigatórias, cujo incumprimento obriga ao exame.
The Design Theory and Criticism course unit adopts a theoretical-practical approach. The assessment is continuous based on the work carried out during the semester and on the participations during the classes, with particular emphasis on the evolution of acquisitions throughout the teaching-learning process. Only coursework that has been monitored by the professor throughout the course will be accepted.
Description
Weighting
Research and development of a dossier on "Anaphora and Pleonasm in Design"
20%
Research and preparation of a dossier on "Irony and Antithesis in Design"
25%
Research and preparation of a dossier on "Hyperbole in Design"
10%
Research and preparation of a dossier on "Metaphor and Personification in Design"
25%
Research and preparation of a dossier on "Synesthesia in Design"
20%
Assessment is continuous, forcing students to respect the rules of punctuality. If students appear in class after 15 minutes from the beginning, they will be marked absent. Participation must be made through 75% of mandatory attendance, whose non-compliance requires the exam.
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Mobility
Mobility
No
