A unit of study in the Master of Design (Communication Design), Master of Design (Industrial Design)

Master of Design (Interior Design) and the Master of Design (Multimedia Design) prorgrams.

This unit aims to explore how designers can make a significant contribution to the improvement of existing systems and services. It will introduce students to the ways in which systems and services involve both tangible and intangible elements by exploring organizations (public sector and private enterprise), technology, communication, and human behaviours. The unit will encourage students to explore how systems and services can increase efficiency in processes and procedures by improved ecological performance, greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

This unit of study will introduce students to a range of design research and investigation strategies. Students will produce a self-initiated project brief as well as undertake a relevant literature and artefact review. Research will be couched within the broader theme of systems and services and provide students with a range of strategies by which to develop design research methods.

 

Learning Objectives
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
• Conduct design research through literature and artefact review and apply these to a design proposal
• Use a range of analytical and research skills to facilitate the articulation of a design project
• Apply existing design research to a complex project brief
• Explore the relationship between a broader vision of research and design and social practice
• Articulate the investigative process and outcomes through concise, coherent and well-structured documentation, reports and presentations.

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.

100% project work. Project briefs clearly define submission requirements and due dates but participants are responsible for actively participating in this process to develop a clear understanding of assessment requirements. Formative feedback is given throughout the semester to allow participants to develop their work for final submission. Assessment occurs at the end of the semester.

This unit provides students with a framework by which studio and project work will continue to develop. The unit focuses on the development of core research skills that will have direct relevance to current design practice and design theory. Via research and investigation, students will learn to select specific design project outcomes from a range of studio themes.

Gronroos, C, Service Management and Marketing: A Customer Relationship Management Approach, 2nd ed, Wiley, 2000.
Hart, S (ed.), New Product Development: A reader, Thomson, 1996.
Hollins, G, Hollins, W, Total Design: Managing the design process in the service sector, Trans Atlantic Publications, 1991(republished 2002 in its original form).
Manzini, E, Enabling solutions, social innovation and design for sustainability, DIS-Indaco, Politecnico di Milano, 27.9.2005.
Manzini, E, Vezzoli, C, Product-service Systems and Sustainability. Opportunities for Sustainable Solutions, UNEP Publisher, Paris, 2002

Students may also be given a reading list and ongoing readings for discussion over the course of the semester. These readings will constantly change to reflect the topics discussed in the Design Research Studio.