Course coordinator
Professor Cara Wrigley
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Architecture, Design and Planning School
This course focuses on design thinking as a facilitator of social and cultural organisation in public settings. It looks particularly at incorporating intercultural awareness into the arrangement and understanding of places reflecting diverse cultures within Australia and globally. Students will understand how people take cues from their surroundings and deploy that knowledge in response to a set design project. Learning is undertaken in a collaborative studio setting where students will develop a sensibility for strategic design thinking.
DSGN2100 explores the role of design in shaping organisational structures. The course focuses on both the power of design to shape organisations, and on the organisational conditions required to facilitate good design practice. Students will learn how to implement new innovations in a sustainable and viable way according to market needs. Learning is undertaken in a collaborative studio setting where students will develop a sensibility for strategic design thinking across disciplines. The course is directly relevant to professional practice. New Product Development (NPD) is an essential part of ourﾠeconomy and design drivesﾠthe NPD process. At its core is the targeted generation of novel ideas which underpin commercially successful product and service innovations.ﾠTranslating, directing, and refining concepts from initial idea towards viable commercial implementation is a critical skill in successful NPD. Therefore, this course considers the relationship between design and commercialisation. In this, it introduces methods for ideating and developing strategies which are capable of meeting the expectations, needs, and preferences of often divergingﾠstakeholder groups, whilst achieving fundamental commercial objectives. In this studio, students will predominantly work in teams to meet a design brief that is based on a real-world challenge. The brief articulates the challenge in general terms, and it is the responsibility of each team to define their specific take on the problem and to develop aﾠcommercially viable solution. These solutions will encompassﾠboth products or services, and fully justified plans for implementation in the marketplace via a persuasively structured organisation.ﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
4 DSGN units at level 1
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to BDes program and students taking a Design minor only. Study abroad students must seek Head of School's permission to enrol.
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Kristina Knox
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Cara Wrigley
Dr Kristina Knox
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to key principles, methods, and frameworks for integrating design into business, through developing knowledge and experience around innovation and strategic design thinking.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the key principles, roles, methods, and frameworks for integrating design into business.
LO2.
Critically analyse the drivers and barriers to successful design innovation.
LO3.
Understand and apply key methods for analysing and evaluating existing business models and commercial strategies.
LO4.
Develop innovative product or service solutions which have a convincing plan for implementation via carefully considered business models or organisational structures.
LO5.
Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams to produce persuasive, viable, and justified solutions for a clearly defined market need.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster |
Assessment 1 - Individual Business Model Design Analysis Poster
|
20% Individual |
Submission 19/03/2025 4:00 pm Peer discussion in studio 20/03/2025 |
| Presentation, Project |
Assessment 2 - Design Team Manifesto and Concept Presentation
|
20% Group |
Submission 2/04/2025 4:00 pm Presentations in class 3/04/2025 |
| Presentation, Portfolio, Poster, Product/ Design, Project |
Assessment 3 - Final Design Presentation & Final Pitch
|
60% Group |
Submission 28/05/2025 4:00 pm Pitches - in class 29/05/2025 |
Assessment details
Assessment 1 - Individual Business Model Design Analysis Poster
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 20% Individual
- Due date
Submission 19/03/2025 4:00 pm
Peer discussion in studio 20/03/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
For this individual assessment, the students will produce an A3 poster which analyses the selected business (the students will be given the name of a business to investigate). The poster should include the organisation's name, its establishment date, its number of employees, its history, its business model and how it has developed or sustained, and an assessment of what makes them innovative in their sector or market. The students are required to conduct and present the research regarding the ways in which the organisation has used and integrated design in its product, service, and strategy. This information should not be simply reproduced from online sources. The students are required to demonstrate understanding and comprehension by synthesising the information in a coherent, quick and accessible way.
The outcomes of Assessment 1 will be presented in the week 3 studio, therefore the students are required bring a copy of their digital submission (on a flash-drive) and a printed A3 hard copy to the class presentation.
