Unit Outline

Design thinking draws on creative, iterative and collaborative approaches to problem-solving, including exploration of potential solutions though idea generation, rapid prototyping and testing. While conventional approaches to problem-solving often rely on the application of highly structured methodologies and process controls, design thinking encourages incorporation of diverse perspectives, free association of ideas, subjective perspectives and emotional inputs. Design thinking often generates innovative solutions to problems due to its more open-ended approach. In this unit, you will be introduced to the principles of design thinking through investigation of design thinking theory, as well as specific examples and case studies. You will then apply these principles in a small-scale project that involves problem formulation and application of design thinking to the development of proposed solutions. The unit provides you with opportunities to learn and apply the key concepts, principles and processes of design thinking. As a result, you will explore the theory, as well as use design thinking tools and techniques in practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Identify and describe principles and processes of design thinking
2.	Analyse specific examples of design and explain influences of design thinking
3.	Apply design thinking in practice
4.	Reflect on the design thinking process

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	ZAD107

Alterations as a result of student feedback

To Be Determined

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	AT1: Design Thinking Workbook	Week 5	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Design Thinking: Wicked Problem Brief	Week 9	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Design Brief	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Design Thinking Workbook

Task Description:

You are to complete specific exercises (provided to you in a supplementary document) related to the practice of Design Thinking. You must accompany each exercise with a reflective piece of writing that explains your thought process and insights to Design Thinking.
You will submit a digital copy of your workbook along with a written summary document.

Task Length:

Maximum: 6 x A4pages including a written reflection of approx 500 words

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Use design thinking tools and techniques to communicate insights	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Communicate design ideas, terms and concepts	LO1, LO2
3	Reflect on the design process and insights	LO1, LO4

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Design Thinking: Wicked Problem Brief

Task Description:

You will be provided with a “Wicked Problem” statement from which you will:

· Develop an empathy map
· Define/Redefine the problem
· Ideate and document possible solutions
· Propose a prototype
· Provide a written reflection on your prototype and the design thinking process

Task Length:

Maximum: 8 x A4 pages + written reflection (500-700 words)

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse information to deliver a creative brief	LO1, LO3
2	Use design concepts and processes to identify and propose solutions	LO1, LO2
3	Apply design thinking practices to inform decision-making	LO3

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Design Brief

Task Description:

You will apply design thinking approaches, tools and techniques to a real-life brief (which will be provided to you). You will empathise and isolate the client needs and audience, further define the scope and required outcomes, and then propose draft solutions and ideas. From there, you will identify and suggest suitable 'low-fi' prototypes.

Task Length:

Maximum: 10 x A4 Pages and/or 1,000 words. An emphasis should be placed on visually representing your ideas over text.

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse information to deliver a creative brief	LO2, LO3
2	Use design concepts and processes to identify and resolve problems	LO1, LO3
3	Apply design thinking practices to inform decision making	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.