BA (Hons) Business Design

Methodology

Design Thinking is not only taught as a subject but is also present throughout the entire learning process. The students alternate between stages of “diverging” work, in which they have to learn to analyse the context in which they are operating, identify opportunities and generate ideas, and stages of “converging” work, in which they have to find and propose solutions, validate them and implement them. Hands-on learning is therefore an integral part of the students’ experience and they are asked to participate actively in the teaching activities, constantly moving between theoretical input and practical exercises. 

Objectives

The first year focuses on the basics of design, business and technology. The students explore design at the graphical and product levels and as a key element in communication. They also look at the concept of “user-focused” design. In the area of business, they focus on how to find innovative solutions to complex challenges.

The second year looks in depth at the product research and prototyping stage and familiarises the students with the concepts of user experience and service design so that they can acquire an overall view of the design process as a central management tool for companies in any field. In addition, the students focus on the idea generation and definition process, while closely examining the factors required for managing the legal, financial, branding and communication aspects of business, with an emphasis on the digital world..

In the third year, the students work on exploring design at a more intangible level, such as defining strategies, prototyping services, analysing designs and, in the business and technology section, focusing on defining and implementing innovation processes. Lastly, they have to apply all the knowledge acquired in the three years of the course to develop their final project, in which they are asked to research, define and present proposals and solutions for a real-world corporate challenge. To prepare them to go out into the world of work, the students also touch on the topic of personal branding, in order to develop their own personal brand.

Job Opportunities 

After finishing the course, the students will be able to design and manage strategies in the various areas of a company to create added value for a business and increase its profits. They will be prepared to take on these duties within a company either directly or from a consultancy or strategic design studio.

Their training will allow them to work in innovation departments, managing the uncertainties of the future and incorporating innovation strategies. They will also develop an entrepreneurial mentality that will permit them to design businesses or create start-ups.

They will have the skills needed to work internationally in service design, strategic design, innovation, entrepreneurship and also in the field of communications, both in companies and in consultancies, agencies and studios.