Curriculum 2011 – HYE11SJ (in English)

LAUREA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Degree Programme in Entrepreneurship and Business, Laurea Kerava, HYE11SJ

Ylemmät ammattikorkeakoulututkinnot

Master's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Business, User-Centred Design

In Laurea’s area of operation, most jobs are in services. Growth businesses play a central role in the metropolitan
area’s competitiveness. The development of knowledge-intensive business services is particularly important.
Innovative products and methods must be utilised actively in the public sector’s own activities in order to develop
and safeguard public services.
 Continuing globalisation, the rapid development of information and communication technology, the shortening life
cycle of products and services, increasing customer demands and multiculturalism are features of the economic
environment. Innovations, user-driven product and service development and management of productive operations
facilitate business success.

 Organisations respond to changes in their operating environment by ensuring the competence of personnel and
modernising their operations through development processes. At Laurea, students learn to work in dynamic,
networked environments

Expertise


 Bachelors in Business Administration have strong generalised business competence, being able to maintain and
develop the operations of diverse organisations, to understand and analyse the structures of the operating
environment and changes in the environment, and to develop organisations' key functions and processes.
Graduates of the Master's degree programme in Entrepreneurship and Business, User-Centred Design can identify
and utilise opportunities provided by users participating in the innovation process of the product and service
development. They are able to take on demanding jobs in product or service design.
 Graduates of the Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Business, User-Centred Design have core competence
for example in user-oriented design focused on productive operations, and methodological competence in user and
usability analysis

Targeted competences

In the National Qualifications Framework, level 7 and the national generic competences describe the level of
competence of graduates of Master's degrees. Below is a description of the competence of that level (NQF level 7,
Master's degrees), of the national generic competences and of the degree-specific competences.


Finnish National Qualifications Framework Level 7

 Students have a grasp of extensive, highly specialised concepts, methods and knowledge related to their fields of
specialisation, which they can use as a basis for independent thinking and/or research. They understand questions
related to the field and the meeting points between different fields, and take a critical approach towards them and
towards new information. They can solve demanding problems using research and/or innovation methods, by
developing new information and applying and combining knowledge from different fields.

 The students are able to work independently in the demanding development and expert tasks of the profession, or
as entrepreneurs. They can lead and develop complex, unpredictable and new strategic approaches. They can
manage issues and/or people. They can evaluate the operations of individuals and groups, and increase their
knowledge and practices in the field and/or take charge of other people's development.

 The students have the skills for continuous learning. They can communicate orally and in writing to both specialist
and non-specialist audiences. They can handle demanding international communication and interaction in at least
Finnish and Swedish and one other language.

National Generic competences
 Generic competences are competences shared by all degree programmes. They lay a foundation for students'
future participation and collaboration in the world of work, as well as for their professional development:
 • learning competence
 exceeding oneself. The aim is to achieve learning that is useful for information-intensive organisations, where
activities require skills to create new, innovative and useful knowledge and competence. Competence becomes
apparent as influencing and development skills. Growing competence is applied in the R&D activities of the Living
Lab ecosystem of partners and the partnership network.

Description of the Degree Programme

Master's Degree

The Master's degree programme includes advanced professional studies, elective studies and a thesis.

 The general objective of Master's degree studies is to provide students with the extensive and deep knowledge of
the field that they need for developing the world of work, the necessary theory for completing demanding expert and
management tasks in the field, an in-depth vision of the field in question, its status in the world of work and its social
significance, skills in following and understanding the development of research data and professional practices in
the field, and the ability for lifelong learning and continuous professional development, as well as the excellent
communication and language skills and international interaction and professional competence required in the
workplace.

 The purpose of advanced professional studies is to allow the students to deepen
 their ability to apply theories in practice, their analytical skills, their project management and R&D competence, and
their social skills. The aim of the thesis is to develop and demonstrate the students’ ability to apply research data, to
use selected methods for analysing and solving workplace problems and to carry out demanding specialist tasks
independently.

 According to Government bill 7/2009 (Section 34), those who have completed a suitable Masters' degree from a
university of applied sciences are eligible to apply for a scientific or academic postgraduate. (National Framework for
Qualifications and Other Learning, 2009).

Prerequisites

 In order to be eligible for a Master's Degree programme, applicants must have at least three (3) years' work
experience and an applicable higher education degree (Act on Changes to the Polytechnics Act 411/2005). The
prerequisite is at least a Bachelor of Business Administration degree or other applicable higher education degree
(e.g. Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Hospitality Management or other Bachelor's degree). The studies of
eligible students must also include 30 credits in business skills either as part of the required higher education degree
or from postgraduate studies completed at a university, higher education institute or university of applied sciences
e.g. as specialisation studies. Should previous studies not include business studies, these must completed during
the first academic year.

