Useful links
Unit of study_
DESN9004: Practices of Design Innovation
2026 unit information
In this subject, students gain a holistic understanding of design-led innovation approaches, practices and tools. Students explore and examine in detail a design-based innovation methodology developed for addressing complex problems. This subject explores different modes of inquiry and encourages students to develop a diverse range of research practices. Knowledge and understanding of design thinking gained from other units will be applied to topical socio-economic challenges. Students learn how to identify, design and review design innovation practices, and become familiar with the process by applying the methodology. Students will leave this course with a comprehensive understanding of design innovation principles and practices drawing on design thinking processes explored in other units.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Design Lab |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
None |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
IDEA9106 |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. critically engage with aims, objectives and complexities of design innovation
- LO2. engage with critical reflection, design innovation approaches, and design integration
- LO3. use design approaches to engage industry, technology and people with economic, socio-cultural and environmental challenges and outcomes
- LO4. develop familiarity with approaches to design research.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 2 2026
|
Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.