DYN909 Advanced Design Project
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 code: | DYN909 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 144cp of units completed in DE99. Can be studied concurrently with DYN908. |
| Assumed Knowledge: | DYN900 |
| Credit points: | 24 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $6,936 |
| International unit fee | $10,416 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | DYN909 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 24 |
| Pre-requisite: | 144cp of units completed in DE99. Can be studied concurrently with DYN908. |
| Assumed Knowledge: | DYN900 |
| Coordinator: | Thea Blackler | a.blackler@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The Advanced Design Project is a capstone unit involving a studio-based learning process designed to guide students through the execution of an advanced design project. Throughout this unit, students will engage in critical discussions, receive feedback from peers, supervisors and industry mentors, and refine their design project. By the end of the course, students will produce design project documentation in an accessible format, demonstrating their capabilities in strategic design, design research, concept representation, effective written and oral communication, and evidence-based argument. For the research-intensive pathway, the unit will require the completion of a design research thesis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Develop and effectively articulate design or design research solutions to address strategic problems or opportunities, demonstrating proficiency in problem-solving, creativity, and practical application.
- Develop, synthesise, and clearly articulate evidence-based rationales for your design decisions, incorporating research, analysis, and sound argumentation.
- Skillfully apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to address complex design or design research problems, showing the ability to navigate and employ advanced design concepts effectively.
- Explore commercialisation, application or translation of design or design research outcomes. Consider technology transfer, management of intellectual property, and innovation processes in the context of design or design research, emphasising the application of strategic thinking in design endeavours.
- Produce design or research strategies that reflect a commitment to ethical principles, sustainability, and social responsibility, aligning with contemporary standards for responsible and inclusive design practices.
Content
The Advanced Design Project is a capstone unit that enables students to embark on an extensive design journey, culminating in the execution of an advanced design project. During this unit, students will gain hands-on experience in design concept refinement, delve into the professional standards and ethical conduct expected in the design industry, develop their project portfolios, and explore the critical aspects of commercialisation, technology transfer, intellectual property management, and innovation processes. For students pursuing the research-intensive pathway, this unit will also prepare them for the final thesis presentation and examination.
Within this context, the broad areas to be covered will include the following:
1. Design Concept Refinement
- Techniques for refining and elaborating design concepts.
- Evaluating the feasibility and viability of design concepts.
- Incorporating feedback and iteration into design concepts.
2. Design Execution and Professional Standards
- Best practices and ethical conduct in the design industry.
- Compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Professional communication within a design team and with stakeholders.
3. Project Portfolio Creation
- Compiling a comprehensive project portfolio showcasing the design journey.
- Effective storytelling through the portfolio to convey the project's narrative.
- Presentation skills for engaging and convincing potential employers or stakeholders.
4. Commercialisation and Technology Transfer
- Understanding the commercialisation process for design projects.
- Managing intellectual assets and intellectual property (IP) rights.
- Navigating the innovation process from conception to market.
5. Research-Intensive Pathway Preparation
- Developing skills and knowledge required for a design research thesis.
- Preparing for the final thesis presentation.
- Identifying and considering options for further research training at the PhD level.
These broad areas collectively form the foundation of this capstone unit, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to excel in advanced design projects and design research theses.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following learning approaches and activities, tailored to the specific needs of your chosen pathway: project-intensive or research-intensive.
For Both Pathways:
1. Studio-Based Learning: You will experience a studio-based learning environment that simulates real-world design contexts. This studio approach will enable you to refine, execute, and articulate your advanced design project. You will be actively engaged in discussions, presentations, and collaborative work, reflecting the problem-solving and creative process involved in design.
2. Application of Knowledge and Capabilities: The unit will build upon the knowledge and capabilities acquired throughout your degree. You will apply these skills to execute your advanced design project. This hands-on experience will provide a platform to demonstrate your understanding of design concepts, research methodologies, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Online Learning Modules: You will have access to self-paced online modules designed to support your project journey. These modules will offer supplementary resources, guidance, and insights into key aspects of design execution and research, and will complement your in-person studio sessions.
