Design Thinking is an approach to innovation that is prevalent in both the private and public sectors. It combines practices, methods and mindsets from the design discipline to understand and tackle wicked problems, developing potential solutions from a human-centred perspective. Whether it be large incumbent organisations, or small entrepreneurial projects, design thinking provides the tools to engage with stakeholders, identify their needs and develop prototype solutions that respond to their requirements and desires.
This course draws on current literature and best practices in design thinking and is delivered through a series of workshop-based seminars that focus on addressing a live brief provided by a partner organisation. This course integrates the "Double Diamond" and evidence-based management frameworks to provide valuable tools and experience for students from a range of different backgrounds. It will equip and empower students to identify opportunities for the creation of value, lead innovation processes and participate in the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem in a diversity of roles.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the design thinking process and the implications it can have for organisations in the public and private sectors.
- Determine the appropriate tools to use at each stage of the design thinking process.
- Use design thinking tools and methods to address specific aspects of a "wicked" problem.
- Communicate the results of a design thinking process in a way that is actionable for implementation.
Indicative Assessment
- Project Journal - Individual (40%, i.e. 10% x 4 parts) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Part I: Discover - Stakeholder Map - Individual (20%) (20) [LO 1]
- Part II: Define - Project Plan - Group (10%) (10) [LO 2]
- Part III: Develop - Prototype Solution - Group (20%) (20) [LO 3]
- Part IV: Deliver - Project Presentation - Group (10%) (10) [LO 4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students taking this course are expected to commit 130 hours to completing the work. This will include at least 3 contact hours per week in the seminar and up to 7 hours of private and team-based study time, including reading, practical application of course content, and research undertaken for the major assessment.
Participants will be encouraged to engage with the local environment to tackle the major assessments and should consider this when managing their time. It is recommended that participants attend consultation once per assessment task for feedback on their progress.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Information about the prescribed textbook (if any) will be made available via the Class Summary.
Preliminary Reading
Dorst, K. (2011). The Core of ‘Design Thinking’and its Application. Design Studies, 32(6), 521-532.
Design Council (2007) “A Study of the Design Process. Eleven Lessons: Managing Design in Eleven Global Brands” London, UK: Design Council.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $2940 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4890 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3406 | 21 Feb 2022 | 28 Feb 2022 | 31 Mar 2022 | 27 May 2022 | In Person | View |
