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 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Debate	Critique of innovation approaches Critically analyze and debate the applicability and effectiveness of an innovation methodology in the context of your project	15%	Week 04 Due date: 28 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Sep 2026	5-mins per individual, 15-20mins/group	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Formative Reflection 1: Team Dynamics and Individual Contribution This is a short, individual video submission where students will reflect on early experiences working within in their project team. The focus is on team dynamics and individual contribution in the initial stages of the project.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 31 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Sep 2026	1-minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Innovation methods and project artefact Critically analyse an innovation method and demonstrate its application within your project.	25%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Sep 2026	1,200 words or 4 pages of written text	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Formative Reflection 2: Project progress and methods This is a short, individual video submission where students will evaluate the progress of their project and critically reflect on the innovation methods, tools, or approaches applied to date.	5%	Week 09 Due date: 07 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Oct 2026	1-minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group Innovation Poster Document, describe and explain your group's innovation in response to the client brief	30%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Nov 2026	1 x A0 Innovation report-on-a-page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Innovation Pitch Each group will deliver a live oral pitch presenting their innovation to a client audience.	10%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Nov 2026	5 - 7min innovation pitch to clients	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Individual summative reflection - in-class and within groups Informal group presentation reflecting on project choices - individually assessed	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Nov 2026	10-minute reflections per group	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

A. Researching and reflecting on innovation approaches:

A.1. 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.

A.2. Formative reflection 1 on individual experience of the innovation process: Students reflect on their group's dynamics, progress and process of innovation. Students will submit a 1-minute video reflection.

A.3. Individual written assessment and project artefact: Individuals will be required to find one case study of an innovation method, tool, framework or approach, describing how it’s used, its merits and demerits, and how it may be useful in their project. Individuals will be required to submit examples of an innovation method used in their project, and how they have improved it. They must show artefacts relevant to their project (before and after the improvement).

A.4. Formative reflection 2 on individual experience of the innovation process: Students evaluate and reflect on their group's innovation. Students will submit a 1-minute video that best represents their ability to engage meaningfully with evaluating the innovations and reflecting on the innovation process.

B. Project:

B.1 Innovation poster: A one-page poster 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).

B.2 Innovation pitches: Client pitches justifying the innovation.

B.3 Summative reflection on individual experience of the innovation process, practices and methods: In groups, students present on their collective reflections on innovation, practices and methods and choices.

Attendance in this unit is mandatory, and unexplained absences will result in penalties to your final grade. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled classes (i.e. lectures, tutorials and studio) in accordance with the School Resolutions. Attendance supports engagement with learning, feedback, critique and collaborative activities. Attendance records will be maintained throughout the semester. 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. 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. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Also, failure to attend in-class assessment tasks (i.e. A1, B2 and B3) will result in automatic zero being applied to such assessment task.

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, introduction to Innovation and engaging with external contexts of innovation; Tut: Exploring client brief, and case studies of innovation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Unit induction, introduction to Innovation and engaging with external contexts of innovation; Tut: Exploring client brief, and case studies of innovation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Forming teams, setting expectations and team charter	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Lecture: Engaging with internal contexts of innovation (Audit). Tut: Context and stakeholder mapping	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Engaging with internal contexts of innovation (Audit). Tut: Context and stakeholder mapping	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Exploring the brief's organisational change context	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Lecture: Organising innovation Tut: Major Project planning	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Organising innovation Tut: Major Project planning	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Major project and user research planning	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Lecture: Designing for Intent; Tut: Developing an intent statement and problem reframing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Designing for Intent; Tut: Developing an intent statement and problem reframing	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Problem redefinition and Intent Statement	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Lecture: Introduction to service design; Tut: Critiquing client organisation's process or service	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Introduction to service design; Tut: Critiquing client organisation's process or service	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Critique, critical thinking, and user research	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Lecture: Co-evolution of design using an ethical lens. Tutorial: Ideation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Co-evolution of design using an ethical lens. Tutorial: Ideation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Ideation and speculations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Lecture: Developing and prototyping ideas; Tut: Expanding on ideation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Developing and prototyping ideas; Tut: Expanding on ideation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Prototyping	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Lecture: Testing prototypes; Tut: Designing evaluations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Testing prototypes; Tut: Designing evaluations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Designing evaluation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Lecture and Tutorial: Testing, evaluation and learning	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture and Tutorial: Testing, evaluation and learning	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Learning from evaluation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Lecture: Communicating innovation; Tut: Visual communication and iterating prototype	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Communicating innovation; Tut: Visual communication and iterating prototype	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Initial client presentation and feedback session	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Lecture: Business implementation and financing your technological innovation; Tut: Implementing client feedback	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Business implementation and financing your technological innovation; Tut: Implementing client feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Refining innovations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Lecture: Delivering innovations; Tut: final client presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture: Delivering innovations; Tut: final client presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Final client presentations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Lecture and Tut: Evaluating client feedback and Structured reflection	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture and Tut: Evaluating client feedback and Structured reflection	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Evaluation and reflection	Practical (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

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled classes (i.e. lectures, tutorials and studio) in accordance with the School Resolutions. Attendance supports engagement with learning, feedback, critique and collaborative activities. Attendance records will be maintained throughout the semester. 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. 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.

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 fifth time this unit is offered. In response to student feedback, the unit will not be split into two days in 2026 to improve the learning experience for students enrolled in the unit.

Additional information

The Unit coordinator will be available for 1:1 or group consultations upon request. Bookings can be made by emailing Adeola.BA@sydney.edu.au

Additional costs

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

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESN9200: Major Project in Design Innovation

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links