For Project-Intensive Pathway:
4. In-Person Studio Sessions: You will attend in-person studio sessions that provide real-world examples, practical guidance, and opportunities for peer feedback on your project's progress. These sessions are instrumental in helping you translate your design concepts into tangible project outcomes.
- Formative feedback: Weekly consultations will help to make sure you are on track for a successful final outcome.
- Project Plan (10%), Design Project (40%) and Report (50%): Your assessment will consist of a project plan (10%), and design project (40%) along with a comprehensive report (50%). This combination allows you to demonstrate your practical design skills in executing your project and your ability to communicate your design journey, findings, and outcomes effectively.
For Research-Intensive Pathway:
5. Supervision and Contact Sessions: You will receive direct supervision and guidance from your project supervisor throughout the research-intensive pathway. Regular attendance at contact sessions is required. These sessions offer a platform for consultation, peer feedback, and preparation for your final thesis presentation and examination.
- Formative feedback: Weekly consultations will help to make sure you are on track for a successful final outcome.
- Project Plan (10%), Research Project (40%) and Thesis (50%): Your assessment will involve a project plan (10%), and a research project (40%) along with a comprehensive research thesis (50%). This assessment structure ensures that you not only execute a design project but also conduct in-depth research, demonstrating your capacity to contribute to the academic discourse in your chosen area.
The learning approaches employed in this unit are designed to immerse you in the complexities of advanced design projects and provide you with the scaffolding required to succeed in your chosen pathway, whether that be project-intensive or research-intensive. Each learning activity, from in-person studio sessions to online resources, is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in your advanced design project, irrespective of your chosen pathway.
Some of the material you will need and details about the tasks that you will undertake will be found on the DYN909 Canvas site. You will need to regularly connect with this site to be kept informed of latest news and of weekly requirements of the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
In this capstone unit, feedback is a fundamental aspect of your learning experience. Throughout the studio-based learning process, you will have various opportunities to receive and engage with feedback to support your growth and development. These feedback mechanisms include:
1. Supervisor Feedback: Your project supervisor will provide ongoing feedback during in-person sessions. This feedback is designed to guide and refine your project's development.
2. Peer Feedback: Engaging with your peers is an essential element of the studio environment. Regular group discussions, critique sessions, and peer reviews will provide you with diverse perspectives and valuable feedback.
3. Formative Feedback: You will receive feedback on your project's progress, typically at key milestones, such as design concept development and the project execution phase. This formative feedback aims to guide your work towards achieving your project goals.
4. Criterion-Referenced Assessment: For each assessment task, including the project, report, thesis, or presentation, your work will be evaluated based on specific criteria and standards. Your marked assessments will include feedback that is directly related to these criteria, helping you understand your performance in detail.
To enhance your learning and assessment performance in this unit, you are encouraged to actively engage with the feedback you receive. This means reflecting on feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and taking action to address these areas. Feedback can also help you recognise your strengths and build on them for future assessments or real-world design projects. The continuous feedback loop within the studio will help you develop critical skills required for success in the design field and will prepare you for professional practice or further research in your area of expertise.
Moreover, the feedback you receive in this unit is designed not only to support your immediate learning but also to be a resource for "feeding forward" into your future studies and professional design practice. By using feedback as a tool for improvement, you can apply the lessons learnt here in other units and real-world design projects, enabling you to continually advance your capabilities and career prospects. This aligns with the emphasis on fostering real-world learning experiences and ensuring your development as a skilled, adaptable, and innovative designer.
Assessment
Overview
In the Advanced Design Project capstone unit, assessment is designed to evaluate your capability in executing and documenting an advanced design project or design research project, tailored to your chosen pathway, whether it is project-intensive or research-intensive. The assessments measure various aspects of your learning and competencies in alignment with the unit learning outcomes. To support your success in these assessments, the unit integrates learning activities that serve as formative assessment and feedback mechanisms to help you refine and enhance your project.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Project Plan
This assessment requires you to develop and articulate a comprehensive plan for your design/research project (assessment 2), including how you will plan and reach your own milestones and to map out the structure of your thesis document (assessment 3).
