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Course profile

Design: Systems (DSGN3200)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 16/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
4
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Architecture, Design and Planning School

This course considers the application of design in developing systems with far-reaching social and economic effects. Emphasis will be on creating opportunities for innovation. Learning will focus on skills of project definition incorporating critical and iterative design processes and open-ended thinking on un-predetermined problems. Students will present a major design proposal reflecting their knowledge and skills accumulated from prior study.

In this course, you will have the opportunity to engage in a transformative design experience by presenting a major design proposal that showcases the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout your degree. The focus of this course is to deliver value on a real-world problem, with the ultimate aim of fostering positive social change. Throughout the semester, you will actively participate in reflective activities, enabling you to self-identify and direct your final year design project. As part of this process, you will negotiate, scope, manage, and deliver on all aspects of a significant design project, leveraging the design methodologies, processes, and expertise acquired throughout your academic career. This comprehensive integration of your prior learning will culminate in the presentation of your work to an industry panel at the end of the semester. As the pinnacle of your final year design course, this opportunity allows you to demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your degree in a meaningful and impactful manner. This proposal represents the culmination of your learning experience and highlights your ability to apply creative problem-solving, lead project management, reflect on your design strengths, and communicate professionally.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

10 units of DSGN courses

Restrictions

Enrolment restricted to BDes program students. Study abroad students must seek Head of School's permission to enrol.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to develop an advance level of design professional practice consistent with industry standards.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate advance understanding and application of creative problem solving, critical thinking and research skills to answer a project brief.

LO2.

Demonstrate leadership in the management of a design project through the application of appropriate methods, processes, and techniques to create a design outcome to a high professional standard

LO3.

Critically reflect on individual design strengths, professional skills and attributes and formative feedback to develop a personal design identity, practice, and portfolio

LO4.

Communicate effectively and professionally with peers, potential employers/clients, and other stakeholder within design practice

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Product/ Design, Project Technique, Process, Proposition 40%

28/08/2024 4:00 pm

Digital Submission: via Blackboard

Presentation: in class Thursday 29 August

Presentation, Product/ Design, Project Developed Design 60%

23/10/2024 4:00 pm

Digital Submission: via Blackboard 

Presentation: in class Thursday 24 August

Assessment details

Technique, Process, Proposition

Mode
Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Product/ Design, Project
Weight
40%
Due date

28/08/2024 4:00 pm

Digital Submission: via Blackboard

Presentation: in class Thursday 29 August

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Assessment Rationale: 

Assessment 1 is a comprehensive evaluation of your understanding and responses to studio tasks, focusing on exploring various design techniques, processes, and your ability to develop a compelling design proposition. This assessment aims to assess your mastery of design methods, your creativity in problem-solving, and your ability to articulate and present your design ideas effectively.

The Process Documentation component requires you to provide a documented overview of your weekly design process. It should include visuals, sketches, annotations, and reflections on the studio tasks. This documentation showcases your ability to follow a systematic approach to design, demonstrating the evolution of your ideas and the refinement of your design solutions.

The Proposition Report is a crucial component of the assessment, where you are expected to create a well-presented design report that effectively communicates the background research, insights, and your design position. This report should showcase your ability to critically analyse and synthesize information, employing appropriate visuals, diagrams, and supporting evidence to strengthen your design proposition. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your capacity for effective communication and persuasive writing skills within a design context.

The Proposition Presentation component requires you to deliver an oral presentation that provides an overview of your design process and design proposition. This presentation should effectively communicate your design journey, highlighting key milestones and design decisions. It is essential to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to engage and communicate effectively with an audience. Visual aids, such as slides need to be utilised to support your presentation.

Note: The weights allocated to each component reflect the relative importance placed on the different aspects of the assessment. The Process Documentation carries the highest weight as it encompasses the documentation of your design process, which is fundamental to understanding your approach and progression. The Proposition Report carries a substantial weight as it showcases your ability to articulate your design ideas in a written format. The Proposition Presentation carries a smaller weight as it serves as a complementary component to the report, allowing you to demonstrate your oral communication skills and present a concise overview of your design proposition.

Complex/Authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use 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.  

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 28 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.

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. 

