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Unit outline_

DECO2014: User Experience Design Studio

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit introduces students to principles and methods relevant to the user experience design of digital products and services. Students will develop an understanding of the concept of 'user experience' and how it extends to other design practices, such as user interface design and interaction design. Students will learn about methods for designing the user experience in a range of different contexts, such as mobile devices, wearables, and interactive environments. The studio will give students an opportunity to apply the principles and methods of user experience design in the context of a design project. At the conclusion of the unit students will have a well-developed understanding of methods for gathering user requirements and translating requirements into design solutions that emphasise the user experience of the final product.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Design Lab
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
(DECO1006 or DECO2016) and DECO1015
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Bow Wu, yiying.wu@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Attendance hurdle task Tutorial & Studio Attendance
Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.
0% Multiple weeks Duration of class’
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO6 LO7 LO2 LO4 LO5
Small continuous assessment Early Feedback Task AI Allowed Early feedback task
Students identify, map and materialize the specific experience. #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 12 Mar 2025 at 13:00
NA
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed User Experience Case Study Video Submission
A User Experience Case Study presented through a video submission
30% Week 05
Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59
7min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO7
Small test Solution Ideation - In Class Assessment
Students will each ideate three concepts and evaluate them.
10% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2025 at 17:00
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO6
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Mid-Fidelity Prototypes and Presentation
Students will design and present their mid-fidelity prototypes.
35% Week 11
Due date: 13 May 2025 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment AI Allowed Persuasive Showcase
Students will submit an A2 poster or short video.
25% Week 13
Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: Mapping and Materializing experience: Students will identify, map and materalize relevant experiences in Week 3 Tutorial. 

Assignment 1: User Experience Case Study Video Submission: Students will conduct user research to develop a User Experience Case Study on a given problem. Submission will be in video format.
Assignment 2: Solution Ideation - In Class Assessment: Students will each ideate three concepts during the tutorial. In the Studio, they will apply methods to evaluate the concepts they ideated. 
Assignment 3: Mid-Fidelity Prototypes and Presentation: Students will ideate, iterate, user test and design a mid-fidelity prototype of their chosen concept, and then document that in a presentation and appendix.
Assignment 4: Persuasive Showcase: Students will iterate from their mid-fidelity prototypes to form a final, hi-fidelity version. An A2 Poster or Short Video will showcase the final prototype.

Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

.

There are detailed rubrics available in the canvas site for this unit of study that break down how these grades can be achieved for each assessment task.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to UX Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Empathic design Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 02 Introduction to UX research Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Planning research and research questions Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 03 Introduction to experience Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO6
Mapping and materializing experience Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Visualizing research Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO6 LO5
Visualization exercise Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO5
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO6 LO5 LO7
Week 05 Generating Design-Informed Insights Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5
Data Analysis Workshop Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Design purposes Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
In class assessment Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
In class assessment Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Prototyping Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Rapid Prototyping Workshop Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO5
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 08 Usability Testing Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Testing Tools Workshop Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 09 Context and Ethics Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Gamification Workshop Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 10 User Testing Fair Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO5 LO7
User Testing Fair Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO6 LO5 LO7
Week 11 High-Fidelity Prototyping Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO6
Prototype workshop Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO6
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Persuasion and Presentation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5
Feedback Session Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5 LO7
Studio Work Studio (3 hr) LO4 LO6 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Assignment Work Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5
Assignment Work Studio (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Tutorials and Studios: Attendance is mandatory, and the attendance threshold is 90%. 

 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

This unit of study has an accompanying tutorial resource booklet, which can be downloaded from the canvas site and printed. It contains worksheets and resources needed for face-to-face tutorial classes and needs to be brought to class from Week 1 onwards.

There is one set text-book for this unit, and set weekly readings available in canvas.

Design. Think. Make. Break . Repeat

Tomitsch, M., Borthwick, M., Ahmadpour, N., Cooper, C., Frawley, J., Hepburn, L.-A., Baki Kocaballi, A., Loke, L., Núñez-Pacheco, C., Straker, K., & Wrigley, C. (2020). Design. Think. Make. Break. Repeat: a handbook of methods ([Revised].). BIS Publishers.

This book can be purchased online via amazon or book depository for approximately $60.00.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. apply research methods appropriate to the exploration of ill-defined problems
  • LO2. develop a clear design brief from exploration of an ambiguous problem area
  • LO3. apply principles of user experience design to a complex design project
  • LO4. develop and prototype advanced interactive digital experiences
  • LO5. document and communicate design concepts/processes in a professional manner
  • LO6. demonstrate an understanding of the concept of 'user experience'
  • LO7. work effectively and productively in teams.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

1, added #EFT, 2, changed A4 from group work to individual work; 3, adjust the weight: A1 from 25% to 30%, and A4 from 30% to 25%, in order to match the workload of A1 and A2

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.