 The User-Centred Design degree programme is intended for graduates of polytechnic or applicable higher
education degrees with good basic skills and a minimum of three years' experience of working in the field of design.
The studies are suitable for persons employed in product and service design or marketing design, development,
management or other expert roles, as well as for those interested in innovative development of product or service
design and wish to advance or update their competence in the field. The programme also enables students to
advance and expand their business skills and complement their entrepreneurial skills.

 Degree Programme in Entrepreneurship and Business, User-Centered Design
 The programme in User-Centred Design (90 cr) leads to a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Business, User-
Centred Design within Social Sciences, Business and Administration. Graduates can use the title Master of
Business Administration (in Finnish Tradenomi ylempi AMK). Graduates are formally qualified for public office
positions and tasks that require a Master's degree.


Implementation
 Study unit workloads are evaluated in connection with the implementation plan. The allocation of workloads is done
according to estimates regarding the requirements of competence development and various learning methods. Work
methods include e.g. of face-to-face instruction, familiarisation with literature or other material, adoption of
professional tools, various forms of development work, pedagogical assessments of situations of shared expertise,
sharing of competence and competence evaluation.

 The curriculum is complemented with a syllabus for each study unit, which are published before the study unit
begins in the learning environment workspace of the degree programme (Optima). The learning environment also
serves as a shared expertise tool for implementing the study units.
 The syllabus can be supplemented during the implementation. The syllabi are retained as material for the quality
and evaluation systems. The syllabus document becomes an implementation document after it has been carried out.
 Study feedback is gathered on each study unit electronically (Inka). Feedback is gathered on the contents of the
studies, teaching, guidance and workloads as well as the significance of studying and the degree programme for
each student. Feedback on study units is used for developing the degree programme and student guidance. In
addition to written feedback, the coordinating principal lecturer gathers qualitative feedback as part of the guidance
process. The effectiveness of the education from the perspectives of the student, the field and the region is
evaluated at the end of the programme

• ethical competence
 • communication and social competence
 • development competence
 • organizational and societal competence
 • international competence


 Subject-specific Competences of Entrepreneurship and Business, User-Centered Design
 The subject-specific competences form a basis for the students' professional development. They lay a foundation
for future participation and collaboration in the world of work, as well as for professional development.

Subject-specific competences
• business-oriented innovation process competence
• user-centred design competence
• methodological competence in user and usability studies

Professional Growth

Development of Professional Competence
 The contents of the User-Centred Design programme form an entity that equips students to function as
professionals and innovative developers in the changing operating environment of their fields. Students who have
completed the studies know how to diversely apply user-centred methods for developing products, services and
business operations, and have the skills to design, implement and manage user-centred design and production
processes. They see the users of the product or service as a resource for the innovation process and acquire skills
in developing organisations' innovation strategies and involving users in the innovation process. They can evaluate
design solutions in ethically and environmentally sustainable ways, taking into account the needs of the users. They
work according to the user-driven design process, using applied research and development. In line with their
personal objectives, graduates have grown from from having basic skills in the field into experts and developers.
 Students who have completed the User-Centred Design programme can:
 • understand the opportunities offered by concept design and creative problem-solving methods in the design
process and business activities;
 • identify and utilise opportunities provided by users participating in the innovation process of the product and
service development;
 • apply and develop user-centred research and design methods for developing innovative design solutions and
business operations;
 • embrace change and cooperate with various operators in multidisciplinary operating environments;
 • plan, implement and manage a user-centred design and production process;
 • organise, analyse and report on user research in accordance with the ethics of the sector

Studies and Learning Environment
The basis of competence development consists of the latest research data in user-centred design, which is
modified and refined in order for students to become experts and developers in their field. In competence
development the important thing is not to memorise information but to learn to use and process information in order
to create new operating methods, models, interpretations and explanations for the issue at hand at each time.

 Some of the resources of competence development are a learning culture that promotes creativeness and target-
orientation, expert guidance and instruction, and a learning environment that supports development. Competence
guidance is provided in a participatory manner. Every lecturer is a tutor who supports the growth of expertise with
his or her professionalism and work methods.

 The development platform for competence development is formed by a competence network, an innovation
environment, a platform for competence development and structures that support learning. The construction of
learning environments emphasises facilitating people, their enthusiasm and their interaction to achieve creativity.
Instruction does not focus on presenting, repeating and checking information but strives to create a learning process
that becomes apparent as progressive problem-solving, continuous learning, and developing and

The User-Centred Design programme is implemented as blended learning, combining face-to-face instruction
(expert lectures and group meetings), independent study and virtual studies. Work methods for the degree
programme include development team work, and learning and development tasks in various real-life learning and
innovation environments. The implementation plans for the studies provide more detail, and are in accordance with
the structure presented in chapter 6.

