DYB124 Design Consequences


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:DYB124
Credit points:12
Equivalent:DEB202, DED202
Coordinator:Tiziana Ferrero-Regis | tiziana.ferreroregis@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Design Consequences is an introductory unit employing theoretical and applied methods to explore the ways in which design influences and is influenced by cultural traditions and practices, beliefs and biases. Working across frames of past, present and future, you will learn how to critically engage with and draw upon these cultural factors and influences to shape and define your design work and practice.

The twenty-first century presents designers with a challenging context characterised by the increasingly dramatic effects of climate change, growing levels of inequality, and destabilised geopolitical conditions. This unit will introduce you to a range of ideas, methods, and approaches necessary to understand design not only as products, environments, services and experiences but also as a social, cultural, political, and economic agent.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the relationships between design and broader social and cultural contexts.
  2. Independently analyse and articulate ideas in response to design consequences-ethically, culturally, economically, ecologically, and politically.
  3. Practice research within design to formulate critical and original positions, addressing historical, contemporary, and future design issues.

Content

The lineage of design is as rich and diverse as its contemporary the practices. In order to better understand, appreciate, and harness this complexity and diversity, Design Consequences will:

  • introduce a range of a historical examples of critical perspectives in design through weekly readings, lectures, and / or discussions
  • guide students in the undertaking of independent research analysis and critique of specific design concepts or consequences
  • facilitate presentation and discussion of design issues and ideas-past, present, and future-in a group context
  • undertake critical and creative work that engages with relationships between design and broader social and cultural contexts
  • introduce and work through academic conventions (research skills, integrity, essay writing).

Learning Approaches

Design Consequences provides a student-centred learning environment that applies collaborative problem-based learning. Through independent research, analysis and synthesis of designed artefacts, environments, and experiences, with a focus on their influence or impact within a real-world context - students will study "design" and its associated practices to understand the relationships between design, cultural, environmental and political contexts.

In the online mode of this unit, you will learn through engaging in a variety of online activities, online self-directed learning, and weekly research and readings that are designed to support your learning experience. The recorded lectures will examine theoretical and applied methods to explore the ways in which design influences and is influenced by cultural traditions and practices, beliefs and biases. You will learn how to critically engage with and draw upon these cultural factors and influences to shape and define your design work and practice with a focus on contemporary case studies. During the semester, you will receive support from your instructors and peers. You will have access to online resources and materials, and you will be able to communicate with your instructors and peers via various online platforms. Lecture recording and a variaty of learning material will be available in Canvas.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in following ways:

  • a range of formative in-class exercises
  • criteria sheets and comments on summative assessment work
  • Canvas general comments to cohort group
  • collaborative peer feedback.

Assessment

Overview

Summative assessment will be drawn from a series of progressive formative assignments that include critical analysis and synthesis, collaborative and creative problem identification, independent research and peer-review.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Study

Through a series of formative exercises guiding you in identifying an authentic issue or theme/s influencing design and the broader social and cultural contexts, you will write a design critique, synthesise and develop a convincing well-evidenced persuasive essay supporting your position.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Reflective Design Explorations

A series of linked short in-class exercises that demonstrate your confidence in synthesising relationships between design and broader social and cultural contexts.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online. Additional safety inductions may be required for this unit. 

Further information can be found on the unit Canvas site. 

Resources

There are no set textbooks for this unit. Please refer to the unit Canvas site.

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Further information can be found on the unit Canvas site. 

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

DE43 Bachelor of Design

  1. Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Case Study
  2. Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Design Explorations
  3. Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2, Case Study, Reflective Design Explorations
  4. Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Case Study, Reflective Design Explorations
  5. Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
    Relates to: ULO2, Case Study, Reflective Design Explorations

DE45 Bachelor of Design - International

  1. Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Case Study
  2. Evaluate and translate conceptual and critical design methodologies and tools and transfer to new and complex challenges.
    Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Design Explorations
  3. Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2, Case Study, Reflective Design Explorations
  4. Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Case Study, Reflective Design Explorations
  5. Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
    Relates to: ULO2, Case Study, Reflective Design Explorations