| Unit name | Tools and Methods for Innovation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | INOVM0024 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| 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 fresh ways of looking at problems—approaches that uncover novel and impactful solutions that might be missed through purely analytical problem-solving. This unit introduces you to a range of methods designed to help you see the bigger picture, understand how complex systems interconnect (systems thinking), and apply a human-centred approach to problem-solving (design thinking).
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
In this unit, you will explore different ways of thinking and structured approaches that have evolved from design practice and innovation methods. These frameworks will help you develop effective solutions to a variety of challenges. In particular, you will gain a deep understanding of design thinking and systems thinking, applying these problem-solving tools to tackle complex issues and drive meaningful change.
An overview of content
This unit equips you with core professional methodologies and academic knowledge in design thinking (designing for users) and systems thinking (designing for the broader context in which users interact with products and services). You will gain hands-on experience with a range of practical tools and methods to tackle complex problems and develop compelling, innovative solutions.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of this unit
By the end of this unit, you will have developed both the competence and confidence to apply design thinking and systems thinking to a range of real and imagined scenarios. You will understand the importance of fully exploring a problem—from both a user and contextual perspective—before developing solutions, and you will be able to articulate this value clearly.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, group meetings and workshops supported by collaborative and self-directed learning.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Design Report Presentation (group assessment), 3000 words or equivalent (60%) [ILOs 1,2,3, and 4]
Individual Presentation (individual assessment), 2000 words or equivalent (40%) [ILOs 1,2,3,4, and 5]
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. INOVM0024).
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.
