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
Rule
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)
OR
Admission into: MA-DESG Master of Design
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
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus Studio |
6.00 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| Specified Activities Various |
2.50 | 12 weeks | 30 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
16.50 | 12 weeks | 198 |
| TOTAL | 300 |
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
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.