Design Thinking describes processes involving the application of user research, ideation, participation, and collaboration for problem-solving and innovation across diverse cultural contexts. In practice, Design Thinking embraces rapid iteration, prototyping, co-design, participatory design, and other ethnographic and user-centred methods. Working in collaborative teams, the course encourages students to identify, articulate, and critically respond to ‘wicked’ problems in contemporary design. Addressing complex issues pertaining to broader societal and environmental concerns, student teams conduct research, frame and address transdisciplinary problems, and resolve these through creative outcomes. Students engage in critical thinking through design methodologies, theories, and processes to develop innovative approaches and solutions throughout the semester.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate and apply critical thinking through design methodologies, theories, and processes;
- employ design knowledge in transdisciplinary problem-solving pertaining to contemporary societal and environmental issues;
- articulate design problems and develop innovative design solutions through creative practice;
- conduct research into design artefacts and processes, and apply findings to creative production; and
- document and critically reflect on design processes and outcomes.
Indicative Assessment
- Design Challenge (inc. Research, Conceptualisation, and Presentation) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Rationale and Evaluation Report (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Reflective Journal (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact comprising lectures, tutorials / workshops.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
Readings and resources will be provided via the course Wattle site.
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:
- 12
- 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 |
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.
