Design History, Culture and Society (11331.1)

In this unit students will recognise design as an integral part of culture and society through recent history, contemporary practice and futuristic visions. Through analysis of case studies from the most critical and cutting edge designs and technologies of different disciplines in crucial periods in time (since the industrial revolution to our days) we will discuss how design professions and practice have evolved to a contemporary multidisciplinary practice. Key examples of designs and designers in different contexts (including, but not limited to architecture, interiors, landscape, books, magazines, films and websites) will also be analysed and contextualised. The unit will explore past, present and futuristic roles of design in society, by understanding typologies, movements, materials, trends and lifestyles through analysis and discussion of influences and relationships between design objects spaces and forms (including architecture, graphics, objects, products, environments and digital outcomes, among others) and different people within multiple cultures and contexts.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify key periods in the history of design;
2. Compare and contrast design works from notable designers in their field;
3. Articulate past, present and future roles of design in society in relation to culture, function and context; and
4. Make recommendations for modifications to existing designs based on an understanding of type, context and a range of established theoretical positions and ideas.

Graduate attributes

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
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Equivalent units

9483 Design History, 9774 History & Theory 1: Introduction to Architecture History, 11016 BE: History and Culture and 11044 Design Culture and Society.

Assumed knowledge

None.