Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Applied research in this context refers to research done through design and how to apply research knowledge strategically. This unit will focus on the early design stage. You will learn how to integrate research and design knowledge to support novel design ideas.

The unit is built upon the units DNB702 Human-centred Design Innovation and DEB701 Design and Research and extends the application of research to the strategic positioning of products and services. It is corequisite to DNB802 Research and Innovation 2.

The unit also provides you with the foundation for higher research degrees.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to assist you to integrate the knowledge gained in previous semesters and to learn how to conduct research through design focusing on the early design stage.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. position design strategically
2. apply research outcomes to product/ system design
3. understand large projects leadership

Content

Your project will be an outcome of human-centred innovation research and you are responsible for its leadership. You will work in close collaboration with your industrial design academic advisers who will monitor your progress. External specialists may be involved as required. There will be a seminar associated with this unit.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: Hours per week: 8 hours
Lecture: 1 hour
Studio/Tutorial: 3 hours

Learning Approaches
The unit will consist of an individual, applied design research project. Learning is supported through a combination of one-to-one tutorial and group discussions. You are responsible for managing and leading your project. To further aid these leadership skills as well as to enhance your appreciation of the theoretical aspects of design you will take your turn in leading class discussion on a selected and approved topics.

This unit will be delivered in a six week block mode - first half of the semester.

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: Project (applied)
Description: Individual design project (early design stage)
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 80%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

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 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

No Set text

Where possible, electronic copies will be provided on the unit Blackboard site through the Course Material Database.

References
Cagan, J. and Vogel, C. (2002), Creating Breakthrough Products: Innovation from Product Planning to Program Approval, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Popovic, V. (2005), Applied Research and Innovation Framework, in Joining Forces: Design Research, Industries and New Interface Competiveness, Jarvinen, J. and Palmi, L., Eds., University of Arts and Design, Helsinki, Finland.
Rouse, W. (1992), Strategies for Innovation, John Wiley and Sons, New York
Rouse, W. (1993), Catalyst for Change: Concepts and Principles for Enabling Innovation, John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Roy, R., & Weald, D. (Eds) (1986), Product Design and Technological Innovation, Open University Press, Milton Keynes.
Simon, H. (2001), The Science of Artificial, Third Edition, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.
Squires, S. and Byrne, B. (2002), Creating Breakthrough Ideas: The Collaboration of Anthropologists and Designers in the Product Development Industry, Bergen and Garvey, Ca.

Journals: Form, Design Studies, Design Issues, Journal of Design , International Journal of Design.


Additional Costs
There are also significant consumable costs involved in the preparation and presentation of design concepts that you should allow for.

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in studios, and lecture rooms and there are no extraordinary workplace and safety issues associated with this. However workshop usage is required and you will need to attend workshop safety induction sessions that introduce you to safety regulations. Students who do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace and Health and Safety Act will be asked to leave workshop.

Health & Safety Inductions
Students are required to complete, if haven't already, the following Inductions / Certificates:
1. General Safety Induction
2. J-Block Workshop

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: 29-May-2012