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) programs.

 

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 aims to introduce participants to the notion of design as a service, and the impact of design thinking on businesses, services and markets, through the development of design research, idea development and proposals in all areas of design.

Learning Objectives
This unit of study explores how designers can make a significant contribution to the improvement of existing systems and services and the creation of entirely new ones. System and service involves both tangible and intangible elements often in the form of organizations (public sector and private enterprise), technology, communication, and human behaviours. Design solutions are sought that deliver, for example, more efficient processes and procedures, improved ecological performance, greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.
In this unit, students will:
• Engage in an investigative and research-based studio project
• Develop and extend individual projects which engage directly with the themes articulated for this design studio
• Explore the relationship between a broader vision of research and design practice
• Articulate the studio project outcomes and themes through a well-developed and well-structured design solution.

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.

The unit of study addresses the development of systems and services through a series of topics that may include:
• Analysis of need – user, client/business, community
• Scenario development and Futures analysis
• Social innovation
• Demographics
• Sustainability
• Design Systems
• Organisational modelling & analysis

Students are encouraged to utilise these themes and the specialist knowledge of the academic staff in developing projects. Initial proposals will be considered from a very specific range of design issues. All project proposals will be considered on their merits, on the basis of appropriate depth and scope for a Masters level qualification and the potential for achievement of the learning objectives of this unit.

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 will 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.