DFM: Applied Innovation Studio 4
Overview
This unit develops further capability to facilitate and/or lead design innovation practices; advancing skills in entrepreneurial thinking, ambiguous problem contexts, and design approaches to advance science, technology and/or society. 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
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Frame research as a strategic tool to navigate ambiguity associated with innovation experimentation.
- Investigate design-inspired innovation practices to advance social, scientific and technological projects.
- Create prototypes that foster communication within teams and with diverse, external stakeholders.
- Construct documentation using digital and/or social media channels that communicates the value and intent of a design solution.
- Develop holistic, globally relevant design solutions in response to ambiguous challenges.
- Interpret future trends and challenges related to design innovation fields of practice.
- Facilitate others to participate in design innovation activities and/or engage innovation mindset.
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 | 16.00 | 12 weeks | 192 |
| TOTAL | 294 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Folio | Individual | 100% | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
Content
- Contemporary societal and commercial challenges
- Professional industry partnerships
- Novel design practices for the future of work
- Design disruption and transformation
- Translation of science and technology into design applications
- Research through design
- Communicating and engaging through digital and social media channels
- Being a strategic designer
- Inclusive leadership
- Globally relevant design
- Delivering professional design outcomes
- Prototyping for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Delivering design workshops, sprints and hackathons
- 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.