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Short course

Product Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course

Get a taste of product design at CSM! Learn sketching and model making. Hands-on projects exploring 3D design.

Next start months
July 2025
July 2025
August 2025
Tutor(s)
Jason Allcorn
TBC
Price
From £520.00

Course description

Course overview

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of product design. Working both independently and in groups, you'll respond to a set brief and be guided through each stage of the design process, from research and strategy to idea generation and development.

Through short talks, videos, and workshops, you'll explore key industry topics and theories, while actively engaging in all stages of the design process with many drawings and experiments with 3D model making. On the final day, you'll present your work in an exhibition-style setting and receive valuable feedback to help you progress.

By the end of the course, you'll have a solid understanding of design processes, and how to apply them to your projects. You'll also have enhanced visual communication and presentation skills through drawing and 3D form, along with portfolio-ready work, making it an ideal stepping stone for further study in design.

This course is available on campus or online.


Who this course is for

  • Students aged 16 to 18 with a passion for product design
  • Students aiming for foundation or BA level product design courses
  • Students with good drawing skills would be advantageous but not a requirement

Key information

Topics covered

  • Design process in product design
  • Product design in industry
  • Research methods
  • Design strategy
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Sustainability
  • Portfolio applications
  • Further learning / studies

Skills covered:

  • Design thinking
  • Design development
  • Visual research
  • Generating ideas
  • Sketching
  • Model making
  • Technical drawing
  • Presentations


Learning outcomes

  • Gain experience with the design process
  • Develop an understanding in the importance of research in the design process
  • Improve drawing skills and special awareness
  • Develop the ability to make 3D models through understanding of material and form
  • Strengthen your portfolio for future applications
  • Gain knowledge of relevant topics and learning resources
  • Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
  • Develop an open-minded approach to art and design
  • Experience art school teaching

For practical information about our kids and teens courses, take a look at our kids and teens information hub. This includes details of our policies on safeguarding, food allergies, learning requirements and online study.

Materials

On campus

  • A3 portrait sketchbook (paperback)
  • Variety of pencils (colour and graphite)
  • Variety of pens (black fine liner and colours)
  • Scotch tape and masking tape
  • Scissors 30cm/12in metal ruler
  • Geometry set square ruler
  • Drawing
  • Compass
  • Super glue (30sec)
  • Materials to be provided by tutor/CSM
  • Paper card
  • Corrugated card
  • Foam board
  • Mount board
  • Model making materials
  • PVA Glue
  • Glue stick
  • Spray Mount
  • Double-sided Tape
  • Masking Tape
  • Graphite Pencils (HB/H2)
  • Pencil Sharpener Scissors

Recommended Reading

  • Rodgers, Paul & Alex Milton, Product Design, 2011, London, Laurence King Publishing Ltd.
  • Thompson, Rob, Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals, 2007, London, Thames & Hudson Ltd.
  • Williams, Gareth, 21 Designers for twenty-first century Britain, 2012, London, V&A Publishing

Online

  • A4 and A3 paper (loose sheets)
  • A4 or A3 printer
  • Post-it notes
  • Variety of pencils (colour and graphite)
  • Variety of pens (black fine liner and colours)
  • Scotch tape
  • Masking tape
  • Double-sided tape (5mm wide)
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors Scalpel or Stanley knife
  • 30cm/12in metal ruler
  • Geometry set square ruler
  • Drawing Compass

Other preferred but not essential materials; Variety of papers, card, foam board, mount board, Super glue (30sec).

Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.

Tutor

Jason Allcorn

Jason Allcorn has a Masters degree in Industrial Design and over 25 years experience as a designer, maker and creative consultant. With a pragmatic, hands-on approach to design he is as happy in the workshop crafting bespoke solutions as he is leading ideation sessions for bluechip clients. Past clients include Lego, Design Museum, Southbank, British Council. Jason’s work as creative director of [re]design explores social and environmental issues and the designer’s role in response to them. Alongside this his studio output through WE make aims to demystify the design process and encourage others to make. Jason’s current research brings together these strands of expertise and two decades consulting in the toy industry, in exploring themes of play, creativity and sustainability. An experienced lecturer and workshop leader Jason has taught on UAL’s Foundation in Art and Design at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon for the last 8 years.

TBC

Jason Allcorn has a Masters degree in Industrial Design and over 25 years experience as a designer, maker and creative consultant. With a pragmatic, hands-on approach to design he is as happy in the workshop crafting bespoke solutions as he is leading ideation sessions for bluechip clients. Past clients include Lego, Design Museum, Southbank, British Council. Jason’s work as creative director of [re]design explores social and environmental issues and the designer’s role in response to them. Alongside this his studio output through WE make aims to demystify the design process and encourage others to make. Jason’s current research brings together these strands of expertise and two decades consulting in the toy industry, in exploring themes of play, creativity and sustainability. An experienced lecturer and workshop leader Jason has taught on UAL’s Foundation in Art and Design at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon for the last 8 years.

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