Units
Human-centred Design Innovation
Unit code: DNB702
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Human-centred innovation incorporates studies of the dynamic relationships between people, products/artifacts and systems, and their contextual environment. The unit will introduce the ways research about people can contribute to product innovation, an essential aspect of industrial design. It will introduce how to integrate the applied research skills and knowledge that support the development of an innovative product or system. It also provides you with the foundation for higher research degrees. The major topics covered in this unit include:
• human-centred innovation framework
• application of qualitative research methods to industrial design
• situating product/systems within the social framework
• communication of research outcome.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Human-centred innovation incorporates studies of the dynamic relationships between people, products/ artifacts and systems, and their context. The unit will introduce you how the ways to research about people can contribute to product/ system innovation, an essential aspect of industrial design. You will learn how to integrate the applied research skills and knowledge that support the development of an innovative/ novel product or system. It also provides you with the foundation for higher research degrees.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the strategic contribution of applied research leadings to user's needs and product gaps identification.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. understand the strategic position of human-centred design research and developing the confidence and competence of conducting independent work and selecting self directed strategies
2. apply relevant qualitative research methods within the research project and be competent to communicate research outcome.
3. understand the importance of research within the industrial design context
Content
This unit depends on the research area selected by you. The major topics to be integrated into your individual projects are: human-centred innovation framework; situating your research project within the defined social framework; application of appropriate research methods; research conduct and communication of research outcome.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit will consist of an individual, applied design research project. You will apply this research in Semester 2 in DNB801 and DNB802. Learning is supported through a combination of one-to-one tutorial and group discussions. You will learn leadership skills by managing and leading your research project. To further aid these leadership skills as well as to enhance your appreciation of the theoretic aspects of design you will take your turn in leading class discussions on a selected and approved research topic. Seminars and discussions will foster leadership and independent and innovative thinking.
Assessment
The unit is assessed by applying criteria reference assessment relevant to each assessment task.Mode of feedback: formative and summative. Formative feedback is given during semester on the weekly basis.
Assessment name:
Critique (written)
Description:
A constructive discourse of published work
Relates to objectives:
3
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
During the semester
Assessment name:
Project (research) A
Description:
Qualitative research conducted in the field
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of semester
Assessment name:
Project (research) B
Description:
Design proposal
Relates to objectives:
1 and 3
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Where possible, electronic copies will be provided on the unit Blackboard site through the Course Material Database.
References
Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln Y.S. (Eds) (2000), Handbook of Qualitative Research, Second Edition, Sage
Publications, London.Groat, L. and Wang, D. (2002), Architectural Research Methods, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York.
Squires, S. and Byrne, B. (2002), Creating Breakthrough Ideas: The Collaboration of Anthropologists and Designers in the Product Development Industry, Bergen and Garvey, Ca.
Simon, H. (2001), The Science of Artificial, Third Edition, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.
Journals: DDesign Studies, UK; Design Issues, USA; Journal of Design Research, TUDelft, Holland, International Journal of Design, Taiwan
Additional Costs
There are costs involved in the preparation of research, research conducts, and research communication that you should allow for.
Risk assessment statement
Students in this unit will undertake lectures, seminars and tutorials in studios and lecture rooms. There are no extraordinary workplace and safety issues associated with this unit. Some research projects might require QUT Human Ethics Approval.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 05-Oct-2012
