Abstract:

In the process of implementation of the new European Degrees we become aware of the need to evaluate the startup of the subjects to ensure that the new programs guarantee the acquisition of expected skills and that the practical activities are appropriate for students. In some cases, in the development of new syllabuses many subjects have been moved from one course to another, or have been removed, so the map of competences to be acquired in each course had to be rewritten and should be evaluated periodically.

In the new Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design and Product Development at the Universitat Jaume I many subjects have been moved to other courses respect to the previous curriculum and others have been modified based on previous content without considering the new European approaches. After the launch of some subjects for the first time, it seems that in some cases the students lacked the basis to address them properly, and in other cases the practical activities were insufficient, making it necessary to review these subjects for the next course.

This paper describes the improvements made in the compulsory subject 'Product presentation' of the Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design via an educational improvement project funded by the Educational Support Unit (USE). Conducting tests to identify shortcomings at the beginning and end of the course, the creation of self-assessment rubrics to promote objectivity, the collaboration of prestigious designers in the classroom and making a personal e-portfolio as a means of promotion of students in the digital environment are some of the highlights of this subject in 2014 course. The article concludes by assessing the positive impact of the project and the scope of these improvements.

Keywords:

Industrial design, packaging, product presentation, e-portfolio, rubrics.