Assessment tasks prohibiting use of AI or MT: This assessment task evaluates 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.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Assessment 2 - Design Team Manifesto and Concept Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 20% Group
- Due date
Submission 2/04/2025 4:00 pm
Presentations in class 3/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
In their respective inter-disciplinary teams, which will be assigned during the studio in week 1, the students are to identify a previous design idea which they have already developed, create a new design idea, or synthesise existing and new ideas to define an improved product or service. The product or service must be suitable for development and release as a commercial solution, within an 18-24 month timeframe. To assist with this, students will be introduced to key drivers of design innovation, across the lectures and studios in weeks 1-5 including methods for identifying organisational and personal strengths. Each team will present their manifesto and the teams design concepts. Each team member must contribute their own design concept for team consideration. The manifesto component should include: description of roles and responsibilities; a team formation plan; a team vision statement.
The students should present your teams design concept, as well as the strengths of the team in relation to that product or service. This assessment consists of four parts: (a) team manifesto, (b) all individual design concepts presented (problem/solution definition), (c) reflections, and (d) group presentation. All parts are to be submitted in one consolidated group concept project book.
Note: each group assessment requires individual completion of a peer review exercise (via Blackboard) in which the students rate the performance of their team members. Completion of the peer review is mandatory. Students failing to complete the peer review will receive 0 marks for the assessment.
Complex/authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Group requests must fill out the group member acknowledgement form: https://my.uq.edu.au/files/35533/extension-to-group-assessment.pdf with at least 50% in agreeance.
Critique panels cannot be reconvened for the presentation component of an assessment when an extension has been approved.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due
Assessment 3 - Final Design Presentation & Final Pitch
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Portfolio, Poster, Product/ Design, Project
- Weight
- 60% Group
- Due date
Submission 28/05/2025 4:00 pm
Pitches - in class 29/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
This final team task involves a presentation of the team's final design and business case that contains final visualisations of the teams' identified solution, evidence of a final prototype(s), and fully resolved details for a convincing business case. The purpose of the business case is to capture the reasoning for initiating a product and business, and ultimately to sell the project to financial investors. For this final team assessment, the teams should produce a final design visualisation, a final design prototype, and a business case for the launch of your new venture.
Prototype(s) component: the students are free to choose any appropriate techniques. These might include creating scale models, physical mock-ups, digital interfaces, simulations, etc. You are able to use the fabrication facilities in our school if required, as long as you have completed the requisite inductions. Document the process visually, and bring any physical prototypes to the final pitch.
Design concept book: note the teams' chosen techniques, justifications, and reflections on any challenges you encountered.
Business case component: describe and justify your final decisions about: competitive advantage(s); market size or market share; intellectual property management; path to market; market entry; ongoing business model.
Note: each group assessment requires individual completion of a peer review exercise (via Blackboard) in which the students rate the performance of your team members. Completion of the peer review is mandatory. Students failing to complete the peer review will receive 0 marks for the assessment.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
Complex/authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 21 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded. Critique panels cannot be reconvened for the presentation component of assessment when an extension has been approved. Students with granted extensions (or pending extension applications) are able to attend but are not permitted to participate in the design review.
Group requests must fill out the group member acknowledgement form: https://my.uq.edu.au/files/35533/extension-to-group-assessment.pdf with at least 50% in agreeance.
Critique panels cannot be reconvened for the presentation component of an assessment when an extension has been approved.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Identity verified assessment (IVA) -ﾠArchitectural Design Courses
Architectural Design Courses require the cumulative integration of critical reflection and feedback on original creative ideas in an iterative process of project work developed over time in the studio context. To meet assessment validity and integrity obligations in Architectural Design Courses,ﾠstudents mustﾠregularly present and discuss their work with staff over the course of scheduled studio learning activities including lectures, structured studio activities, workshops, individual and group consultations, presentations and critiques. Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of scheduled studio activities in which the progress of their work is intended to be monitored and reviewed. If participation in such activities falls below 80% students may be requested to submit process work (such as drawings, models and design exegesis). If a student is not able to provide evidence of authorship to the satisfaction of the course coordinator, or if their participation falls below 50%, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Supplementary assessment will not be offered in Architectural Design courses to any student with a failing grade of 3 or less. Due to the need for the cumulative integration of critical reflection and feedback on original creative ideas in an iterative process of project work development over time.
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
Consumables - Manual sketching and notetaking materials according to project needs and individual preference.
Software - Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator (or equivalents) according to project needs and individual preference.
Hardware - Laptop or other mobile computing device according to project needs and individualﾠpreference. Alternatively, access to a desktop computer for work outside of the contact studio hours.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Lecture See Blackboard for information Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Studio |
Studio See Blackboard for information Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.