Experience Design Analysis

Unit Code: HDG630

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

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Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

This unit will introduce students to the multi-dimensional nature of experience design. Through project development and analysis, students will develop an understanding of the innovative, affective and dramatic possibilities of experience design. Projects will explore the integration of experiences and values within a human/social context.

Teaching Methods:

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.

Assessment:

100% 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 research and a specified project brief.

Content:

The unit covers the broad, multi-disciplinary nature of experience design within particular social contexts. It requires that students develop an understanding on the impact of experience design at two and three dimensional levels. It analyses the integration of experience design within an over-arching project framework and introduces students to a range of theoretical approaches to experience design. Students will gain skills in understanding the appropriate use of user-testing, evaluation and feedback and will analyse experience design strategies within a social context.

In this unit, students will:

• Engage in investigative and research-based projects which focus on the principles, concepts and applications of experience design
• Develop a brief which engage directly with project building which explores notions of experience design
• Explore the relationship between a broader vision of research and design practice
• Consider how design can inform and inspire the development of new environments, products and services by addressing human behaviours and using appropriate technologies to deliver social, environmental and economic advantage
• Explore the ethical and empirical challenges in gaining information from and about audiences.

Reading Materials:

Kuniavsky, M, Observing the User Experience: A Practitioner's Guide to User Research, Cambridge, Morgan Kaufmann, 2003.
Macado, J, Creating Desire, Sympress, Kuala Lumpur, 1996.
Macado, J, Distilling Desire, Kuala Lumpur, Sympress, 1998.
Norman, D, The Design of Everyday things, Newsprint, 2002.
Norman, D, The Design of Future things, BasicBooks, 2007.
Powazek, D, Design for Community: The Art of Connecting Real People in Virtual Places, New Riders, New York, 2001.
Shedroff, N, Experience Design 1: A manifesto for the creation of experiences, New Riders, New York, 2001.

Students may 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 Studio.