Design is being used increasingly as a strategic tool by organisations to create innovative products and services, improve systems and processes and develop better business models.
Ravensbourne’s MDes Design Management prepares 21st century managers with requisite skills in design, business and technology.
Design management explores the strategic use of design. It encompasses the design of processes, organisations and systems. Design managers are responsible for developing strategies that support innovations and create effectively-designed products, services, communications, environments, and brands.
Designed for ambitious professionals, MDes Design Management focuses on developing collaborative and entrepreneur mindsets, and multi-disciplinary design skills needed to progress towards a leadership role in the creative industries.
From the tactical management of corporate design functions and design agencies to the strategic advocacy of design across organisations, you will explore design thinking and design methods to solve a range of complex problems.
Working with other MDes students in Service Design and Luxury Brand Management, you will have the opportunity to develop a collaborative attitude and undertake complex projects.
The course also draws on current Ravensbourne research in business incubation, rapid prototyping and the strategic development of new business models in a connected digital world.
This course is one of three that form Ravensbourne’s MDes (Master of Design) programme. Each course has been developed in response to industry demand for professionals with strategic design knowledge and business and management acumen who can lead and manage specialist design teams.
You will gain industry-focused knowledge, practical multi-disciplinary skills and in-depth intellectual capability allowing you to think openly and creatively as you progress towards a leadership career in the creative industries.
A particular emphasis will be placed on developing your collaborative skills required for business success. Our globally-focused case studies will also broaden your perspectives and increase your understanding of international design and business practices.
Core to the MDes programme is design thinking, the essence of design practice, but now also being adopted by leading business organisations in the world as an innovative approach to problem solving. The programme will challenge students to experiment with ideas in order to develop innovative solutions.
Who is it for?
- Designers looking to progress their careers to a senior level or wishing to start their own consultancy.
- Qualified individuals with a non-design background who are already working in the creative industries or plan to do so.
- Professionals who have a vested business interest in the design and creative industries and who work closely with designers.
Where will it take me?
MDes Design Management graduates will go on to work as account managers and creative directors in design and creative companies. You might also be employed as a design manager, strategist, researcher or executive in a public or private organisation. Some graduates set up their own consultancy businesses.
You will also benefit from Ravensbourne’s reputation for creative and technical innovation, and our very strong industry connections.
“Everybody knows there are a lot of people training in design; a fair few in management. But, oddly, very few people train in both and it’s phenomenally useful to have a foot in both camps – it makes a person much more versatile and able to adapt to the future job market.”
Michael Johnson, johnson banks
What will I study?
- Cultural and Contextual Design Studies
This unit provides an introduction into the course and subject area to develop a learning foundation for further development of specialist knowledge and research skills. - Practical Application of Design Thinking
Focusing on developing practical methods and tools to be able to carry out projects using the Design Thinking Method, this unit will explore the range of different frameworks available to designers and managers to use in different contexts. The knowledge of how to carry out design thinking in a practical situation is crucial in identifying and assigning accountable value to the practice of design thinking. - Managing Design in a Global Society and Economy
This unit runs concurrently with the two design units and explores different perspectives in analysing global, social and economic issues. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of communicating and analysing current politics, economic and business issues, social and environmental issues. It is taught with a wide-lens perspective and aims to broaden the scope of thinking. - Professional Practice in Management and Consulting
This intensive unit in the practice of management and consulting covers three core management areas: Project Management, Knowledge Management and Change Management. The unit also covers professional standards and best practice in consulting. You will develop your own methods in management and consulting as you learn through practical projects in specifically designed real life situations. The aim is that by the end of this unit you will have the confidence to apply your knowledge and skills in live, commercial projects. - Studio Practice
This unit is designed to allow you to focus and practice your chosen specialism and is developed with three possible options: you can participate in a work-based learning option, involving a placement; or collaborate with the wider Ravensbourne community in a prototyping option; or develop your specialism into an enterprise. The aim of the unit is to allow for personal development through experimentation in a controlled and structured environment designed to challenge your thinking and methods. - Strategic Design and Innovation
This unit connects design thinking with business strategy, through project-based learning. You will develop expertise in business strategy, strategic planning and learn to integrate this with your previous knowledge in design thinking and management. - Major project
This unit concludes the MDes programme and enables the student to use knowledge and skills acquired on the course to execute a substantial independent project that demonstrates an advanced understanding of their practice.
The units are delivered using a range of innovative teaching methods that reflect current industry practice.
Learning Experience
Design education is combined with a design-based approach to business and management. Learning is facilitated by permanent teaching staff and by expert sessional staff with strong industry connections.
Whilst some learning is more formally delivered through lectures, seminars and case studies followed by written essays, the main emphasis is on experiential learning in the form of workshops, boot camps and project-based learning. This simulates the business environment and helps you develop advanced skills in management and business issues.
Laptops
You are required to own or have access to a laptop from the beginning of your studies. Laptops are an essential tool to support personalised learning and give you access, when and where you want it, to many of the creative tools and educational resources you will encounter during your studies.
Laptops are used extensively in all of our courses. You will need one to access our network, and to research, communicate and collaborate during your studies.
Click here for the full programme specification.
