Design Studio - User Centred Design

This unit aims to apply broader concepts of User Centred Design via a studio project which explores spatial and product-based outcomes as a response to a research-generated project brief.

 

Using research from generated from Design Research Studio – User Centred Design, students will develop their project that expands upon their own research interests and may include projects such as: 

•      New living patterns and products,
•      Museums, galleries and interaction systems,
•      Virtual and digital communications methodologies,
•      Lighting, furniture and prototyping,
•      Entertainment, socialisation and public interface,
•      Social, cultural, economic innovation,
•      New materials and convergent technologies,
•      Displays, libraries, education and information services,
•      Way-finding, facility and strategic planning,
•      The internet, hyper-surface and game technology.

 

Teaching is conducted in a student-centred studio environment, through lectures, group discussions, site visits, demonstrations and critiques. Students present their work to the group at the end of each project.

30% Class Reviews.  A number of submissions may be required during the course of the teaching period for review by the teaching staff and for presentation/discussion in class.  You are responsible for meeting all deadlines and for completing all preparatory work prior to the class for which it is required.

 

70% project work. Assessable work comprises discussed design deliverables, documented evidence of contextual research, concept development, design process and rationale, plus the appropriate application of software. Project briefs clearly define conceptual parameters, detailed design deliverables, assessment criteria, presentation formats and due dates but students are responsible for actively participating in this process to develop independently conceived projects and a sound understanding of assessment requirements. Formative feedback is given throughout the semester to allow students to develop their work for final submission. Assessment occurs at the end of the semester and is based on the submission of a body of design work and a specified project brief.

The unit covers the application of research methodologies to the creation and evaluation of design communications, products, services, environments, interactions and/or experiences.  The focus will be on how to iterate on design concepts and outcomes based on new sources of information and shifting design criteria.