Course Title: Generate design solutions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: GRAP5388C

Course Title: Generate design solutions

School: 320T Architecture & Design

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C4382 - Certificate IV in Design

Course Contact: Alistair Briggs

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9446

Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Ned Jobson

edward.jobson@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None required.

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to generate design solutions in response to a particular design need. You will generate concepts and identify solutions to a design challenge, applying the design process, with a focus on research and collaboration.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBDES401 Generate design solutions

Element:

1 Define the design challenge

Performance Criteria:

  • Determine and evaluate user/client needs
  • Clarify specifications, parameters and constraints of the design challenge in consultation with relevant stakeholders
  • Articulate the essence of the design challenge in an appropriate format

Element:

2 Undertake research to inform the design solution

Performance Criteria:

  • Source, evaluate and acknowledge information that may assist in responding to the design challenge
  • Consider historical, current and future perspectives and trends that might inform design solutions
  • Consider relevant social, economic, environmental, ethical and cultural issues that may impact on design solutions
  • Analyse, distil and collate information to inform the development of the design solution

Element:

3 Communicate and collaborate with others

Performance Criteria:

  • Establish and develop working relationships with key stakeholders
  • Seek and integrate input and ideas from others during the design process
  • Inform key stakeholders about progress of the design and related implications
  • Negotiate and agree on any changed requirements or modifications

Element:

4 Generate ideas and responses to the design challenge

Performance Criteria:

  • Reflect on and integrate ideas generated from research and consultation
  • Use a range of creative thinking techniques to generate different options and ideas
  • Apply relevant principles of functionality, ergonomics, aesthetics and sustainability to the development of different options

Element:

5 Select a design solution

Performance Criteria:

  • Develop and use a range of criteria against which to evaluate different options and ideas
  • Select a preferred solution against agreed criteria and in consultation with relevant key stakeholders
  • Adjust and refine proposed design solution based on research, testing and reflection
  • Present proposed design solution with appropriate supporting documentation according to project requirements

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio and computer laboratory using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study. In-class activities will include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshopping of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

 

Out of class activities may include:

  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • review and revision


Teaching Schedule

 

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

There will be a number of prescribed tasks and projects (see Assessment Tasks below).

This course will be delivered in the same weekly session as EMPL7112 - Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills - BSBCRT301. The following timeline contains activities for both courses.

Session

Session description

Learning Elements

BSBCRT301

Learning Elements

BSBDES401

1

Lab orientation

Content management and assessment.

1, 2, 4

1, 4

2

Course overview, Mind maps

Creating and using mind maps to generate ideas.

1, 2, 4

1, 4

3

Mind maps continued

Complete digital version of mind map. Use mind map to visualise at least two potential, different design solutions.

1, 2, 3

1, 4

4

Action verbs

Adopting a questioning mindset to look at a design problem and re-arrange it.

3, 4

1, 2, 4

5

Mark making

Fill up a page with design visualisations to an assigned problem. Go outside of your usual environment and draw, draw, draw rather than internetting your way out of a problem. Record and reflect this process.

1, 2, 4

1, 4

6

Forced connections

Use the forced connections creative thinking exercise to come up with unusual ideas. Visualise a shortlist of ideas.

Excursion next week. Meet at ACMI at 1:30pm.

Folio review week. Upload your best piece from this course to your folio.

3

1, 4

7

Excursion

ACMI: The Nightingale and The Rose (free), Scorsese exhibition ($18–$25. Optional). Visit other creative spaces in the CBD; Fed Square, NGV, bookshops, etc.

3, 4

1, 4

8

Compass

Compass creative thinking exercise to generate insightful questions.

3, 4

1, 4

9

Consolidation

Consolidate all documentation for this project. Re-draft and proof text. Improve, re-photograph or rescan images. Extend learning into further research; find a critical or creative thinking technique through research, and apply it to a supplied brief.

4

1, 4

10

Project 1 free exercise

Either complete and document a critical/creative thinking exercise found through research, or complete any missed exercises covered earlier in the semester.

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 4

11

Project 1 wrap-up

Complete the folio of work, refining the quality of your images and redrafting any text. Complete a short reflection on this project. Choose your best work from Project 1 to upload to your folio.

