DFM: Applied Innovation Studio 1
Overview
This unit builds creative confidence; advancing skills in design thinking, innovation mind-set, prototyping and developing holistic design solutions, while exploring theories and ethics underpinning design innovation practices. It features industry and/or Design Factory Global Network partnerships. DFM Applied Innovation units work in unison, where a dynamic learning plan guides authentic learning experiences; such as sprints, workshops, in-depth projects and internships. Students explore professional capabilities; scaffolding mastering of design activities, research-led design, being a collaborative designer, and design facilitation and/or leadership. Working on diverse challenges gives students opportunity to identify areas they may specialise in design fields.
Requisites
Rule
Admission into: MA-DESG Master of Design
OR
300 credit points in one of the following: BH-DESCMN2 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Hons) or BH-DESIND1 Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Hons) or BH-DESINA Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Hons)
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Interpret relevant data and design research insights to provide a rationale for design decisions.
- Critique theories underpinning various design innovation practices.
- Create prototypes that are relevant to various stages of the innovation process.
- Formulate visualisations and storytelling narrative to communicate the value and intent of a design solution.
- Develop holistic design solutions covering technical, economic and human considerations in response to complex project briefs.
- Support conditions for innovation culture as a team member through inclusive project management, empathy and open-mindset.
- Conduct techniques relevant to coaching design innovation activities.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Studio | 6.00 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Various | 2.50 | 12 weeks | 30 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 16.50 | 12 weeks | 198 |
| TOTAL | 300 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Portfolio | Individual | 100% | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
Content
- Fundamental theories and principles of design innovation
- Research methods to inform, develop and test designs
- Creative confidence
- Design innovation techniques and activities
- Visualisation, storytelling and narratives
- Experimental and speculative design
- Rigorous design decisions
- Data interpretation for design
- Prototyping methods and skills
- Developing holistic design solutions
- Globally relevant and responsible design
- Ambiguous and complex problems
- Collaborative team processes
- Interdisciplinary practices
- Coaching and facilitation techniques for design
- Innovation culture; including curiosity, resilience & open mindset
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.