 The studies are designed and implemented so that they can be completed alongside working within two years. The
programme includes 18–22 face-to-face days per academic year. Face-to-face instruction takes place on weekdays
and on Saturdays. Part of the programme is arranged in cooperation with the Service Innovation and Design
Master's degree programme in English. Collaboration generates a broader competence base, transfer of
competence between programmes, and direct advantages for students through a wider selection of elective studies

Structure of the Programme

The extent of the User-Centred Design programme is 90 cr. It contains 75 cr in shared advanced professional
studies and 15 cr in elective studies. The degree programme in User-Centred Design consists of four
complementary modules, i.e. themes.
 • Entrepreneurship and Service Innovations, which contains 15 cr in shared advanced professional studies and
elective study units (25 cr)
 • User-Centred Design in Innovation Activity, which contains shared advanced professional studies (10 cr) and
elective study units (10 cr)
 • Usability and User Survey Methods, which consists of shared advanced professional studies (20 cr) and elective
study units (15 cr)
 • Thesis, 30 cr.

Quality Assurence of the Degree Programme

In examining Master's degree programmes, the following factors are of particular importance in evaluation of R&D
and regional development:
 • internationalisation of regional development and R&D initiatives
 • international experts at Laurea and in the region
 • entrepreneurship
 • innovations (industry usability assessments, SME sector)
 • project-based theses
 • Learning by Developing
 Targets of LbD activity in Master's degrees include:
 • development and dissemination of the operating model
 • quality of instruction and tutoring

Evaluation targets of the education process in Master's degrees include:
• attractiveness
• degree completion rate
• accumulation of credits
• average completion time
• employment rate

 The effectiveness of the education is evaluated in relation to the curriculum and generic competences of the
national Master's degree ECTS system.

 Evaluation of the curriculum, regular student feedback and data collection in accordance with the strategic
development plan serve as the basis of evaluation data. The quality development process takes place in the teacher
team of the degree programme, workplace networks and Laurea's shared Master's degree development network.
 Study Unit Workloads, syllabi and feedback system


                                                                          1. year        2. year        3. year
OP               STUDIES                                                            50             40
0320             ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SERVICE
                 INNOVATIONS
E0119            From idea to viable business                                       10
E9904            Sustainable economics                                                              5
01063            Users as an organisational resource                                 5
01035            Strategic service innovations and changing                                         5
                 business models
E9905            UCD for Corporate Social Responsibility                                           10
E0120            Introduction to entrepreneurship                                                   5
E9934                                                                                               5
0321             USER-CENTRED DESIGN IN A COMPANY'S
                 INNOVATION ACTIVITIES
01038            Design thinking                                                     5
E9906            Konsepti- ja vuorovaikutussuunnittelu                                              5
01065            Design methods that support innovation and                          5
                 cooperation
01066            User experience in design                                                          5
E9907            Open space                                                                         5
0322             USABILITY AND USER STUDY METHODS
01067            Basics of user studies                                             10
01068            Methods of user and usability studies                              10
01069            Visual Design Methods                                                              5
01070            Drama methods as a source of user data                              5
01032            Futures thinking and foresight methodologies                                       5
125              ELECTIVE STUDIES
194              THESIS
E0121            Thesis                                                             30
                                                                                    50             40             0
0320 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SERVICE INNOVATIONS, 10 cr

Description:
The module deepens and expands the students' business skills and especially the development skills of
organisational innovation activities. Students become familiar with the new type of innovation culture and business
skills demanded by changing operating environments. In addition, elective studies enable students to deepen their
expertise in future studies and challenges of global operating environments as well as in growth entrepreneurship.


The student will be able to:
· diversely and systematically evaluate their own competence and expertise, and define their learning needs
· understand the widespread connections and causal relationships between things, and work with limited information
in situations requiring multidisciplinary competence
· take initiatives, adopt a developmental approach to work, and initiate and implement change processes
· apply the value systems and ethical principles of the field in their work as experts and workplace developers
· assess the operation of a work community, and plan, organise and develop operations in changing circumstances
· act on their own initiative, predicting changes and change needs
· apply the principles of sustainable development to their work and know their organisation’s corporate social
responsibility
· know the elements of project work, participate in and manage projects
· initiate viable, customer-driven development operations
· know the socioeconomic interdependence of organisations in their field
· know and make use of social influencing opportunities
· know the operating culture of the market and participate in coordinating, developing and managing organisations’
activities


Content:
The Entrepreneurship and Service Innovations module contains 15 cr in shared advanced professional studies and
25 cr in elective (E) studies. The module familiarises students with the new type of innovation culture and business
skills demanded by changing operating environments. The focus is on business-oriented innovation for an
organisation.



