Outline

Overview

In this unit, students examine design leadership and learn various approaches that can be applied to elevate the value of design in an organisation. Students learn about what it means to be a design leader and how to tap into their design skills to be a better leader. The unit demonstrates how to use design as a method for navigating an organisation and use people-centred strategies to map the internal context and external factors which influence strategic design and leadership. Students will learn how to grow their influence by design and create an enabling environment for design in their organisation. In this unit, students will learn about the potential and pitfalls of leadership in organisations, challenging each one to consider their future as a design leader. The aim of this unit is to provide students with tools, methods and models that can be applied within organisations to enable growth in strategic design and leadership.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	IDEA9106
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Clare Cooper, clare.cooper@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
Written work	Critical Reflection Critical reflection on set materials, visual synthesis on Miro in groups.	25%	Week 04 Due date: 26 Aug 2026 at 23:59	1000 words per student, Miro board.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Research Report Part 2 - Oral assessment Short oral presentation of written research report with Q&A	20%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 18:00	4 minute oral presentation	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Report Part 1 - Report Written research report and a short oral presentation	20%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 14:00	Written report not to exceed 2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Yourself as a future design leader Reflective video presentation on yourself as a future design leader	35%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 23:59	4 min video (approx 600 words)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Reflective video presentation on yourself as a (future) design leader: This assignment will require you to integrate information from lectures and tutorials throughout the unit to reflect on yourself as a future design leader and present it as a short video
Research report and presentation: In this assignment, you will do in-depth research into one or more of the topics covered in the lectures and tutorials and present your findings as an individual report and an oral presentation
Critical reflection on an academic article: In this assignment, you will select one of several provided strategic design and leadership articles and give a critical reflection on its content

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. However, a unit of study may prohibit late submission or exclude late penalties only if expressly stated below.

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	What is strategic design? What is design leadership?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial week 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	How do different organisations engage in strategic design?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial week 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Visual argumentation	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial week 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Leading, managing, championing... what's the difference?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial week 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Strategy and narrative	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial week 5	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	From research to insight	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial week 6	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Powerful presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial week 7: Research report and presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Leading through ambiguity and change	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial week 8	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Transition Design and Futuring Methods	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial week 9	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Stakeholder Management and Design Advocacy challenges	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial week 10	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Communicating Impact	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial week 11	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Community and Mentorship Matters	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial week 12	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Refining presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Tutorial week 13	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

See the required and recommended reading list in 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. understand the different dimensions of leadership and design leadership
LO2. leverage design to enhance leadership skills
LO3. understand the organisational dynamics that support or limit design leadership
LO4. develop a personal vision of design leadership.

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.

A1 has been changed from individual to group project in response to student feedback from 2025. The weighting has been adjusted to reflect the effort required for the 3 key tasks.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESN9003: Strategic Design and Leadership

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal evening] - 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links