Threshold Assessment:
You must submit and pass the plan stage in order to progress to completing the project
Assessment: Design Project
This assessment evaluates your ability to execute and deliver an advanced design project. It focuses on your practical skills, problem-solving, and creativity in addressing real-world design challenges. You will be assessed on your project's execution, its alignment with professional standards, and your ability to manage the design process efficiently. Students on the research-intensive pathway will complete a design research project instead.
Assessment: Design Report/Thesis
The report (or for the research track the thesis) component assesses your written communication skills and your capacity to provide evidence-based arguments. You will document your design (or research) project comprehensively in a report (or thesis) format. This documentation should not only describe your project's execution but also provide a coherent and persuasive argument for your design or research decisions. The report/thesis should exhibit a strong understanding of strategic design principles and effective communication.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
You will be provided with a number of required readings that will be accessible via the Canvas site and/or the QUT Library. You will also have access to a range of software applications and online tools and platforms.
The unit Canvas site will provide a central repository for digital resources as well as documentation on unit housekeeping. You are expected to both review the unit Canvas site and check your QUT student email account at least daily.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing CIESJ students are required to complete the mandatory CIESJ Student HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) Inductions.
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE99 Master of Design (Strategic Design)
- Demonstrate and apply advanced and holistic knowledge as it relate to contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities in Strategic Design
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Apply innovative, systematic practices and approaches to plan, lead, deliver and manage Strategic Design projects in a way that connects multi-stakeholder requirements with real-world outcomes
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible judgement and decision making, recognising the importance of personal accountability, acumen and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Assess, integrate, and champion sustainable practices in the context of Strategic Design, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Develop a nuanced understanding and sensitivity of the international landscape by synthesising diverse cross-cultural, economic, and geopolitical perspectives for effective Strategic Design leadership and approaches
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Demonstrate an ability to research and apply established theories and plan and execute a substantial research project, cultivating and communicating designerly thinking
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | DYN909 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 24 |
| Pre-requisite: | 144cp of units completed in DE99. Can be studied concurrently with DYN908. |
| Assumed Knowledge: | DYN900 |
| Coordinator: | Thea Blackler | a.blackler@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The Advanced Design Project is a capstone unit involving a studio-based learning process designed to guide students through the execution of an advanced design project. Throughout this unit, students will engage in critical discussions, receive feedback from peers, supervisors and industry mentors, and refine their design project. By the end of the course, students will produce design project documentation in an accessible format, demonstrating their capabilities in strategic design, design research, concept representation, effective written and oral communication, and evidence-based argument. For the research-intensive pathway, the unit will require the completion of a design research thesis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Develop and effectively articulate design or design research solutions to address strategic problems or opportunities, demonstrating proficiency in problem-solving, creativity, and practical application.
- Develop, synthesise, and clearly articulate evidence-based rationales for your design decisions, incorporating research, analysis, and sound argumentation.
- Skillfully apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to address complex design or design research problems, showing the ability to navigate and employ advanced design concepts effectively.
- Explore commercialisation, application or translation of design or design research outcomes. Consider technology transfer, management of intellectual property, and innovation processes in the context of design or design research, emphasising the application of strategic thinking in design endeavours.
- Produce design or research strategies that reflect a commitment to ethical principles, sustainability, and social responsibility, aligning with contemporary standards for responsible and inclusive design practices.
Content
The Advanced Design Project is a capstone unit that enables students to embark on an extensive design journey, culminating in the execution of an advanced design project. During this unit, students will gain hands-on experience in design concept refinement, delve into the professional standards and ethical conduct expected in the design industry, develop their project portfolios, and explore the critical aspects of commercialisation, technology transfer, intellectual property management, and innovation processes. For students pursuing the research-intensive pathway, this unit will also prepare them for the final thesis presentation and examination.
