| Unit name | Design and Systems Thinking for Innovation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | INOV10001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Balis |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Centre for Innovation |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
To innovate you need new ways of looking at problems to find novel and creative solutions. This unit examines both the interconnectedness of various factors to understand the bigger picture (systems thinking) problems whilst bringing together a human-centred problem solving focus (design thinking) to create innovative solutions to design challenges. Design and Systems Thinking strategies provide deeper insights about the users and the systems involved in a problem, to define and reframe problems and generate solutions or alternative approaches than those that already exist. In this unit you will learn to structure your natural creativity by applying these strategies to come up with innovative solutions and develop prototypes for different kinds of problems and themes.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This is the foundational unit of Innovation programmes. You will be introduced to the tools and methods which will be applied throughout your learning journey, helping you to examine and reframe problems and opportunities and to design possible solutions.
An overview of content
This unit will cover theories of design and systems thinking and how they apply to creative innovation. Skills will be developed through practical, critical, application of design processes. You will focus on defined problems and use a range of tools and techniques to develop design solutions and reflect on the efficacy of their ideas
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
As a result of working on this unit students will gain first-hand experience of working with design, systems thinking and prototyping. You will gain confidence from sharing their ideas and develop the ability to generate solutions that others may not have thought about before.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Apply theories of design and systems thinking in creative innovation contexts.
2. Employ ideation and prototyping techniques to develop solutions to real world issues.
3. Develop design research skills including problem definition, data collection, idea generation and testing.
4. Reflect critically on different techniques and own emergent practices.
Students will learn through practical, studio-based workshop sessions. Generative methods will be used to allow students to produce new ideas and enable reflective learning on creative processes.
How you will be assessed
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative feedback will be given on group work. Students will be asked to present their interim findings and ideas and prototypes in a variety of media and settings (e.g. SWAY, PowerPoint, MURALs, tutor led groups, buzz groups). Tutors will provide oral and written feedback on progress and encourage the students to reflect critically on the techniques they have employed.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
Individual Presentation (individual assessment), 2000 words or equivalent (60%) [ILOs 1, 2,3 4]
This assessment will comprise an individually reflective in-person presentation on the use and application of design and systems thinking strategies in practice-based contexts. Format adaptations will be made available to students including the opportunity to record a presentation in advance or to present directly to assessors in a private room.
Team Project, 3000 words or equivalent (40%) [ILOs 1,2,3,4]
A team-produced presentation of a student developed design solution, including research, prototype (s), and relevant user input. For the Team Project, the word count will be shared across the group
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. INOV10001).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
