Introductory Design Studio
Overview
The unit introduces students to fundamental approaches to generating form and to the principles which inform design decisions. Students work across two-dimensional and three-dimensional representation methods, using a range of materials and fabrication techniques at different scales as they generate concepts and communicate outcomes. Through project-based, experiential learning in tandem with theoretical presentation of fundamental techniques and principles, students will gain the ability to analyse and articulate design principles, materials and relationships through their work. As the unit introduces students to workshop techniques, an induction to workshop occupational health and safety protocols is a required component of the unit.
Requisites
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Identify the relationship between form, material and technology in the context of human scale (S2, S3)
- Apply manual and digital fabrication techniques to design and make artefacts in response to a brief
- Create new designs with consideration of material use and constructibility
- Utilise compositional principles and material processes to develop new artefacts
- Visually communicate design projects
- Apply Occupational Health and Safety requirements of safe workshop practices to design projects (A5, A6, K6, S1)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Class | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | Tutorial |
| On-campus | Workshop | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | |
| Unspecified Activities | Various | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | Group work |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 78 | 12 weeks | 6.5 | Assignment, Preparation for final model/folio |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 12.5 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Studio Projects | Individual/Group | 25% | 1,5,6 |
| Design Studio Projects | Individual/Group | 25% | 1,2,3,5,6 |
| Design Studio Projects | Individual/Group | 50% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Content
- Exploration of concepts, ideas and design philosophy
- Exploration of design and engineering principles
- Application of generic product development processes
- Exploration of sustainable design principles
- Use of workshop facilities and equipment for manual 3D modelling
- Form study production techniques
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Presentation of design work.
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.