DFM: Applied Innovation Studio 2
Overview
This unit develops expertise in applying innovation methods to create meaningful design solutions; advancing skills in conceptual thinking, experimentation, prototyping and co-creation. 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 specialize in design fields.
Requisites
Rules
Admission into MA-DESG Master of Design
OR
300 credit points in one of the following courses:
- BH-DESCMN2 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours)
- BH-DESIND1 Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Honours)
- BH-DESINA Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Conduct ethical and rigorous human-centred research to discover, define and inform design projects.
- Investigate co-creation applied to design innovation practices across diverse sectors.
- Create prototypes to generate, explore and develop ideas.
- Construct documentation that communicates the value and intent of a design solution to an interdisciplinary audience.
- Develop design solutions that provide value to specific users in response to complex project briefs.
- Interpret contextual and human factors to provide a rationale for speculative design with environmental and social responsibility.
- Compare factors contributing to high performing, interdisciplinary teams who use design innovation practices.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Studio | 72 | 12 weeks | 6 |
| Specified Activities | Various | 30 | 12 weeks | 2.5 |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 198 | 12 weeks | 16.5 |
| Total Hours: | 300 | Total Hours (per week): | 25 | |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Individual | 100% | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
Content
- Contemporary societal and commercial challenges
- Professional industry partnerships
- Co-creation techniques
- Radical and incremental innovation
- Translating Science and technology into design applications
- Research methods to inform, develop and test designs
- Collaboration factors such as working style, personality and social dynamics
- Communicating with diverse stakeholders
- Futures and strategic thinking
- Being a professional designer
- Prototyping methods and skills
- Globally relevant and responsible design
- Innovation culture; including curiosity, resilience and open mindset
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
- Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Teamwork roles and processes
- 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.