BEI2500 · Design thinking for global challenges

Overview

Design thinking applies the skills and strategies developed by designers to a wide range of problems and situations. These skills and strategies include a range of conceptual and communication approaches, ways to explore and reconsider the context in which we work, as well as what should or could be achieved. Design thinking brings together some approaches that are known in the sciences and humanities, such as analysis and synthesis, but applies them in ways that are particular to a design approach. Design thinking can enable a more flexible approach to problem solving, and a more creative engagement with the complex issues of our contemporary world. This unit will introduce you to the key skills and practices associated with design thinking, and offer opportunities to explore the application of these basic creativity techniques through a series of projects.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. demonstrate understanding of the methods and mindsets of design thinking and their application
2. identify and analyse ill-defined, real-world project challenges and relevant design thinking approaches
3. apply design thinking methods and mindsets to a project-based problem, to develop new perspectives on key issues and to identify potential opportunities
4. develop, test and evaluate original design proposals in response to a specific global challenge.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.