E0119 From idea to viable business, 10 cr

The student is able to:
· define, manage and control the knowledge and competence capital in a company's innovation environments, and
produce business processes that lead to profitable product concepts
· determine and utilise an immaterial asset system as a part of diverse business models and earnings logics
· investigate and analyse customers and markets, and design, productise and commercialise profitable products and
services


Contents of the study unit:
· innovaatioprosessi – ideasta tuotteeksi
· innovaatiot ja tiedon strateginen johtaminen
· aineettomat oikeudet
· ideasta tuotteeksi -tuotekehitysprosessi: menetelmiä, konseptointi
· tuotekehityksen rahoitusmuodot
· liiketoimintasuunnitelmasta liiketoiminnaksi


Study unit description:
· learning about the elements of innovation environment analysis, and producing analyses at company level using
case studies
· familiarisation with the concepts of immaterial rights and viewing services and sample products from a business
perspective
· following the user-centred product development process from idea to product, and producing a business plan



E9904 Sustainable economics, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· analyse and asses economical issues taking into account social, economical and environmental dimensions.
· evaluate and understand the possibilities of collaboration between third sector and companies towards sustainable
development
· be aware and attentive towards sustainability issues
· formulate strategies for implementing sustainable products and services that take into account ethical requirements


Contents of the study unit:
· sustainable development
· sustainability in design
· UCD and sustainability
· ethical concerns
· social issues
· economical issues
· ecological issues
· ecological economics


Study unit description:
Understanding sustainability is a key issue in nowadays society. There are lots of concerns, challenges, tensions
and contradictions when a certain new product enter into the market. Therefore is vital to not only understand the
possibilities of the product or service for a certain user, but also in a wider context, to the whole society and in a
wider time period.
The main focus of the discussion will be on the possibilities to bring new concepts to organisations in order to
promote awareness towards sustainable issues. The discussion will happen once the students propose certain
concept evaluating it taking into account the three dimensions (ecological, economical and social).
The study unit intends to introduce students not only awareness in their professional life, but also in their personal
life as responsible citizens. The emphasis is on the challenges and possibilities that sustainability issues are
bringing to companies and the third sector.


Previous studies:
01067, 01068 tai vastaavat tiedot


01063 Users as an organisational resource, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· understand the role of the user-centred design process as a tool for developing business strategy
· understand the value of user-centred design processes in innovation practices
· use and evaluate change management methods as a part of strategic business development


Contents of the study unit:
· operating and process models in user-centred design in the context of a company's strategic planning and process
development
· entrenching the user-centred thought and operating model in operations and strategic leadership
· content and methods of change management
· diagnosing innovation work and developing customer-driven business


Study unit description:
· familiarisation with innovation activities through literature and presentations
· familiarisation with good practices and operating models of companies through lectures by experts
· examination of change management and service culture development



01035 Strategic service innovations and changing business models, 5 cr

The student is able to:
 • understand the strategic shift to service business and its impact on corporate level
 • assess service strategy and strategic choices
 • master the key concepts, principles and methods of strategic management
 • formulate innovative business models for a service business
 • understand the impact that a new innovative strategy has on corporate business model and competitive
advantage

Contents of the study unit:
• Strategic thinking and principles
• Strategy process: formulation and management (planning and implementation)
• Formulation of radically new business strategies and innovative business models
• Competitive advantage and edge in service business
• Impact of a new business strategy on organization

Study unit description:
 For any organization, it is important to exhibit a clear vision about its goals and strategies. A strategy defines
strategic objectives for the organization, provides direction for growth and success, and prioritizes activities.
Basically, the strategy influences organizational attitudes and culture towards the creation of value for customers
through services. The strategy and vision for the future has to be based on an understanding of the business, where
a business is now, who are the customers, what is offered to customers, and how the company has come to this
point. It is also important to know, how profitable the business is, how successful the company is doing compared to
its competitors, and what are the core capabilities and strengths of the organization. The study unit looks at the
significance and methods of strategic process, planning and management in the context of a service business. The
emphasis is on radical strategy reforms, and on looking for and producing strategic innovations in a rapidly changing
business environment. Students will learn how to use the basic tools to formulate strategy, strategic objectives and
implementation through strategy action plans.
 Prerequisites
 None


E9905 UCD for Corporate Social Responsibility, 10 cr

The student is able to:
· understand and master the concept of corporate social responsibility
· lead a concept development process for incorporating ethical values into a corporation using UCD approaches
· be aware of the possibilities of service design to motivate corporations to work in networked projects in social
economics
· formulate alternative strategies and business models for a service business with the ultimate aim of reinforcing
ethical consumerism, design activism or/ and sustainability
· work under tight constrains


