Critical Making as a Design Process Learning Method

Abstract: This study is a case study within Media Technology at Malmö University that explores the gap between design and technology in the Graphic Design course. The study uses the concept of Critical Making and how that can be used to develop a design process learning method in higher education programs, where designing and making artifacts are in focus. The aim is to implement Critical Making in order to allow students to gain deeper understanding and evaluate their material choices and their own reflections in the design process. To achieve the implementation of Critical Making the study uses didactics as a pedagogical approach. The key elements in Critical Making as a design process learning method build on context, reflection, material choice and design process that all form a common design language between students and teachers to exchange knowledge and experiences in future media productions. The common design language is shaped through open assignments, supervision and reflection from the students' material choices and context of the media production they work with during the design process. The findings in the study are also presented as a digitally interactive poster that uses Augmented Reality to show videos and images for the user.