48240 Design Fundamentals

Design is explored as a fundamental engineering activity, applying the scientific principles learned in field of practice subjects to the solution of contextual problems. Students examine models of the design process and critique designed products, processes and systems. They define and formulate problems using creative and analytical processes. The responsibilities of engineers for assessing and managing different types of risk are explored, and safe design, ethics and intellectual property are also discussed.

Topics addressed include:

• design context and requirements – approaches to design, problem framing and creativity; requirements analysis involving legal, regulatory, technical and business requirements; designing for sustainability, safety, innovation and intellectural property outcomes; risk management and design communication, documentation and review.
• design analysis – concepts of risks and uncertainties in engineering; use of engineering and system modelling approaches and methods and fundamental statistical techniques used in engineering modelling.
• design synthesis – engineering decision-making in the presence of risks and uncertainties and optimisation.

Assessment: Typically students in this subject are assessed through a combination of quizzes, assignments, project work and a final examination.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus