Design for Low-Complexity (11048.1)

This unit is one of continuing development of design process, design skill acquisition and design methodologies within a project-based design program with a focus on design solutions suitable for specific contexts and users. The unit has a focus on three-dimensional creative objects. Projects include design analysis and synthesis of, for example, simple utilitarian objects that are used in day-to-day activities in a variety of social and cultural contexts. We will systematically investigate the interrelated, syntactic, pragmatic and semantic attributes of a range of new and existing products, in order to gain knowledge about how they are designed and constructed, used and can be improved by further design and development. As designers in training, students will learn to use problem-solving methods to develop new design concepts.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Apply a systematic method for analysing the design attributes and features of design solutions of simple configuration including functions, use and materials;

2. Communicate three-dimensional form in a range of two-dimensional formats and techniques and three-dimensional physical and virtual models; and
3. Critically evaluate the iterative design process.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology

Prerequisites

11046 Industrial Design Fundamentals.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

9976 Design Studio 3

Assumed knowledge

Product design sketching and basic model making skills.