Module: CCO5002-20 - Creative Industry Challenge

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Coral Manton

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.manton@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Creative Industry Challenge echoes the contest-driven approach adopted by many UK tech accelerators. In these challenges, teams of people are tasked to address a given real-world problem by designing and developing new tech products or services. Contests are short-form and require the rapid development of prototypes that act as proof of concept.

This module similarly encourages divergent thinking and competition in support of innovation. The cohort is presented with a concisely worded real-world problem that demands a creative solution. You break out into teams to ideate and strategise, then undertake the challenge as a unit across 10 weeks. During this period, you receive mentorship from project supervisors and industry partners who criticise solutions and help shape your ideas. Creative Industry Challenges concludes with a pitching event, in which a panel of experts selects a winning concept.

2. Outline syllabus:

The schedule for Creative Industry Challenge is as follows:

Week 1: The contest problem is defined and teams are established

Week 2: Supervisors are allocated and teams meet for an ideation session

Week 3: First ideas are pitched to and then critiqued by the cohort

Week 4 to 7: Teams begin developing prototypes

Week 8: Teams meet to share project progress

Week 9 to 12: Prototypes undergo testing and iteration

Week 13: The ‘proof of concept pitch’ takes place

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Includes structured sessions across the module on such topics as pitching and presentation, project management, team building and effective documentation. Guest speakers with a background in technological innovation deliver some of these sessions. You team is expected to attend meetings with project supervisors outside of class hours to review progress.

Independent Learning

Creative Industry Challenge relies heavily on self-directed working. You are responsible for ensuring your team stays on points and tackles design, development and workload management issues as a collective. It is also your responsibility to stay in regular contact with your supervisory team and seek advice from external parties if appropriate.

We recommend that you keep a learning log that documents your experience of Creative Industry Challenge. This will help populate the critical reflection aspects of your assessed ‘challenge portfolio’. Your log should record insights on collaborative relationships, team challenges and successes, as well as track your growth as a creative professional across the project.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Challenge Portfolio; supported by a 1500 word report

• % Weighting: 80%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Proof of Concept Pitch (3 minutes)

• % Weighting: 20%