Contents of the study unit:
· Analysis of the state of the art of the corporate social responsibility and social economy
· Formulation of service design concepts for the third sector or for reinforcing collaboration between third sector and
corporations
· Delineation of the opportunities of UCD in the context of corporate social responsibility and social economy
· Societal impact of new business strategies that change human behaviors towards a more ethical framework


Study unit description:
This study unit looks at the strategic collaboration between the third sector and corporations to reinforce their
engagement with nowadays societal challenges. The students will explore a set of research questions through their
own project based practice. The questions are: Where the business can be that helps the sector sector to
accomplish their goals? How can service design using UCD approaches promote ethical values and sustainability?
This study unit happens in the intersection of Development studies (Social Sciences-Sustainability issues- Social
responsibility- Corporate responsibility), User- Centred Design (concept design and ideation-methods and
approaches) and Business (models and services).



E0120 Introduction to entrepreneurship, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· recognise their opportunities for entrepreneurship
· evaluate the pros and cons of various forms of entrepreneurship in relation to their own business aims and work
methods
· recognise the challenges facing a start-up and solve them in diverse ways
· know the basic processes in business operations and the main legislation governing them, and apply these to their
own business operations
· know the main elements of financial administration (including funding, corporate taxation, cash flows and
compulsory bookkeeping)
· know the central financial concepts and processes influencing strategic business leadership


Contents of the study unit:
· forms of entrepreneurship and operating models
· life as an entrepreneur and entrepreneurship as a profession
· what an entrepreneur does and what factors are linked to and facilitate successful entrepreneurship
· strategic business management and financial administration


Study unit description:
· social significance of entrepreneurship
· concepts of entrepreneurship
· challenges of entrepreneurship
· entrepreneurship and family, entrepreneurship as a lifestyle and the conditions for growth, and examination of
entrepreneur-driven businesses through expert lectures and case studies
· business operations



E9934 , 5 cr

The student is able to:
Opiskelija ymmärtää talouden suunnittelun ja kustannuslaskennan merkityksen päätöksen teossa. Opiskelija osaa
tulkita taloushallinnon tuottamaa informaatiota ja ymmärtää raportien käyttömahdollisuudet päätöksen teossa.
Lisäksi hän osaa hyödyntää nykyaikaisia taloushallinnon palveluja.

Contents of the study unit:
* Sisäisen ja ulkoisen laskentatoimen yhteys ja hyödynnettävyys

* Yritystoiminnan taloushallinnon keskeiset elementit (rahoitus, yritysverotus, kassavirta, lakisääteinen kirjanpito)

* Tilinpäätöksen lukeminen ja tunnuslukujen arviointi

* Tilinpäätöksen laadintaan liittyvät ratkaisut

* Taloushallinnon nykyaikaiset palvelut

Study unit description:
Tavoitteena on päivittää tradenomitutkinnossa saadut tiedot ja taidot sekä syventää osaamista tällä alueella.
Opiskelija saa kokonaiskuvan nykyaikaisesta talousjohatmisesta.


0321 USER-CENTRED DESIGN IN A COMPANY'S INNOVATION ACTIVITIES, 15 cr

Description:
The module seeks initially to create a mutual view on design thinking shared among various fields. The module
strengthens the students' design competence especially in user interface and interaction design by developing
innovation, cooperation, and methods and tools that form a shared view. In addition, elective studies allow students
to expand their design competence through familiarisation with user experience design and with current issues.


The student will be able to:
· carry out creative and innovative problem-solving and decision-making in their work
· plan, organise and develop their work
· understand the principles of group and team work, work with others in multidisciplinary teams and can manage
such teams
· guide and coach others
· work in diverse communication and interaction situations, and organise and create professional networks
· have general knowledge of the status and significance of the professional field in the international operating
environment
· identify cultural differences and work in an international work and operating environment
· possess spoken and written communication competence in one or two foreign languages necessary for work and
for professional development
· utilise information and communication technology in their work


Content:
The User-Centred Design in a Company's Innovation Activities module contains 10 cr in shared advanced
professional studies and 10 cr in elective (E) studies. The module explores design thinking shared among various
fields. It also looks at designing interaction as well as innovation, cooperation and methods that support the
formation of a shared concept. User-centred design is approached especially from the perspective of design.



01038 Design thinking, 5 cr

The student is able to:
•   analyse and assess design from the perspective of its relations to other disciplines and business activities


Contents of the study unit:
•  Definitions of design
•  The collaborative nature and the social context of design
•  Conceptualising
•  Sketching
•  Prototyping
•  Communicating


Study unit description:
Design is a central feature of our culture and everyday life. This study unit contributes to the understanding of
design as an integrative activity and gives participants the resources to develop their creative processes and team
work skills.

