Course coordinator
Andrew Cowan
Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
This course introduces the fundamental processes and methods of design as it applies to built environment, engineering, and business disciplines. The course examines topics such as designer thinking styles, the work of designers, problems for solving by design, stakeholder engagement in design problem-solving, generating design solutions, communicating design solutions and reflective learning about the self as designer. This course is recommended for students wishing to progress to programs within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.
Engaging in Design is to engage in a problem-solving activity where courses of action are devised in order to change existing situations into preferred ones – it is a future-oriented activity. This course helps students to envisage products, services, and environments which respond to the needs of people in ways which enhance their quality of life. Designing requires divergent and convergent thinking. It is characterised by processes of heuristic reasoning where each attempt at problem-solving informs subsequent attempts. Students in this course will gain knowledge of design and its place in our economic, social, and cultural environment. Students will apply design processes to problems in the built environment, business, engineering and science.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
No prior knowledge or experience in Design is assumed to study this course.ﾠ
Course contact
Course staff
Course convenor
Dr Ali Rad Yousefnia
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beﾠavailableﾠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theﾠQLD government website for Public holiday information
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to ensure successful student learning about design problem-solving processes and methods, and communication and evaluation of design solutions. To achieve its aim the course focuses on:
- The purpose of designing in its human (social and cultural) and environmental contexts with particular focus on stakeholders’ needs;
- Design processes, methods, and theories as they apply to framing and solving problems in built environment, engineering, and business;
- The effective communication of design ideas and solutions;
- The evaluation of design solutions.
- By successfully completing the course students will develop capability to solve problems using design processes and methods.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe, explain, analyse, and act on information about design processes, concepts, theories, models, systems, and their limitations.
LO2.
Apply knowledge about design to develop solutions to problems within the disciplines of built environment design, engineering, and business.
LO3.
Investigate and compare relevant aspects of design knowledge and skills as they apply to particular design problems.
LO4.
Communicate design problems and the arguments for designed solutions including the ability to explain their arguments about their conclusions and designs.
LO5.
Evaluate design solutions based on criteria developed through the process of designing in response to particular problems.
LO6.
Work alone and with others to develop design solutions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution, Portfolio | Design Journal: Part 1-6 | 60% |
Design Journal 1 15/11/2024 10:00 pm Design Journal 2 20/12/2024 10:00 pm Design Journal 3 7/02/2025 10:00 pm Design Journal 4 14/03/2025 10:00 pm Design Journal 5 9/05/2025 10:00 pm Design Journal 6 13/06/2025 10:00 pm |
| Presentation, Poster | Individual Presentation | 15% |
10/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
Refer to Blackboard for specifics. |
| Presentation, Poster | Developed Design (Poster and Presentation) | 25% |
9/06/2025 - 13/06/2025
Refer to Blackboard for Specifics. |
Assessment details
Design Journal: Part 1-6
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution, Portfolio
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Design Journal 1 15/11/2024 10:00 pm
Design Journal 2 20/12/2024 10:00 pm
Design Journal 3 7/02/2025 10:00 pm
Design Journal 4 14/03/2025 10:00 pm
Design Journal 5 9/05/2025 10:00 pm
Design Journal 6 13/06/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Design Journals are submitted in weeks 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
Each Design Journal is weighted at 10% of the course grade.
Design Journal review for feedback - Students will make regular guided entries in their Design Journal by completing class exercises and noting their insights and self-assessed learning gains. These submissions will allow the teacher to give feedback on student knowledge, understanding, and general progress.
Refer to Blackboard for specific details.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Individual Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
Refer to Blackboard for specifics.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Blackboard and presented in class.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Developed Design (Poster and Presentation)
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
9/06/2025 - 13/06/2025
Refer to Blackboard for Specifics.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Focus will be on the ability of the student to communicate their Developed Design for a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Blackboard and presented in class.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Feedback on Assessmentﾠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ﾠ
Assignment submissionﾠ
Unless advised otherwise,ﾠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ﾠﾠ
Calculator policyﾠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesﾠcalculator, orﾠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsiteﾠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ﾠ
Referencing styleﾠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theﾠAPA 7th referencing style.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional resources are also available via the Blackboard course websiteﾠﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Introduction Definition of design as a discipline; Introduction to the Design Journal Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 2 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Design Problem Solving Ways and methods of problem solving in design; Divergent and convergent thinking activity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Week 3 (28 Oct - 03 Nov) |
Workshop |
Designing for People Who s the user?; Who s the design consumer?; Introduction to ergonomics human scale design; How design relates to people in different disciplines; Mood-board activity. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 4 (04 Nov - 10 Nov) |
Workshop |
Colour Theory Introduction to design principles Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 5 (11 Nov - 17 Nov) |
Workshop |
Design History Design History; Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Week 6 (18 Nov - 24 Nov) |
Workshop |
Design Concepts and Ideas Generation Activity - Sketches and sketching techniques; Use of different design methods. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 7 (25 Nov - 01 Dec) |
Workshop |
Evaluation of the Previously Developed Design Design improvement activity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (02 Dec - 08 Dec) |
Workshop |
Reality Abstraction and Models Mondrain Example Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 9 (09 Dec - 15 Dec) |
Workshop |
Design Tools and Communication Diagrams Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 10 (16 Dec - 22 Dec) |
Workshop |
Design Journal Review and Recap Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (06 Jan - 12 Jan) |
Workshop |
Design Brief: Event Design and Smart Bracelet Activities - Sketches, mapping, Diagrams Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 12 (13 Jan - 19 Jan) |
Workshop |
Creative Thinking in Design: Event Concepts Activities - Producing an event concept through creative thinking Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 14 (27 Jan - 02 Feb) |
Workshop |
Design Principles and Colour Theory Activities - Application of different colour schemes; Application of the design principles Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 15 (03 Feb - 09 Feb) |
Workshop |
Event Poster Design and Assessment Activities - Poster design; Troubleshooting, Self-reflection. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 16 (10 Feb - 16 Feb) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Smart Bracelet Design Activities - Orthographic drawings production and research on smart bracelets Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Week 17 (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Workshop |
Contemporary Product Design: Digital Era Activities - Design revision and development of 5 different ways to customise the wearable device. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 18 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
UX/UI in Product Design New Means of Fabrication and Presentation; Activities - App interface design Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 19 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Presentation Techniques: Tools and Methods Activities - Comparative Analysis; Putting together a poster Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 20 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Review and Assessment Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 21 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Design in the Built Environment Space Communication; Drawing Typologies Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 22 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Built Environment Representation of the built environment using 2D drawings Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 23 (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Workshop |
Exterior Environment Exterior space communication through sketches Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 24 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Interior Environment Interior space communication through sketches Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 25 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
Orthographic Drawings Representing exterior and interior environment Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 26 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Model Making Model Making (Cube) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 27 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Architectural History Architectural History 101; Virtual site visit of historical heritage Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 28 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Integration of Individual Design The built environment components and their communication; Design Principles and compositions in architecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 29 (02 Jun - 08 Jun) |
Workshop |
Materials and Structures Identify 10 different materials from your surroundings and add these to your weekly design journal. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 30 (09 Jun - 15 Jun) |
Workshop |
Assessment Drafting and Feedback. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.