Outline

Overview

This Unit of Study (UoS) aims to explore the possibilities (and reflect on the limitations and implications) that an emerging technology brings when creating digital artefacts. Through individual and group exercises, both conceptual and practical, the UoS introduces students to the basics of aesthetics, form, and expression of interaction to generate meaningful experiences. It allows students to experiment with new tools, methods, and frameworks like physical and digital prototyping, design fiction and other speculative approaches to investigate and gain insights into how people interact with emerging technologies. Ultimately, the technical skills and conceptual tools provided by this UoS will enable students to understand how to design with and for that emerging technology and, therefore, how it could impact their own professional practice.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rodrigo Hernandez Ramirez, rodrigo.hernandezramirez@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Andrew Le, andrew.le@sydney.edu.au
	Joel Flanagan, joel.flanagan@sydney.edu.au
	Thida Sachathep, thida.sachathep@sydney.edu.au
	Haochen Zhang, haochen.zhang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A1: Preliminary conceptualisation exercise 1: The Character of things With the help of GenAI, design an artefact with a particular "character". All assessments are mandatory. Failure to submit an assessment will result in a final grade of AF (Absent Fail)	20%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 23:59	≤10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A2: Preliminary conceptualisation exercise 2: Designing the apple With the help of GenAI transpose "essence" of product onto an object. All assessments are mandatory. Failure to submit an assessment will result in a final grade of AF (Absent Fail)	20%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	≤10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A3: Peer assessment critique Evaluation of Design Fiction prototypes created by peers All assessments are mandatory. Failure to submit an assessment will result in a final grade of AF (Absent Fail)	15%	Week 12 Due date: 23 May 2025 at 23:59	Compiled Ed comments
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A4: Design fiction prototype Design a diegetic prototype and its quick-start guide. All assessments are mandatory. Failure to submit an assessment will result in a final grade of AF (Absent Fail)	45%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	Prototype, What-if scenario, & Doc
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

All assessments in this unit are mandatory. Failing to submit any assessment will result in a final grade of AF (Absent Fail).

This is a brief description of the assessment items. For more information, please refer to the design briefs.

Assessments 1 and 2: Preliminary conceptualisation exercises

These two exercises aim to develop student's knowledge of the basics of aesthetics of interaction, emphasising the role aesthetics plays as the logic behind form and expression of interaction (L03), and also to explore the possibilities that AI generators bring during conceptualisation and development of design ideas in the context of experience design (LO1, L02, L05).

Assessment 3: Design Fiction Prototype

From the knowledge gained through the tutorials and the previous assessments, the primary goal of this assessment is to develop a product from the near-future. This product should serve as a “diegetic prototype”; a vehicle that elicits a critical outlook of that near future and the consequences & implications that designed experiences bring for human beings (L01, L02, L04),.

Students will be able to create the physical prototype in any way. The prototype should be accompanied by a design rationale that outlines the reasons for selecting the chosen archetype and summarises the “what if scenario”, as well as a troubleshooting guide (L03).

Assessment 4: Peer assessment critique

The aim of this assignment is for students to demonstrate their understanding of design principles learned in class by constructively assessing the Design Fictions created by their peers (L05).

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 approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

In accordance with University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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 Activity: The black box	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the UoS and assessment items	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Translating visual styles with GenAI	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Aesthetics and (interaction) design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Form and expression of interaction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	The character of things	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Calibrating cultural biases using annotated portfolios	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	AI Ethics & Algorithmic biases	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Designing the apple	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Applying Aesthetic of interaction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Fictionalising a product	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Introduction to Design Fiction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Design Fiction: collecting faint signals	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Design Fiction and Experience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Crafting a plausible What if Scenario	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Design Fiction: Narrative and What-if Scenarios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Design Fiction: Choosing and developing an archetype	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Design Fiction: Archetypes and diegetic prototypes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Developing a diegetic prototype	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Prototypes and prototyping	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Student presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Student presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Assessment help	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Focus topic	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Assessment help	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Recap and assessment Q&A	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption.

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.

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. integrate an emerging technology in the design process (conceptualisation and prototyping) of a digital artefact.
LO2. document and present the design process of a digital artefact following principles of user experience and research-through-design
LO3. identify and reflectively apply principles of aesthetics, form, and expression of interaction in the design process
LO4. conceptualise and prototype a design fiction that effectively elicits critical reflection about human—technology relations in the near future
LO5. reflect on the impact that the usage of an emerging technology has on the design process in terms of creativity, efficiency, experience, and quality of the results

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.

The order of assessments 3 and 4 has been modified for this semester. Weekly topics and activities have also been updated in response to student feedback.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students may incur in additional costs

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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

IDEA9201: Experience Design Laboratory

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links