Outline

Overview

The aim of the studio is to explore new interaction possibilities offered by emerging digital technologies through a design-led approach. Each studio is based around one or more design projects, which address a specialised area of study, supported by lectures and workshops to introduce the relevant theory, knowledge and design precedents. The specialized areas of study will vary from semester to semester, ranging for example from small-scale wearable devices to large-scale environments, and will reflect contemporary issues in interaction, art, design, culture and technology. The studio aims to develop the student's conceptual design abilities together with their technical skills, within the framework of a highly creative, research-based and human-centred design process. Students will be expected to apply interaction design methodologies to their project work and follow a design-oriented approach to the development of a solution, through experimentation and iterative prototyping.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	IDEA9106 and IDEA9105
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Nina Hansopaheluwakan, nina.edward@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
Case studies	Assessment 1: Scope review Scoping; research; case analysis. Mandatory assessment	20%	Week 03 Due date: 19 Aug 2026 at 23:59	8-page pdf file	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Peer review In-class peer review of group presentations	5%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Sep 2026 at 17:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 2: Preliminary concepts Creative ideation. Mandatory assessment	20%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 23:59	16-page pdf file	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Testing and evaluation User testing and evaluation of prototypes. This task requires active in-person participation to conduct user testing and evaluate prototype performance.	5%	Week 10 Due date: 15 Oct 2026 at 17:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Design Process Journal Students will maintain an individual weekly journal documenting evidence of their design process, progress, participation, and critical reflection on weekly studio activities, feedback, and learning throughout the semester.	15%	Week 12 Due date: 29 Oct 2026 at 17:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Reflective report Reflective practice on the project	5%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 17:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 3: Design Proposal Design proposal pack. Mandatory assessment	30%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2026 at 23:59	20-page PDF, video, prototype link	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment Item	Format/Length	Work Type	Weight	Due
Assessment 1: Scope review	8-page pdf file	Individual	20%	Wed 19 Aug, 11:59pm
Assessment 2: Preliminary concepts	16-page pdf file	Group	20%	Wed 16 Sep, 11:59pm
Assessment 3: Final proposal	20-page visual report, video, prototype link	Group	30%	Wed 04 Nov, 11:59pm
Participation and engagement	in-class and Canvas entries	Individual	30%	multiple weeks

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 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 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.

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 unit	Lecture (1 hr)
	Initial scoping	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A1 review and consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Research and ideation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design research and ideation; mapping exercise	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Teamwork (forming teams and creating team charter); A1 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Experience Design case studies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Place explorations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Team finalisation; A2 review and consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Digital placemaking, atmospheric semiotics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Place observations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A2 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Space and social interaction, Play	Lecture (1 hr)
	Strategies for meaningful public spaces	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A2 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Urban Public Space Engagement	Lecture (1 hr)
	Place evaluation, concepts refinement	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A2 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Lighting in spatial design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Group presentations and peer review	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A3 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Prototyping in interaction design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Prototyping	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Prototyping and A3 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Usability and user testing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Testing simulation; data collection preparation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	User testing preparation; A3 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Documenting design process	Lecture (1 hr)
	Testing fair part 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Testing fair part 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Aesthetics, discursive design, affordances	Lecture (1 hr)
	Data analysis, evaluation and integration	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A3 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Ethics of experience design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ethics Canvas	Tutorial (2 hr)
	A3 consultation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Reflective practice and design futures	Lecture (1 hr)
	Final presentation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Reflective report	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

For attendance:

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

Attendance supports engagement with learning, feedback, critique and collaborative activities. Attendance records will be maintained throughout the semester. 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 or requiring additional assessment where appropriate.

For assessments:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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

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. Apply interaction design processes, methods and tools to investigate, plan and develop user-centred design solutions.
LO2. Generate, prototype and evaluate interaction design solutions that demonstrate creativity, originality and innovation in response to design briefs.
LO3. Apply aesthetic, interaction and usability principles to produce high-quality interactive experiences.
LO4. Communicate and justify design processes and outcomes effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate media.
LO5. Demonstrate professional practice through effective collaboration, independent judgement, reflective practice, and incorporation of feedback throughout the design process.

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 unit learning outcomes, structure, and content have been revised to improve clarity and ensure constructive alignment throughout the unit.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

IDEA9202: Experience Design Studio

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links