DGN2500 · 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

Assessment

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

100% in-semester assessment

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

12 hours per week including an average of 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study, or equivalent.

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