85702 Interdisciplinary Design Lab

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2022 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: Design
Credit points: 12 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 85502 Researching Design Histories AND 85503 Thinking Through Design

Description

In this subject, design is conceived of in its widest and most exciting sense; as an agent for change in a complex world. The aim of the interdisciplinary design labs (DLabs) is to connect students with live research projects led by staff across the design school. The DLabs offer students from all disciplines a diverse range of exciting projects, often with partners from industry or the community, which engage with real-life problems and opportunities. The DLabs focus on problems that require an interdisciplinary design approach, and develop students' skills in collaboration and teamwork. The emphasis of this subject is on experimentation and innovation. The DLabs aim to prepare students for future developments in the design professions.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1.	an understanding of the nature and demands of live design briefs
2.	a practical understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration in design
3.	an understanding of the potential of design to effect change in complex situations
4.	an ability to plan and execute research in a professional manner
5.	an ability to build strong connections between design research and design generation and development
6.	an ability to undertake advanced reflective practice
7.	improved group work skills and appreciation of team roles
8.	an advanced ability to develop design arguments and rationales.

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-!, A-3, P-4, etc).

Teaching and learning strategies

Weekly 1 hour lecture/seminar
Weekly 5 hour studio. This will include a mixture of face-to-face classes as well as self-directed research and field trips.
Studios will include presentations and lectures from lab leaders, guest speakers, sessional staff and industry/community partners. They will also include directed research and design exercises as well as self-directed research and design. Teaching and learning strategies will include field trips, case-studies, discussion of readings and student group work.

Content (topics)

This subject responds to the requirements of live briefs through topic-focused lectures by invited experts, specialised readings and real-world research. This is underpinned by lectures and exercises that build an understanding of the process of professional design, including the stages of:

investigation;
initiation;
problem framing;
briefing;
design exploration;
proposal development;
handover and evaluation

?Please refer to seperate learning guide and studio brief.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Mid Term Presentation

Intent:

To prepare and present design research responding to the brief.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 7

Type:

Presentation

Groupwork:

Individual

Weight:

15%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs
Depth of engagement with research topic	30	1
Quality of presentation and content	30	7
Quality and creativity of design ideas	30	3
Evidence of a collaborative approach to group work	10	2

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Pre Final Presentation

Intent:

To prepare and present design research responding to the brief.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

2, 4, 5 and 8

Type:

Project

Groupwork:

Individual

Weight:

20%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs
Evidence of high quality research (analysis and synthesis)	30	5
Quality and creativity of design ideas	30	8
Quality of presentation and evidence of professional practice	30	4
Evidence of a collaborative approach to group work	10	2

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Final Review

Intent:

To prepare and present design research responding to the brief.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

2, 4, 5, 6 and 8

Type:

Portfolio

Groupwork:

Individual

Weight:

65%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs
Evidence of high quality research (analysis and synthesis)	20	5
Quality and creativity of design ideas	20	8
Quality of presentation and evidence of professional practice	20	4
Clarity of communication and reflection	20	6
Evidence of a collaborative approach to group work	20	2

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment. 50% passing grade overall.

Required texts

See subject learning guide.