Outline

Overview

This unit of study focuses on the development of design solutions for the complex needs of a healthy society into the future. Through weekly teaching of design in the health and wellbeing contexts, you will be exposed to various methods, techniques, and approaches to achieve wellbeing-centric solutions. You will apply your skills to address a health or wellbeing challenge by creating a project based on translating a discovery into a device or process in the real world. The project will require you to harness the relevant skill sets that are required to best navigate multifaceted challenges prevalent in health sectors. All solutions designed and developed in this unit of study are expected to take the form of either a product, service, or system. You will learn how to identify problems based on deep explorations and developing context-relevant solutions. Along this journey you will also navigate disciplinary boundaries and communicate with various stakeholders, including experts in the digital health professions. This will allow you to assess and test your solutions on your target audience.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	DECO1006 or DECO2016 or DESN3000
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Carla Sartori do Amaral, carla.amaral@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Critique and discussion on assigned reading In class discussion and written submission #earlyfeedbacktask	20%	Multiple weeks	Discussion and 250-300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Probe research report Written report	30%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Probe research presentation In class presentation and peer feedback	10%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 14:00	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Collaborative auto-ethnography report Written report	30%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Collaborative auto-ethnography presentation Poster presentation in class	10%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2026 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Critique and discussion on assigned reading: Students will read and critique assigned reading through a submission to Canvas plus active discussion and presentation of their critique in class.
Probe research report and presentation: Students will design a probe for conducting research and report on the findings through a written report and presentation in class.
Collaborative auto-ethnography report and presentation: Students will work in groups and conduct auto-ethnography research on an existing technology, reflect on their findings in relation to previous assignments and propose solutions for product development. Students will share their findings in a written report and in class presentation.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

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:

Late submission is allowed within the 10 days past the due date, with 5% penalty applied per day.

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	Introduction to design for wellbeing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to design for wellbeing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Research and practices in design for wellbeing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Research and practices in design for wellbeing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Design trends in health, wellbeing and wellness	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Critique of assigned reading (in class assessment)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Design for psychological wellbeing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Design for psychological wellbeing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Harms through design in wellbeing and health technologies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Harms through design in wellbeing and health technologies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Industry trends in tracking technologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Industry trends in tracking technologies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Probe research presentation (in class assessment)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Probe research presentation (in class assessment)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Assessing health technologies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Assessing health technologies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Auto-ethnography and technologies for emotional wellbeing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Critique of assigned reading (in class assessment)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Value-centred design in health technologies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Value-centred design in health technologies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Reflective technologies to monitor screen time	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Reflective technologies to monitor screen time	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Implementing health technologies in the real world	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Implementing health technologies in the real world	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Final presentations (in class assessment)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Final presentations (in class assessment)	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled classes in accordance with the School Resolutions. Attendance supports engagement with learning, feedback, critique and collaborative activities. Attendance records will be maintained throughout the semester. Where attendance falls below the expected level, the Unit Coordinator may exercise the discretion available under the School Resolution, including determining whether attendance has affected a student’s ability to demonstrate the unit learning outcomes or requiring additional assessment where appropriate.

Students should refer to the School of Architecture, Design and Planning resolutions for specific information relating to attendance and participation.

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.

Required readings

Refer to Canvas.

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. demonstrate expertise in assessing the requirements of a design problem
LO2. understand person-centered research methods, data analysis and design requirements
LO3. demonstrate the ability to devise solutions that respond to situated human needs
LO4. demonstrate proficiency in critical design-led research in order to capture complex problems
LO5. demonstrate the capacity to evaluate the performance and experience of a design solution
LO6. demonstrate ability in persuasive oral/visual communication techniques for design communication to specific audiences

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, we have introduced the following changes to DESN3001 to support learning, improve assessment clarity and create a more balanced workload: - More collaborative learning opportunities through group work, enabling students to share the workload, learn from peers, and engage with design challenges that mirror professional practice; - More flexibility within the design brief, giving students more choice to explore issues and opportunities that align with their interests and future aspirations; - Presentation formats that simulate real-world contexts, designed to reflect the ways designers communicate ideas in professional settings and to provide a more engaging assessment experience.

Additional information

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

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESN3001: Design for Wellbeing

Semester 2, 2026 [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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links