Outline

Overview

This is the culminating studio of the Master of Design (Strategic Design or Design Innovation) that provides students with a capstone experience. The aim of this studio is to draw together and synthesise the learning that has taken place during the whole degree. Students develop a design project based on an industry or community-focused brief. Through a multi-staged approach, students will apply and consolidate their knowledge about conceiving, developing and implementing strategic or innovation design projects. This will include developing and utilising collaborative methods to share knowledge, design concepts and develop implementation plans. Students will work in small teams or individually to produce a design invention that responds to the strategic or innovation challenge. The submitted design work will be high quality, suitable for professional presentation and portfolio.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	IDEA9106 and 18 credit points from (DESN9003 and DESN9100) or (DESN9004 and DESN9200)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	DESN9001 or DESN9002
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Phillip Gough, phillip.gough@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Assessment 3: Reflective Practice Reflective practice on team collaboration and design project	20%	Multiple weeks	2 x 15 minute dialogues	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Assessment 1: Work-In-Progress Update In-class Work-in-progress verbal update	10%	Multiple weeks	Approximately 5 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2: Project proposal and budget Produce a project proposal including methodology, project plan and budget	20%	Week 05 Due date: 24 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Approximately 10 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Assignment 4: Individual Portfolio Web-based portfolio showcasing 4 of your design projects	0%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Up to 10 pages of content	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assignment 5: Final Work A5A: Design Poster (30%) A5B: Design Artefact (20%)	50%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2026 at 23:59	Design poster and artefact (~2000 words)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 is the in-class individual assessment of your design team’s work-in-progress updates throughout semester. Although this is marked individually it must be completed as a team.

Assessment 2 is your individual project proposal and budget response to the project for the client. (Week 4)

Assessment 3 is your individual reflective practice on your design team's performance and progress. Although this is marked individually, it must be completed as a team.

Assessment 4 is a non-assessed submission of your design portfolio which will be peer-reviewed in class. (week 8)

Assessment 5 is your group assessment. The final work is a poster and exhibition artefact (week 13)

Please note that attendance is also listed as a mandatory and non-weighted assessment task.

Assessment criteria

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 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:

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. Non submission of an assessment will result in an absent fail for the unit

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 Graduation Studio	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design Brief Review	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Design Frameworks. Planet: Life Centred Design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design frameworks	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Building the Project	Lecture (1 hr)
	Charette	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Profit: Costing a Project	Lecture (1 hr)
	Budget	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Design Communication	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pitching Projects	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	What does "Good" look like	Lecture (1 hr)
	Problem framing and Project evaluation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Planet: Design Tactics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design Opportunity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Profit: Earning the First Dollar	Lecture (1 hr)
	Your Portfolio	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	People: Accessible Technology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ideation and Prototypes	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	People: Designing for Social Good	Lecture (1 hr)
	Client Needs, Social Good	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	People: Codesign and Community	Lecture (1 hr)
	Focused Feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Responsible Design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reflexive Ethics	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio time	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Final exhibition and presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Final exhibition and presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
	Final exhibition and presentations	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

For attendance:

90% of tutorials and studios must be attended. UCs will consider attendance with notice (ie if you are running late to class, or have had a medical emergency, you must notify your tutor otherwise you will be marked as late or absent). Failure to comply with the 90% attendance rule may mean a deduction of your grade of 5% for your overall mark for each additional day of absence.

For assessments:
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.

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.

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. Formulate, plan and execute an individual/group design project in response to a design brief
LO2. Choose appropriate methods as part of a human-centred design process to suit the problem space
LO3. Analyse data from multiple sources to understand the problem space and idea, iterate and improve potential design interventions or solutions.
LO4. Document and report research-led design work
LO5. Deliver evidence-based design presentations that are clear, confident and engaging to an external audience.
LO6. Critically analyse and reflect upon self and peer practices to identify and improve personal accountability in relation to the ethics and values of the discipline and profession

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.

Updates to include lecture themes and delivery. Clarification on course attendance requirements and costs.

Additional information

Additional costs

There might be some additional costs in the course depending on the direction of your design project.

Site visit guidelines

Students are encouraged to conduct observations and site visits where possible. Some may be arranged within the unit, however, where this is not the case, students are encouraged to pursue their own primary research and engage in site visits. Studio time out outside class timetabled hours is the most appropriate time to conduct site visits.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESN9201: Design Innovation Catalyst

Semester 1, 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links