Design Thinking and User Centered Design (11656.1)

This unit introduces students to fundamentals of design process and evolution of design solutions. Student will learn basics of human-centric processes focusing on need finding, understanding, creating, thinking, and doing. A sound understanding of how to conduct design research is gained with an understanding of the processes involved in engaging with the user to create effective design solutions. The student will engage in applying this knowledge in finding solutions for real-world problems in the creation of a design solution and application.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the iterative design process, basic design thinking and research techniques;
2. Apply and analyse design thinking and research methods in the creation of innovative design solutions for real-world problems; and
3. Communicate design intent to stakeholders using effective presentation techniques.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
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 - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
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 - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
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 - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
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 - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

11042 Introduction to Design Thinking Techniques

Assumed knowledge

None.