Outline

Overview

This studio offers a context for students to apply design, technical and creative methods to the production of high-quality group work, with a strong focus on the development of high-impact portfolios. The studio allows students from the advanced studies stream to apply methods and principles of human-centred design in the context of new product development, and to engage with new technologies for interactive product design. Assignments will take the form of domain-specific group projects, allowing students to develop proficiency in the area of design most relevant to individual students. The unit will provide students with the skills to investigate and integrate advanced technologies into the design of objects with embedded information content and interactivity.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	DECO1012 and DECO2200
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DECO3200
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Morteza Pourmohamadi Mahounaki, morteza.pourmohamadi@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
Presentation	Concept Proposal and Presentation - PART 1 In-Class Presentation	10%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2025 at 23:59	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Concept Proposal and Presentation - PART 2 Concept Proposal	10%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59	30 Pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	User Testing Fair Test Plan and Report	20%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59	Multiple Deliverables	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Journal and Report Reflective Journal and Peer Review	25%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59	30 Pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Final Portfolio and Presentation Design Portfolio	35%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	NA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Concept Proposal: This assessment sets the stage for the studio project by asking the students to interpret the high-level studio brief and formulate it into a well-framed design challenge. Working in groups, students will explore your chosen design problem through background research, stakeholder analysis, and early concept development. This phase is about understanding context, mapping possibilities, and proposing initial directions that will inform the project journey across the semester.
User Testing Fair: This group-based assessment focuses on collaboratively planning and conducting user testing during a testing fair using your concept prototype. Your team will develop a prototype, testing protocol, and facilitate evaluation sessions with peers and mentors.
Reflective Journal and Report: This individual assessment invites you to document and reflect on your evolving design process through a structured weekly journal developed throughout the semester. As part of this assessment, you will also complete a peer review reflecting on your team’s collaboration, providing insight into group contributions and individual responsibilities.
Final Portfolio and Presentation: Each team will deliver polished design portfolio, a short demo video, and a persuasive pitch presentation. This assessment showcases the students' ability to integrate design thinking, technical execution, and communication into a cohesive and compelling solution to a real-world transition.

Detailed information for each assessment item can be found on Canvas.

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	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.

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	• Group Discussion and Mind Map • Research on Brief (AI-Assisted Research, Mapping Existing Solutions) • Stream Allocation	Studio (3 hr)
	• Welcome and Housekeeping • Team introduction • Course Structure • Brief Introduction • Assignments	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Positioning Yourself in Design Orders • Mind Mapping on Brief • Team Formation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	• Develop Team Charter • Formulate the Problem in Your Stream • Plan Your Project ! Last Chance to Change Groups/Streams	Studio (3 hr)
	• Buchanan's Four Orders of Design • Problem Framing and Formulation • Assignment #1 Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Finalise Streams • Assignment #1 Discussion and Review • Project Planning Activity • Problem Framing Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	• Validating the Problem with Research • Forming the Solution Space • Ideation	Studio (3 hr)
	• Problem Formulation Techniques • Research and Validation in Design	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Formulated Problem Critique • Mapping Assumptions • Mapping Precedents	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	• Ideate and Develop the Concept • Plan Design Outputs • Prepare for Presentation	Studio (3 hr)
	• Ideation Techniques • Creativity in Design	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Messy Ideation Practice • Provocative Ideation • Physical Ideation Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	• Presentation (A1) • Design Critique • Concept Development	Studio (3 hr)
	• Pitching and Presenting Ideas • Value Proposition	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Presentation Prep and Rehearsals	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	• Concept Function Mapping • Prototype and Testing Plan	Studio (3 hr)
	• Concept Externalisation • Prototypes and Fidelity	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Rapid Prototyping and Testing Exercise • Concept Validation Checkpoint • Peer Review Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	• Plan User Testing • Building Prototypes • Prepare Research Documents	Studio (3 hr)
	• User Testing • Usability Measurables • Research Planning	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Mock-up User Testing • Documentation and Report Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	• User Testing Fair (A2)	Studio (3 hr)
	• Design Validation Methods • Heuristic Evaluation • Internal vs External Validation	Lecture (1 hr)
	• User Testing Fair Preparation • Pilot Tests	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	• Process and Parse Testing Fair Data • Cross-Pollination Round: Groups to match up with a different stream and critique each other’s work.	Studio (3 hr)
	• Cognitive Design for Behavioural Change • Design with Intention	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Design with intention Guides • Cognitive Load Mapping	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	• Consultation Sprint Studio-wide review by tutors • Iterate and Develop the Solution using AI Platforms	Studio (3 hr)
	• AI in Design o Research o Validation o Ideation and Co-Design o Presentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Design Sprint using AI o Co-Design with AI o AI Critique o Dev-Ops Using AI	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	• Generate 2D/3D Outputs • Technical Drafts Cross-Disciplinary Communication	Studio (3 hr)
	• The Business of Design • Designer Roles	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Positioning and Differentiation Activity • Ethical Practice Activity • General Design Communication Activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	• Finalise Design • Prepare for Presentation • Complete Deliverables	Studio (3 hr)
	• Expert Panel Discussion with Tutors	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Select and Critique an Existing Project Portfolio	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	• Final Portfolio Presentation (A4) divided by streams	Studio (3 hr)
	• Where to Pitch Ideas? • Selling the Invisible • Design Portfolios	Lecture (1 hr)
	• Final Portfolio Presentation (A4) divided by streams	Tutorial (2 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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 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. assess the requirements of a design problem
LO2. identify which methods for ideation, prototyping, and evaluation to use at what stage of a project
LO3. apply ideation and design methods for developing solutions that synthesise insights from a need-finding process
LO4. prototype designs that address complex problems through innovative ideas
LO5. evaluate the performance and experience of a design solution
LO6. reflectively document and present process and designed solutions
LO7. work effectively in teams and in an interdisciplinary context.

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.

Streamlined the assessment items, lectures, and tutorials. Added user testing fair as an assessable deliverable.

Additional information

Additional costs

There might be additional costs in the course depending on the design project.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DECO4200: Advanced Project Design Studio

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links