Outline

Overview

This unit enables students to deeply engage with design thinking and innovation methods within a practical context. Students will have the opportunity to advance their design innovation skills by exploring complex problems, and designing and implementing a design-led innovation in response. Students will learn how to initiate, lead and manage design-based innovation in their own organisations as they gain a deeper understanding of the implications and challenges of implementing innovation. Students will learn how to use a design-based innovation methodology over the course of an innovation project. Each week, students will be challenged through evaluation and critique by the teaching staff and student cohort to help progress their project. The unit will culminate in a presentation where students will present their final innovation design.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	DESN9004
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	DESN9001 and DESN9002
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Adeola Bamgboje-Ayodele, adeola.ba@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
Written work	Team Charter Complete Team Charter and Ritual as part of project formation	5%	Week 01 Due date: 07 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Aug 2025	1-page template	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Case Studies of innovations, methods and approaches Engage AI to generate case studies of innovation, methods and approaches	10%	Week 02 Due date: 14 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Aug 2025	2 A4 pages or 400 words per case study	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Debate	Critique of innovation case studies Critically analyze and debate the applicability and effectiveness of an innovation methodology in the context of your project	25%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Aug 2025	5-mins per individual, 15-20mins/group	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Project artefact Submit one progress artefact from project (e.g. problem statement)	10%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Oct 2025	1 page artefact (e.g. problem statement)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Innovation Report-on-a-page Pitch, describe and explain innovation	30%	Week 11 Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Nov 2025	1 x A3 Innovation report-on-a-page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Innovation evaluations Mixed-media reflection and evaluation of innovation	10%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Nov 2025	5 - 7min presentation or 2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group reflection on team innovation project Informal group presentation reflecting on project choices	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Nov 2025	10-minute group reflections	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

A. Researching and reviewing innovation approaches:

A.1 Individual in-class assessment Using collective intelligence to generate case studies of innovation (successes and failures), methods, tools and appraoches from around the world. Students will be required to find one case study of one innovation from any time period and any place in the world, explaining why it is innovative AND one case study of an innovation method, tool, framework or approach

A.2. Oral presentation, discussion and/or debate: reflections and critique on innovation approaches, methods and tools. Identifying tools, methods and approaches best fit for the project

B. Project:

B.1 Develop a Team Charter outlining team roles, responsibilities, rituals, relationships and commitments to achieving the project goal

B.2 Individual submission project artefact: Individuals within teams will be required to submit examples of their project progress throughout the semester. Students will be able to nominate which submission is assessed. Students can nominate a submission any time.

B.3 Innovation report-on-a-page A one pager that explains, pitches and justifies the innovation. The one-pager gives flexibility for any innovation (e.g. a blueprint, images or recordings of prototypes, through to a MVP etc)

C. Evaluation and Reflection:

C.1 Individual mixed-media experience of the innovation process assessment: Students evaluate and reflect on their group's innovation and other group's innovations. Students have the option of submitting a video, visual representation that includes pictures, words or other media, presentation, report or any other medium that best represents their ability to engage meaningfully with evaluating the innovations and reflecting on the innovation process

C.2. Group in-class assessment: presentation reflecting on innovation cases, practices and methods In groups, students present on their collective reflections on innovation, practices and methods and choices based on A1 and A2 activities.

Attendance Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

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:

A late penalty of 5% per day will be applied to assessments submitted past the due date and time.

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	Lecture: Unit induction and introduction to Innovation Tut: Exploring expectations and the client brief	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 01	Team Charter	Studio (3 hr)
Week 02	Lecture: Exploring external contexts of innovation (Audit) Tut: Exploring case studies of innovation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Mapping the problem context	Studio (3 hr)
Week 03	Lecture: Engaging with internal contexts of innovation (Audit). Tut: Context and stakeholder mapping	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Exploring the brief's organisational change context	Studio (3 hr)
Week 04	Lecture: Organising innovation Tut: Major Project planning	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Major Project planning	Studio (3 hr)
Week 05	Lecture & tutorial: Designing for Intent tut: Developing an intent statement and Problem reframing	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Problem redefinition and Intent Statement	Studio (3 hr)
Week 06	Lecture & tutorial: Ideation tut: introduction to service design	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Critique and critical thinking	Studio (3 hr)
Week 07	Lecture: Design fiction and ideation. Tutorial: Exploring futuring	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Ideation and speculations	Studio (3 hr)
Week 08	Lecture and tutorial: Designing solutions with criticality - ethical considerations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Designing evaluation	Studio (3 hr)
Week 09	Lecture & tutorial: Developing and prototyping ideas	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Prototyping methodologies	Studio (3 hr)
Week 10	Lecture and tutorial: Testing, evaluation and learning	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Formal client presentation and feedback session	Studio (3 hr)
Week 11	Lecture: Communicating innovation Tutorial: Implementing client feedback	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Delivering interventions	Studio (3 hr)
Week 12	Lecture: Business implementation and financing your technological innovation Tutorial: final client presentations	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 12	Final client presentations	Studio (3 hr)
Week 13	Lecture and Tut: Evaluating client feedback and Structured reflection	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Evaluation	Studio (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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.

All students will be required to be present for group assessments. Failure to attend group assessments without showing legitimate cause to an absence (as outlined above) may result in a 0 submission for the individual absent and/or impact the overall mark received by the group

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on 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 drivers of organisational and personal behaviour
LO2. understand how design innovation can be used to manage change
LO3. select design innovation tools based on the challenge at hand
LO4. develop ability to get design innovation projects implemented in organisations.

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.

This is the fourth time this unit is offered. In response to student feedback, the unit will neither be co-taught nor co-located with DESN9100 in 2025 to improve the learning experience for students enrolled in both units.

Additional information

The Unit coordinator will be available for 1:1 or group consultations from 2pm to 3pm immediately after the lecture on Wednesdays. Bookings can be made by emailing Adeola.BA@sydney.edu.au, or you can walk-in and wait as students will be attended to on a first come, first served basis.

Additional costs

Fieldwork and travel in your area (if safe), recruitment of participants online (if needed)

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

Required readings

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

DESN9200: Major Project in Design Innovation

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

Required readings

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