Within this context, the broad areas to be covered will include the following:
1. Design Concept Refinement
- Techniques for refining and elaborating design concepts.
- Evaluating the feasibility and viability of design concepts.
- Incorporating feedback and iteration into design concepts.
2. Design Execution and Professional Standards
- Best practices and ethical conduct in the design industry.
- Compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Professional communication within a design team and with stakeholders.
3. Project Portfolio Creation
- Compiling a comprehensive project portfolio showcasing the design journey.
- Effective storytelling through the portfolio to convey the project's narrative.
- Presentation skills for engaging and convincing potential employers or stakeholders.
4. Commercialisation and Technology Transfer
- Understanding the commercialisation process for design projects.
- Managing intellectual assets and intellectual property (IP) rights.
- Navigating the innovation process from conception to market.
5. Research-Intensive Pathway Preparation
- Developing skills and knowledge required for a design research thesis.
- Preparing for the final thesis presentation.
- Identifying and considering options for further research training at the PhD level.
These broad areas collectively form the foundation of this capstone unit, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to excel in advanced design projects and design research theses.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following learning approaches and activities, tailored to the specific needs of your chosen pathway: project-intensive or research-intensive.
For Both Pathways:
1. Studio-Based Learning: You will experience a studio-based learning environment that simulates real-world design contexts. This studio approach will enable you to refine, execute, and articulate your advanced design project. You will be actively engaged in discussions, presentations, and collaborative work, reflecting the problem-solving and creative process involved in design.
2. Application of Knowledge and Capabilities: The unit will build upon the knowledge and capabilities acquired throughout your degree. You will apply these skills to execute your advanced design project. This hands-on experience will provide a platform to demonstrate your understanding of design concepts, research methodologies, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Online Learning Modules: You will have access to self-paced online modules designed to support your project journey. These modules will offer supplementary resources, guidance, and insights into key aspects of design execution and research, and will complement your in-person studio sessions.
For Project-Intensive Pathway:
4. In-Person Studio Sessions: You will attend in-person studio sessions that provide real-world examples, practical guidance, and opportunities for peer feedback on your project's progress. These sessions are instrumental in helping you translate your design concepts into tangible project outcomes.
- Formative feedback: Weekly consultations will help to make sure you are on track for a successful final outcome.
- Project Plan (10%), Design Project (40%) and Report (50%): Your assessment will consist of a project plan (10%), and design project (40%) along with a comprehensive report (50%). This combination allows you to demonstrate your practical design skills in executing your project and your ability to communicate your design journey, findings, and outcomes effectively.
For Research-Intensive Pathway:
5. Supervision and Contact Sessions: You will receive direct supervision and guidance from your project supervisor throughout the research-intensive pathway. Regular attendance at contact sessions is required. These sessions offer a platform for consultation, peer feedback, and preparation for your final thesis presentation and examination.
- Formative feedback: Weekly consultations will help to make sure you are on track for a successful final outcome.
- Project Plan (10%), Research Project (40%) and Thesis (50%): Your assessment will involve a project plan (10%), and a research project (40%) along with a comprehensive research thesis (50%). This assessment structure ensures that you not only execute a design project but also conduct in-depth research, demonstrating your capacity to contribute to the academic discourse in your chosen area.
The learning approaches employed in this unit are designed to immerse you in the complexities of advanced design projects and provide you with the scaffolding required to succeed in your chosen pathway, whether that be project-intensive or research-intensive. Each learning activity, from in-person studio sessions to online resources, is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in your advanced design project, irrespective of your chosen pathway.
Some of the material you will need and details about the tasks that you will undertake will be found on the DYN909 Canvas site. You will need to regularly connect with this site to be kept informed of latest news and of weekly requirements of the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
In this capstone unit, feedback is a fundamental aspect of your learning experience. Throughout the studio-based learning process, you will have various opportunities to receive and engage with feedback to support your growth and development. These feedback mechanisms include:
1. Supervisor Feedback: Your project supervisor will provide ongoing feedback during in-person sessions. This feedback is designed to guide and refine your project's development.