The main focus of the discussions will be on the design activity. How does design differ from other activities and
how may it be characterised in its own terms? The discussions, lectures and exercises will deal with the concept of
design from the perspective of its relations to other disciplines and business activities. The designer's work will be
discussed through different concepts and approaches that are relevant to the contemporary disciplines of new
media, interaction and service design.
E9906 Konsepti- ja vuorovaikutussuunnittelu, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· hahmottaa konseptoinnin roolin tuote- ja palvelusuunnittelussa
· konsepti- ja vuorovaikutussuunnittelun perusteet
· hyödyntää ihmisten käyttäytymistä ja toimintaa koskevia teorioita tuote- ja palvelukonseptien sekä
vuorovaikutuksen suunnittelussa


Contents of the study unit:
· konseptien ja vuorovaikutuksen suunnitteluperiaatteet
· käyttäjävaatimuksista konseptiksi
· mentaalimalli ja skeemat
· käyttö ja konteksti
· käyttöliittymät
· konsepti- ja vuorovaikutussuunnittelun tavoitteet ja arviointi


Study unit description:
· Opintojaksolla perehdytään konseptien ja vuorovaikutuksen suunnitteluperiaatteisiin kirjallisuuden ja
asiantuntijaluentojen avulla
· Hyväksi havaittuihin käytänteisiin ja toimintamalleihin tutustutaan asiantuntijaluentojen ja/tai yritysvierailujen avulla
· Konsepti- ja vuorovaikutussuunnitteluun käytänteisiin ja toimintatapoihin keskitytään yksilö- ja ryhmätehtävissä



01065 Design methods that support innovation and cooperation, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· use various functional tools in steering group activities
· lead various workshops
· conduct a constructive dialogue and promote a mutual understanding within a work group
· motivate partners
· function in living lab and test bed environments
· apply creative problem solving methods and cooperation tools


Contents of the study unit:
· Understanding and analysing the dimensions of small-team work
· Functional and activating methods
· Creative problem-solving methods
· Cooperation tools
· Knowledge creation processes


Study unit description:
· Familiarisation with the theoretical contents of innovative methods through literature and presentations
· Practising innovative, creative and functional methods through individual and team assignments
· Applying production methods of tacit knowledge and cooperative knowledge creation
· Evaluating the forms of use and targets of innovative and creative methods
· Applying user-centred methods in test bed and living lab environments



01066 User experience in design, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· utilise existing user experience descriptions and definitions in product and service design
· understand theories and tools related to human behaviour and activity in designing and analysing user experience


Contents of the study unit:
· Concept of user experience in literature
· User experience in product and service design
· Creation and analysis of user experience


Study unit description:
The study unit explores theories and tools related to human behaviour and activity as well as existing definitions of
user experience through literature and expert lectures. R&D projects implemented as multidisciplinary team work
penetrate problems in the creation and analysis of user experience, and examine the usefulness of research
outcomes for product and service design.



E9907 Open space, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· reflektoida oman asiantuntijuutensa kehittymistä käyttäjäkeskeisen suunnittelun alalla
· hankkia käyttäjäkeskeisen suunnittelun osaamistaan syventävää uutta tieteellistä tutkimustietoa
· valmiudet hankkia oman alansa tutkimus- ja kehittämistoimintaa hyödyntävää tieteellistä tutkimustietoa ja viestiä
siitä omassa viiteryhmässään


Contents of the study unit:
· opiskelijan omaa osaamista syventävän tutkimustiedon hankinta, soveltaminen ja jakaminen (sovitaan
opintojakson vastuuopettajan kanssa)




Study unit description:
· opiskelijat laativat laajoja kirjallisuuskatsauksia (sovitaan opintojakson vastuuopettajan kanssa)
· opiskelijat osallistuvat käyttäjäkeskeisen suunnittelun työpajoihin, seminaareihin ja/tai konferensseihin (sovitaan
opintojakson vastuuopettajan kanssa)
· tutustutaan yritysten hyväksi havaittuihin käytänteisiin ja toimintamalleihin (sovitaan opintojakson vastuuopettajan
kanssa)
· opiskelijat laativat ja valmistelevat esityksiä työpajoihin ja/tai seminaareihin (sovitaan opintojakson vastuuopettajan
kanssa)



0322 USABILITY AND USER STUDY METHODS, 20 cr

Description:
The module familiarises students with the principles of user psychology and cognitive science, as well as the limits
placed on design by human cognitive abilities. It also explores the methods of user and user culture studies, placing
particular emphasis on imaginative and cooperative methods. Usability studies focus on the evaluation of usability in
the different stages of product development. In addition, elective studies allow students to deepen their
methodological competence in visual and drama methods, among others.


