Available in 2024
Course code

DESN2002

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

The world is full of ‘wicked problems’, issues of great complexity with multiple overlapping concerns and stakeholders. The Design Thinking suite of methods and techniques assists the lay designer as well as the expert to untangle systemic and service design problems across a wide range of sectors and disciplines. Using inclusive and empathetic approaches that foster innovation, this course will produce critically, pedagogically and creatively informed research that generates real-world impact. In this course, students will explore various methods and techniques related to Design Thinking, applying these to inform their own disciplinary practices, in ways that respond to the experiences of end users, and the needs of multiple stakeholders.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Newcastle City Precinct

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Singapore PSB

  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Interpret established Design Thinking theories, concepts and processes, as well as analyse new directions in the field;

2. Apply user centred research methods that appropriately respond to an area of practice to generate a solution to a specific real-world problem;

3. Communicate an understanding of various problem-solving methods and their relationship to Design Thinking strategies;

4. Critically reflect on their own disciplinary practice through the lens of Design Thinking and/or Art Thinking;

5. Collaborate effectively in group based work


Content

Topics will include:

  1. Design Thinking values and theories, informed by the related field of Art Thinking;
  2. Methods, techniques and processes for advanced iteration, rapid prototyping, and project implementation; 
  3. Design Thinking suite of methods and techniques applied to project lifecycles with an emphasis on interdisciplinary practice;
  4. Experiential and user centred approaches such as co-design, participatory design, empathy mapping, and ‘personas’;
  5. Analysis of exemplars and precedents in professional practice from a variety of disciplinary perspectives;

Assumed knowledge

To enrol in this course you must have successfully completed at least 60 units, chosen from any courses offered by UON.


Assessment items

Presentation: A Visual/ Verbal Slide Presentation to an Audience

Project: Research to Prototype

Online Learning Activity: Online Blog


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Lectorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 7 week(s) starting in week 7
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 6 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 6 week(s) starting in week 1

Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) - Singapore PSB

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)

Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) - Singapore PSB

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)

Course outline