2. Peer Feedback: Engaging with your peers is an essential element of the studio environment. Regular group discussions, critique sessions, and peer reviews will provide you with diverse perspectives and valuable feedback.
3. Formative Feedback: You will receive feedback on your project's progress, typically at key milestones, such as design concept development and the project execution phase. This formative feedback aims to guide your work towards achieving your project goals.
4. Criterion-Referenced Assessment: For each assessment task, including the project, report, thesis, or presentation, your work will be evaluated based on specific criteria and standards. Your marked assessments will include feedback that is directly related to these criteria, helping you understand your performance in detail.
To enhance your learning and assessment performance in this unit, you are encouraged to actively engage with the feedback you receive. This means reflecting on feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and taking action to address these areas. Feedback can also help you recognise your strengths and build on them for future assessments or real-world design projects. The continuous feedback loop within the studio will help you develop critical skills required for success in the design field and will prepare you for professional practice or further research in your area of expertise.
Moreover, the feedback you receive in this unit is designed not only to support your immediate learning but also to be a resource for "feeding forward" into your future studies and professional design practice. By using feedback as a tool for improvement, you can apply the lessons learnt here in other units and real-world design projects, enabling you to continually advance your capabilities and career prospects. This aligns with the emphasis on fostering real-world learning experiences and ensuring your development as a skilled, adaptable, and innovative designer.
Assessment
Overview
In the Advanced Design Project capstone unit, assessment is designed to evaluate your capability in executing and documenting an advanced design project or design research project, tailored to your chosen pathway, whether it is project-intensive or research-intensive. The assessments measure various aspects of your learning and competencies in alignment with the unit learning outcomes. To support your success in these assessments, the unit integrates learning activities that serve as formative assessment and feedback mechanisms to help you refine and enhance your project.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Project Plan
This assessment requires you to develop and articulate a comprehensive plan for your design/research project (assessment 2), including how you will plan and reach your own milestones and to map out the structure of your thesis document (assessment 3).
Threshold Assessment:
You must submit and pass the plan stage in order to progress to completing the project
Assessment: Design Project
This assessment evaluates your ability to execute and deliver an advanced design project. It focuses on your practical skills, problem-solving, and creativity in addressing real-world design challenges. You will be assessed on your project's execution, its alignment with professional standards, and your ability to manage the design process efficiently. Students on the research-intensive pathway will complete a design research project instead.
Assessment: Design Report/Thesis
The report (or for the research track the thesis) component assesses your written communication skills and your capacity to provide evidence-based arguments. You will document your design (or research) project comprehensively in a report (or thesis) format. This documentation should not only describe your project's execution but also provide a coherent and persuasive argument for your design or research decisions. The report/thesis should exhibit a strong understanding of strategic design principles and effective communication.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
You will be provided with a number of required readings that will be accessible via the Canvas site and/or the QUT Library. You will also have access to a range of software applications and online tools and platforms.
The unit Canvas site will provide a central repository for digital resources as well as documentation on unit housekeeping. You are expected to both review the unit Canvas site and check your QUT student email account at least daily.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing CIESJ students are required to complete the mandatory CIESJ Student HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) Inductions.
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE99 Master of Design (Strategic Design)
- Demonstrate and apply advanced and holistic knowledge as it relate to contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities in Strategic Design
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Apply innovative, systematic practices and approaches to plan, lead, deliver and manage Strategic Design projects in a way that connects multi-stakeholder requirements with real-world outcomes
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible judgement and decision making, recognising the importance of personal accountability, acumen and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Assess, integrate, and champion sustainable practices in the context of Strategic Design, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Develop a nuanced understanding and sensitivity of the international landscape by synthesising diverse cross-cultural, economic, and geopolitical perspectives for effective Strategic Design leadership and approaches
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis - Demonstrate an ability to research and apply established theories and plan and execute a substantial research project, cultivating and communicating designerly thinking
Relates to: Design Report/Thesis