Outline

Overview

New technology-mediated ways of interfacing with information, products, and services are now the norm rather than the exception. Some new technologies change how we interface with or display information, others change how information is processed, and yet others change what information is available in a particular context. In each case, interaction designers must be flexible enough to adopt the affordances of emergent technologies rather than re-apply obsolete design patterns or ways of thinking. In this unit students will develop the critical and technological skills necessary to adapt their design practice to incorporate emerging technologies. Through a design project centred on an exemplary emerging technology, students will explore how new ways of interacting can be accounted for in their design practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(DECO1006 or DECO2016) and DECO1012 and DECO1015
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	DESN1001
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Marius Hoggenmueller, marius.hoggenmueller@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	A3d: Final Submission Video Prototype & Documentation Final video and supporting documentation showcasing the developed prototype, its functionality, and rationale	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Nov 2025	3min video + PDF appendix documentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	A1: Early feedback task Individual quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2025 at 16:00 Closing date: 18 Aug 2025	10 minutes at beginning of tutorial	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	A2: Ideation AI-supported Design Ideas with Reflections	15%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 Sep 2025	PDF (using Template on Canvas)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	A3a: Concept Proposal & Feasibility Evaluation A refined concept proposal outlining the design narrative, interaction vision, and feasibility for the planned robotic prototype	10%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Oct 2025	PDF (using template on Canvas)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	A3b: Short Robot Motion Video Short video of robot motion + code	2%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Oct 2025	30 seconds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	A4: Reflective Essay Individual	25%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 15:00 Closing date: 03 Nov 2025	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	A3c: Final Robot Video Footage Short video footage showing key interactions and prototype functionality of your robot concept, used to communicate design intent.	3%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Nov 2025	3 minutes max	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = 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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Lack of attendance can also lead to grade penalties. All assessments must be attempted in order to pass this course. Failure to make any submission to an assessment may result in receiving an "Absent Fail" mark (0).

Assessment criteria

Grade	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 most of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass 50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail 1 - 50	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Work submitted late will incur a penalty of 5% per calendar day. After 10 days, 0 marks may be awarded. Ask ChatGPT

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Theory & Ideation #1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Theory & Ideation #2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Theory & Ideation #3	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Concept Development & Prototyping #1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Concept Development & Prototyping #2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Concept Development & Prototyping #3	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Concept Development & Prototyping #4	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Concept Development & Prototyping #5	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Concept Development & Prototyping #6	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 10	Concept Development & Prototyping #7	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Documentation & Evaluation #1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Documentation & Evaluation #2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Documentation & Evaluation #3	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance in this unit is mandatory, and unexplained absences will result in penalties to your final grade. Specifically, if you miss more than one class and do not provide an explanation, your overall grade for this unit will be penalised by 3% per additional unexplained absence.

Absences may be explained by emailing your tutor with a valid reason for your non-attendance, which includes illness, caring responsibilities, misadventure, unexpected work requirements, or other personal circumstances, but not conducting regular paid work.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Conceptualise, prototype and evaluate designs using emergent technologies
LO2. Evaluate what new technologies need when they use non-standard input methods
LO3. Apply relevant design principles to the design of emergent technologies
LO4. Integrate ethical considerations during the design process

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

In response to student feedback, the course structure and assessments have been revised to improve clarity, support skill development, and foster a more engaging and inclusive learning environment. These changes also accommodate working with real-world emergent technologies, with a particular focus on human-robot interaction.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students may need to purchase materials to support the development of their prototypes. These may include basic electronics (e.g., sensors, wires, LEDs, resistors), microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino), and construction materials (e.g., cardboard, foam board, acrylic, fasteners). Access to tools is provided through the DMaFLab, but students are responsible for any custom or consumable materials required for their project. Estimated costs will vary depending on the chosen prototype but are generally low to moderate.

Work, health and safety

The unit requires working in the DMaFLab facilities. All students must complete the required inductions as advised in class and follow DMaFLab Work Health and Safety (WHS) procedures at all times.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DECO2021: Designing for Emergent Technologies

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links