Unit Outline

Systems Design is a capstone unit where students demonstrate integrated knowledge and skills through complex, real-world design challenges. Focusing on regenerative systems thinking, this unit connects global ecological and social issues to local design interventions. Students will conduct systems analysis, engage in speculative design processes, collaborate with community stakeholders, and develop environmentally and socially responsible design solutions. The unit emphasises intellectual risk-taking to challenge conventional design assumptions while building professional readiness for practice in interconnected, socially embedded contexts.

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	Defend design decisions through critical reflection on ethical considerations, demonstrating autonomy in navigating ambiguity and complexity in systems design practice.
2	Generate and refine design propositions through speculation and experimentation by employing a range of processes, techniques and material explorations related to a practice specialisation area.
3	Collaborate with a range of participants and communicate with diverse stakeholders, applying skills in negotiation and critique.
4	Conduct socially and environmentally responsible design practice by considering the implications of design, and its capacity to initiate change in a system.
5	Analyse complex systems using appropriate frameworks to identify leverage points and interconnections within ecological and social contexts

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KDA208 AND KDA207 AND ZAD222 AND ZAD225

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Design Brief	Week 4	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Design project	Week 11	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Final Design Presentation	Week 13	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Design Brief

Task Description:

Map a system, identifying key stakeholders, relationships, and leverage points. Through systems analysis, propose three regenerative design scenarios that address identified challenges. Select and develop one scenario into a comprehensive project proposal with clear rationale for your choice.

Task Length:

Multipage PDF

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Development of regenerative systems map.	LO4, LO5
2	Application of regenerative design principles.	LO2, LO4
3	Critical reflection on ethical considerations	LO1, LO4
4	Quality of design proposition and project proposal	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 2: Design project

Task Description:

Develop your selected design scenario from conceptualisation through to working prototype/pilot implementation. Must include three distinct rounds of prototyping, testing, and iteration with focus on material exploration and technical development. Document the design evolution and how testing results influenced design decisions.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Iterative design process and material experimentation	LO1, LO2
2	Communication of design decisions and rationale	LO1, LO3
3	Quality and resolution of design artefact	LO2, LO4
4	Integration of responsible design practices	LO1, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 3: Final Design Presentation

Task Description:

Document and present your resolved design project for public exhibition. Create professional presentation materials that communicate your systems approach, design process, and outcomes to diverse audiences. Include visual reflection on your design journey and contribution to the field.

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Professional communication and presentation skills	LO1, LO3
2	Quality of exhibition documentation and design artefacts	LO2, LO3
3	Demonstration of critical reflection and independent practice	LO1, LO2
4	Evidence of contribution to systems design field	LO2, LO4, LO5

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.