The student will be able to:
· master research and development methods and independently carry out R&D projects to develop the field
· produce and interpret knowledge in participatory and process-oriented ways during research and development
projects
· listen to others and communicate with diverse target groups in writing, orally and visually
· strive for continuous learning and understand and purposefully guide their learning process
· carry out collaborative learning and sharing of knowledge in diverse communities of experts
· take others into account in their actions and make decisions with awareness of the individual, community and
societal points of view
· assume responsibility for their actions and work according to jointly agreed principles and measures


Content:
Usability and User Study Methods theme contains 20 cr in shared advanced professional studies and 15 cr in
elective (E) studies. The module focuses on the basics of user-centred design, design, principles and methods of
user and usability studies, as well as the rules applying to usability.



01067 Basics of user studies, 10 cr

The student is able to:
· know the principles of user-centred design
· utilise data and information sources that support design
· form an overall view on technical, social, cultural, cognitive, experiential and aesthetic factors related to the use
and attractiveness of product and service entities
· apply the general practices of user-centred product and service design for developing their own sector
· operate in open innovation networks and environments


Contents of the study unit:
· Product and service use, usability and the user
· Interaction between people and technology (cognitive limits)
· People and culture
· Emotions and user experience
· Intelligent products and services
· Accessibility
· Visuality and aesthetics


Study unit description:
· Familiarisation with user-orientation through literature, presentations and visits
· Students write essays and prepare seminar presentations on the basis of literature
· Seminar presentations serve as a basis for critical discussion
· The presentations are published in a virtual learning environment



01068 Methods of user and usability studies, 10 cr

The student is able to:
· integrate user and customer expertise into the various stages of the design process by applying the methods of
user and usability studies in a diverse way
· manage the process of generating user information and gathering materials for user-centred design
· produce, interpret and evaluate research reports
· apply and develop innovative methods for user studies
· utilise diverse design tools and methods


Contents of the study unit:
· User-centred design and the basics of user psychology
· Use of qualitative and quantitative research methods as a basis for design
· Gathering process, description and analysis of material
· Design, implementation and reporting of user studies
· Presentation and utilisation of user studies
· Development of user studies
· Scientific writing
· Research ethical questions
· Usability and quality of the service entity


Study unit description:
· Familiarisation with usability studies (laboratory and field study)
· Familiarisation with the methods of user studies through literature, presentations and visits
· Students write essays and prepare seminar presentations on the basis of literature
· Designing, implementing, reporting and evaluating a usability and user study
· Participative interpretation and processing of user data: user, researcher and designer
· Application and development of user and usability study methods



01069 Visual Design Methods, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· analyse entities made up of images, icons and text
· use visual expression suitable for different situations and cultures, as well as methods of composition and
typography
· use visual elements and design aesthetic and balanced visual products
· promote usability through a clear visual design
· utilise visual methods and tools in illustrating design solutions and concepts
· apply and develop research and illustration methods to support visual expression in order to gather user data and
research results
· plan and implement interactive prototypes for concept design and research


Contents of the study unit:
· Basics of Visual Design
· Visuality as a Communication Tool
· Visual Structures, Variables and Strengths
· Two-Dimensional Composition
· Composition Guidelines
· Visual Perception and Processing Visual Information
· Colour Psychology
· Visuality as a Tool for Illustrating User Data


Study unit description:
· Familiarisation with theoretical characteristics of visual design through literature, presentations and research
assignments
· Evaluating the effect of visual implementation on usability through various assignments
· Exploring the diverse opportunities of visual expression in the different stages of design



01070 Drama methods as a source of user data, 5 cr

The student is able to:
· Use drama methods as a source of user data
· Use drama as a cooperation tool
· Use drama for interpreting and presenting user experience
· Use drama as an emphatic method (role testing)
Contents of the study unit:
• Basics of Drama
• Designer as a Dramaturge
• Using Roles as a Research Method
• Body Knowledge and Memory
• Living, Imagining and Empathising
• Context and Space
• Drama Methods, such as bodystorming, informance and shadowing, role play and dress up games as well as
challenges

Study unit description:

· Testing social roles and various social situations
· Testing drama in extensive projects



01032 Futures thinking and foresight methodologies, 5 cr

The student is able to:
•   understand the principles of futures thinking
•   use foresight methods and practices
•   apply foresight in the decision making process


Contents of the study unit:
•  Recognising and monitoring change
•  Critically evaluating change
•  Outlining possible development paths
•  Defining objectives
•  Determining appropriate development paths
•  Familiarisation with quantitative and qualitative methods
•  Utilising outcomes


Study unit description:
The study unit consists of three modules: 1) Knowing the future which includes principles and tasks, 2) building the
future which includes methods and practices and 3) preparing for the future, which includes strategies and skills.
We cannot know the future, but we must plan for it. Foresight is a combination of futures thinking, planning and
networking and it encompass a number of techniques that have been developed to help decision makers be better
prepared for the future. Foresight aims to identify megatrends and weak signals in the operating environment, point
out development directions for the sector, and evaluate the effects of recognised change drivers and change
processes on the sector or business cluster in question. Finally, we will create strategies based on alternative
futures, including the flexibility to deal with surprise events and situations.



