DFM: Designing Futures

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.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Conduct ethical and rigorous human-centred research to discover, define and inform design projects.
2. Investigate co-creation applied to design innovation practices across diverse sectors.
3. Create prototypes to generate, explore and develop ideas.
4. Construct documentation that communicates the value and intent of a design solution to an interdisciplinary audience.
5. Develop design solutions that provide value to specific users in response to complex project briefs.
6. Interpret contextual and human factors to provide a rationale for speculative design with environmental and social responsibility.
7. Compare factors contributing to high performing, interdisciplinary teams who use design innovation practices.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

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
• Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
• Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Teamwork roles and processes
• Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy