Unit Outline

ICT professionals create technology with purpose — to solve real-world problems and improve lives. This unit introduces you to design thinking approaches for creating technology-driven solutions that address meaningful issues in communities and industries. You will explore methods to understand user needs, map stakeholder perspectives, and identify problems that can be addressed using ICT.

The unit takes a fast-paced, hands-on sprint approach where you will apply creative and critical thinking to develop and refine innovative ideas. By analysing global and local challenges — including those framed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — you will learn how to define problems and develop viable, user-focused concepts.

By the end of the unit, you will have gained foundational skills in problem framing, solution ideation, and feasibility evaluation, preparing you for future units that progress toward prototyping and implementation. This unit will help you to develop an empathy mindset and expands the collaborative skills needed to thrive in dynamic ICT environments, as well as equipping you to think creatively and ethically about technology’s role in society.

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 the requirements to develop a technology-enabled solution to a real-world problem.
2	Apply design thinking methods to create an innovative approach to solving a real-world problem using technology
3	Collaboratively design a feasible technology solution informed by sustainable and ethical decision-making considerations

Alterations as a result of student feedback

None, as this is the first delivery of this unit.

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:	Problem Statement Report	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Project Design Solution	Week 7	40 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	AT1 - Workshop Participation	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Problem Statement Report

Task Description:

Students will research and define a real-world problem that could be addressed using technology. They will document user needs, stakeholder perspectives, and the context of the problem. The report will demonstrate the ability to clearly articulate and justify the problem definition. This assessment establishes a foundation for the ideation and design work that follows in the sprint process.
Students will also reflect individually on their experience. Student grades will be derived both from the group work and individual contributions using peer assessment.

Task Length:

500-1000 words (group) + reflection template (individual)

Due Date:

Week 4 (28/Sep/2026)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify project stakeholders and their perspectives on the problem.	LO1
2	Identify user requirements within the problem contexts.	LO1
3	Apply design thinking methods to conceptualise potential solutions to solve real world problems.	LO2
4	Communicate the problem and solution with conceptual design documentation.	LO2
5	Reflect and report on performance, achievements, and challenges faced and overcome	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Project Design Solution

Task Description:

Students will create a project design for their proposed solution, outlining the functional concept, user experience, and key requirements. The project design will include clear rationale for design choices and evidence of ethical and sustainable considerations. This assessment supports the transition to practical prototyping in later units. Students will map the potential impact of their proposed solution using an “impact canvas” framework. They will analyse stakeholders, value propositions, and the broader societal, ethical, and environmental implications of their idea. The assessment will encourage students to consider inclusivity, sustainability, and alignment with global development priorities. This activity builds critical thinking and communication skills to support informed solution design. Groups will pitch their proposed solution during the final workshop.
Students will also reflect individually on their experience. Student grades will be derived both from the group work and individual contributions using peer assessment.

Task Length:

1500 word report + diagrams(group) + 5 minute pitch (group) + reflection template (individual)

Due Date:

Week 7 (25/Oct/2026)

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse the potential solutions to select a feasible approach.	LO3
2	Design a solution concept that addresses identified user needs and sustainable and ethical considerations.	LO3
3	Communicate the problem and solution with conceptual design documentation.	LO3
4	Reflect and report on performance, achievements, and challenges faced and overcome	LO3
5	Apply design thinking methods to conceptualise potential solutions to solve real world problems.	LO2

Assessment Task 3: AT1 - Workshop Participation

Task Description:

Students will complete a series of hands-on workshops that build core design thinking skills and requirements analysis capabilities. Each of the seven 3-hour workshop will guide students through incremental challenges that prepare them for the integrated project. Students will document their processes and reflect on their design choices in short submissions. This assessment encourages regular engagement and provides scaffolded practice in design thinking. There are 4 assessed workshops worth 10% each.

Task Length:

Four 3-hour workshops

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe design thinking methods and how they can be applied to solve real world problems.	LO2
2	Apply design thinking methods to conceptualise potential solutions to solve real world problems.	LO2
3	Identify project stakeholders and their perspectives on the problem.	LO1
4	Identify user requirements within the problem contexts.	LO1

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.