125 ELECTIVE STUDIES, 0 cr

Description:
Students use elective studies to deepen and broaden their competence in various themes and ge-neric
competences. Students should choose study units to align the content of their studies with their own personal
interests and career objectives.

Content:
Each curriculum contains a theme consisting of elective studies. In the students’ personal study plans, the theme
should be made up of the study units chosen by the student from Laurea’s language studies, Laurea’s shared
studies or another degree programme’s curriculum. Any studies completed at another higher education institution
(university of applied sciences, university, Online University of Applied Sciences, foreign institution) that cannot be
recognised for the degree programme but that the student wishes to include in the degree should be classified
under this theme. The number of credits from elective studies can be set separately for each degree programme,
tak-ing into account recommendations for the field of study. The aim is to have at least 15 cr of elective studies in
each degree programme


194 THESIS, 30 cr

Description:
· Creating research plans and project brochures for development projects
· Using and applying bibliography and previous studies
· Constructing a theoretical framework
· Gathering and analysing primary and secondary material
· Implementing and reporting the research and development work
· Maturity test and constructive opposition


The student will be able to:
• carry out development work and applied research independently in their fields;
• analyse the theoretical starting points for development work and evaluate de-velopment tasks through clear
documentation;
• generate new, reliable information for solving delineated problems;
• evaluate the effects of the methods they use on the reliability of the informa-tion generated;
• understand the meaning of researched information for supporting business de-cisions, and
• apply research data in their work by developing new operating methods and models;

Learning process:
The thesis conducted as a development project forms the core of the Master's degree. Its implementation is
supported in all of the study units. Work on the thesis can begin already during the first study units. The thesis is
public.
The thesis is an applied research or development task focused on developing the re-gion and the field, on the
challenges of developing the employment sector, and on pro-fessional growth. Thus the theses respond to employer
needs, use process-based and applied methods and aim to generate new information and innovations. The work
serves as proof of a student's expertise and innovativeness to solve development chal-lenges related to the
workplace. The theses are a learning process which allow stu-dents to prove their ability to apply competence
gained through their studies to practi-cal needs of change in the employment sector, whilst paying attention to its
generic competences: ethical, reflection, network, innovation and globalisation competence.
The thesis is usually organised as a shared development process with various organisa-tional participants, which
means that the participating organisation develops itself and in addition the surrounding sector and the labour
market as a whole.



E0121 Thesis, 30 cr

The student is able to:
· acquire and handle information in their field of expertise and in other related fields, evaluate it critically, see things
holistically and generate new knowledge
· apply international information and competence in their field
· carry out development work and applied research independently in their field
· analyse the theoretical starting points for development work and evaluate development tasks using clear
documentation
· generate new, reliable information for solving delineated research problems
· evaluate the effects of the methods they use on the reliability of the information generated
· understand the meaning of researched information for supporting business decisions
· apply research data in their work by developing new operating methods and models
· deepen their work communities’ knowledge and competence through the outcomes of their development projects
and share their observations with team members (so-called shared expertise)
· evaluate the suitability, quality and applicability of others’ development projects
· work as experts on applied research and development teams


Contents of the study unit:
· Creating research plans and project brochures for development projects
· Using and applying bibliography and previous studies
· Constructing a theoretical framework
· Gathering and analysing primary and secondary material
· Implementing and reporting the research and development work
· Maturity test and constructive opposition


Study unit description:
The thesis, conducted as a research and development project, forms the core of the Master's degree. Its
implementation is supported in all of the study units. Work on the thesis can begin already during the first study
units. The thesis report is public.
The thesis is an applied research or development task focused on developing the region and the field, on the
challenges of developing the employment sector, and on professional growth. Thus theses respond to employers'
needs, use process-based and applied methods and aim to generate new applied information. The work serves as
proof of the student's expertise and ability to solve development challenges related to the workplace. The thesis is a
learning process that allows students to prove their ability to apply competence gained through their studies to
practical needs for change in the workplace.
The thesis is usually organised as a shared development process with various participants, which means that the
participating organisation develops not only itself but also the surrounding sector and the labour market as a whole.


Laurea’s Thesis Instructions must be followed in all thesis processes. Students must complete maturity tests based
on their theses, which are intended to demonstrate their knowledge of the field and their skills in Finnish or Swedish.
Alternatively, students can draw up a press release on the thesis.