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Design Systems and Services

Unit Code: HDC008




Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 Semester

36 Hours per Semester

Prahran

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

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Aims & Objectives:

The aim of this unit of study is to introduce students to the principles of systems and service design. The unit provides an introduction to how designers can make a significant contribution to the improvement of existing systems and services and the creation of entirely new ones.  The design of systems and service involves both tangible and intangible elements often in the form of high level organizations (public sector and private enterprise), technology, communication, and human behaviours. Innovations are sought that deliver, for example, more efficient processes and procedures, improved ecological performance and sustainable practices, greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
  • Identify the scope of system and service design in relation to business and the design industry;
  • Apply mapping techniques and methods to visualize the system or service;
  • Articulate the role design and designers play in the design of systems and services;
  • Articulate how the principles of system and service design broadens the opportunities for designers to apply their creative capabilities over a broader spectrum of business and commerce;
  • Engage in critical research/investigation and analysis of user(s), their context(s) and the processes relating to the design and development of systems and services;
  • Undertake work in collaborative interdisciplinary teams in the definition and development of systems/services design projects; 
  • Apply user-centred design principles, scenario-based development techniques and iterative design processes;
  • Develop well-considered, expressive and visionary design systems and/or service outcomes.  

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Teaching Methods:

The studio will involve project-based learning, conducted within a student-centred studio environment on a work in progress basis. Delivery may include lectures, class-based seminars/tutorials and projects will be undertaken in interdisciplinary groups.

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Assessment:

100% Project work.  See unit briefs for full assessment details.  Assessable work comprises relevant 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 participants 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 unit to allow participants to develop their work for final submission. Assessment occurs at the end of the unit and is based on the submission of a body of design work as specified in project briefs. Participation in class presentations, critique sessions and team-based peer assessment is expected.


        

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Generic Skills Outcomes:

Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession.  Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context, HDC008 Design Systems and Services aims to provide students with the following attributes:
  • Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations
  • Are adaptable and manage change
  • Are aware of local and international environment in which they will be contributing.

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Content:

The unit of study addresses the development of systems and services through creative, yet structured, techniques that provide discernable benefits for users within the context of the ‘total user’ experience. Topics for study may include the following:
  • Analysis of user need and demographic context of user(s), client/business, community
  • Modelling and analysis of individual users, organizations, services and systems
  • User-centred design
  • Iterative design (design – build/prototype – test/evaluate)
  • Scenario-based development techniques
  • Sustainable practices
  • User-centred design.

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Reading Materials:

Additional readings and references may be provided through Blackboard, students are advised to check the listings at the commencement of the unit and regularly thereafter.

Bruce, M 2002, Design in Business – strategic innovation through design, Pearson, UK.
Burns, C 2004 Ecological interface design CRC Press, Florida.
Fisher, F 2006 Response Ability: Environment, Health & Everyday Transcendence, Vista Publications, Elsternwick, Australia.
Gronroos, C 2000 Service Management and Marketing: A Customer Relationship Management Approach, 2nd ed, Wiley.
Hollins, G, Hollins, W 1991 Total Design: Managing the design process in the service sector, Trans Atlantic Publications, (republished 2002 in its original form).
McDonough, W, Braungart, M 2002 Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, North Point Press
Manzini, E 2005 Enabling solutions, social innovation and design for sustainability, DIS-Indaco, Politecnico di Mila
Manzini, E Vezzoli, C 2002 Product-service Systems and Sustainability. Opportunities for Sustainable Solutions, UNEP Publisher, Paris.
Mau B,2004, Massive Change – and the Institute without Boundaries, Phaidon Press, New York and London
Newton, P 2008, Transitions: Pathways Towards Sustainable Urban Development in Australia, CSIRO Publishing.
Norman, D 1999 The Invisible Computer, The MIT Press, Cambridge , Massachusetts.
Papanek, V 1971, Design for the Real World. New York. Pantheon Books.
Ryan, C 2004, Digital Eco-Scense: Sustainability and ICT – A new Terrain for Innovation – strategic innovation through design, Lab3000.
Thackara, J 2005 In the Bubble, The MIT Press, Cambridge , Massachusetts.
Verbeek, P, Slob, A 2006, User behavior and technology development : shaping sustainable relations between consumers and technologies, Dordrecht : Springer.
Vincente, K 2004 The Human Factor, Routledge, New York.

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