Overview

This is a research-literate and practice-based unit executed to a professional industry standard. This unit is the culmination of the Masters’ course, generating research-informed design outcomes. In this unit, the design proposal outlined in Studio 5: Major Project will be comprehensively developed. Further research is conducted with increased analysis and evaluation of iterative prototypes, culminating in a professional quality proof of concept outcome supported by comprehensive documentation.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate proposed design directions through practical applications, substantiated by ongoing critical analysis
  • Construct prototypes as a means of gaining new knowledge and to demonstrate proof of concept
  • Evaluate the investigative process and outcomes through concise, coherent and well-structured documentation, reports and presentations
  • Produce a highly refined and detailed design outcome and/or prototype to professional standards

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week Venue Type and Activity Detail
On-campus Class 72 12 weeks 6 Tutorial
Specified Activities Various 120 12 weeks 10 Discussion boards, Readings
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 108 12 weeks 9  
Total Hours: 300 Total Hours (per week): 25  

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Final FolioIndividual/Group 40% 3,4 
PresentationIndividual/Group 20% 1,2,4 
Presentation and ReportIndividual/Group 40% 2 

Content

  • Research-led design
  • Conduct further design research to refine and substantiate developments.
  • Apply a range of analytical and research skills to facilitate the articulation of a design outcome
  • Create and critique a series of iterative design prototypes
  • Design and detail a working proof of concept, ranging from design demonstrator to minimal viable product for construction or implementation.
  • Produce a high-quality document, communicating the research undertaken, the rationale, process and design outcome.
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.