Developed Design

Mode
Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
Category
Presentation, Product/ Design, Project
Weight
60%
Due date

23/10/2024 4:00 pm

Digital Submission: via Blackboard 

Presentation: in class Thursday 24 August

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Assessment Rationale:

The Developed Design assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to apply your design principles, philosophy, and process to develop a comprehensive and refined design solution. This assessment focuses on assessing your capability to translate conceptual ideas into a tangible and well-executed design project, showcasing your mastery of design methods, creativity in problem-solving, and effective communication of design ideas.

The Process Documentation component requires you to demonstrate a systematic and iterative approach to design. This documentation should showcase the evolution of your ideas and the refinement of your design solutions. You are expected to present a clear and organised overview of your design process, highlighting key milestones, design decisions, and iterations. It should provide insights into your critical thinking, problem-solving strategies, and the application of design methods throughout the development of your design solution.

The Final Design Report is a vital component of the assessment, where you will present a well-structured and visually compelling design solution. This report should effectively communicate your design solution, incorporating supporting visuals, diagrams, or prototypes as applicable. It should provide a comprehensive overview of your design, including key design principles, rationale, and detailed explanations of design elements. The report should demonstrate your ability to synthesize research, apply relevant design theories and methodologies, and present a clear and cohesive design narrative. It should showcase your attention to detail, aesthetic considerations, functionality, and how your design solution addresses the identified problem or need.

The Presentation Boards component requires you to create two A2 boards that visually communicate your design solution. These boards should be thoughtfully designed, utilising appropriate graphic design principles to effectively present key aspects of your design project. They should showcase the visual and aesthetic qualities of your design, highlight the key design features, and create a compelling visual narrative. The presentation boards should demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate the design intent, user experience and considerations.

The Presentation component requires you to deliver a professional presentation that effectively communicates your design solution, development process, and the rationale behind your design decisions. The presentation should be well-structured, engaging, and articulate. You should demonstrate your ability to confidently articulate your design choices, respond to questions, and provide a comprehensive overview of your design solution. The presentation should effectively communicate the design narrative, user experience considerations, innovative aspects, and the impact of your design solution.

Note: The weights allocated to each component reflect the relative importance placed on the different aspects of the assessment. The Process Documentation emphasizes the importance of a systematic and iterative design process. The Final Design Report carries the highest weight, as it evaluates your ability to present a well-executed design solution. The Presentation Boards and Presentation components complement the written report by allowing you to visually and orally communicate your design solution and design rationale, showcasing your ability to engage and effectively communicate your design ideas to an audience.

Complex/Authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use 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.  

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 28 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.

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.

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) - Design Courses

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 Design courses, students must regularly 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.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.

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, supplementary assessment will not be offered in design courses to any student with a failing grade of 3 or less.

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

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

  • A3 Sketch Bookᅠ
  • Pens and pencilsᅠ
  • Laptop
  • Adobe Software

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Lecture

Lecture

Week 1 - Introduction to the Course

Week 2 - System Research 

Week 3 - System Analysis 

Week 4 - Framing Insights

Week 5 - Synthesis & Refinement 

Week 6 - No Lecture

Week 7 - Design Scenarios

Week 8 - Framing Solutions

Week 9 - Realising Offerings 

Week 10 - No Lecture

Week 11 - No Lecture

Week 12 - No Lecture

Week 13 - Presentations

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Studio

Studio

Week 1 - Professional Practice Skills - Design Philosophy 

Week 2 - Professional Practice Skills - Branding

Week 3 - Design research and project brief

Week 4 - Professional Practice Skills- Critique 

Week 5 - Professional Practice Skills- Project Refinement

Week 6 - Presentations no lecture

Week 7 - Design Project Work, Weekly update presentation and Individual Feedback

Week 8 - Design Project Work, Weekly update presentation and Individual Feedback

Week 9 - Design Project Work, Weekly update presentation and Individual Feedback

Week 10 - Design Project Work, Weekly update presentation and Individual Feedback

Week 11 - Design Project Work, Weekly update presentation and Individual Feedback

Week 12 - Design Project Work, Weekly update presentation and Individual Feedback

Week 13 - Presentations

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.