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 4

Mid semester break

12

Project 2 overview

Read through the brief for Project 2. Extract critical questions. Target your research. Project 1 resubmission for unsatisfactory-standard work – by negotiation only.

Folio review week: Upload Project 1 to folio.

  

1, 4

13

Secondary research

Get off the internet and look at some books. Then get back on the internet and find other resources. Then collate your research, and summarise it. Use Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to examine the problem.

  

1, 2, 4

14

Creative thinking

Use a creative thinking exercise/s to generate original potential design solutions to the brief. Visualise them as sketches. Document this process.

1, 2, 3, 4

2, 3, 4

15

Present your ideas.

Show your ideas to your peers as a visual presentation. Ask critical questions to generate constructive feedback. Use this feedback to select, modify and adapt one idea to bring to completion.

1, 2, 3, 4

2, 3

16

Finalise design solutio.

Determine the best idea from a range of possible design solutions for completion to a finished product.

4

3, 5

17

Project 2 Submission

Complete your design idea to a finished, folio-ready stage. Complete the documentation of Project 2, readying it for submission.

3, 4

3, 5

18

Folio review week

Students must attend this session to determine whether the work needs to be resubmitted. Respond to feedback and resubmit unsatisfactory-standard assessment to a competent level. By negotiation only.

Folio review week: Upload work to folio.

   

19

Resubmission

Respond to feedback and resubmit unsatisfactory-standard assessment to a competent level. By negotiation only.

  

3, 5

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Lupton, E 2011. Graphic design thinking : Beyond brainstorming (1st ed.). New York : Baltimore: Princeton Architectural Press ; Maryland Institute College of Art.

9781568989792

Mumaw, S 2014. Creativity Bootcamp, Lynda tutorial, viewed 23 June 2016, .


Other Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course. This course has recommended books listed under ‘References’

You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year. You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.

Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/graphicartanddesign

The Library provides guides on academic referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians/dsc


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or exercises.
The assessment tasks are: Design solution exercises and projects
An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.


Assessment Tasks

Tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks and you should engage in all formative tasks.
This course has 2 Summative Tasks, both of which must be completed/submitted. Each task has an allocated percentage of the total grade. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

Project 1: Critical/Creative folio

Complete the class exercises from weeks 2–10. Include all exercises for best potential results, or just your best four, in a folio of critical & creative thinking techniques. The aims are

  • Active participation in a range of creative thinking activities, including ability to ask relevant questions and to generate a range of ideas in response to a given situation or issue
  • Understanding of creativity and creative thinking at a basic level, including its impact and importance for individuals, communities and businesses
  • Knowledge and application of different creative thinking techniques and processes to a range of situations.
  • Development of a design solution through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
  • Effective collaboration with others in the design process
  • Knowledge of design trends and technologies in the relevant industry context.

Due week 11

Project 2: Design solutions

Redesign artwork for two assigned albums, and adapt the artwork for online music viewers. Complete a process document to record research, ideation, collaboration with others and the final outcome. The aims are

  • Active participation in a range of creative thinking activities, including ability to ask relevant questions and to generate a range of ideas in response to a given situation or issue
  • Understanding of creativity and creative thinking at a basic level, including its impact and importance for individuals, communities and businesses
  • Knowledge and application of different creative thinking techniques and processes to a range of situations.
  • Development of a design solution through research, reflection and the generation and refinement of ideas
  • Effective collaboration with others in the design process
  • Knowledge of design trends and technologies in the relevant industry context.

Due week 17

 

At the completion of the course, grading will be offered in addition to, and after, competency based assessment.

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment are:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Attendance
The major aspect of your learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity for success.

Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT

 Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

 Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-­digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e­ Submission process.Information regarding the e­Submission process

 Special Consideration Policy, Late Submission & Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Pick the following link for details on applying for Special consideration

Any student seeking an extension, should aim at doing so a minimum of 2 days before the deadline. Work submitted late and without an extension at any point will incur late penalties in accordance with university policy. If you require an extension you must complete an extension form with evidence supporting your application and hand this to your instructor. Further links ­ Application for extension of time

 On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your overall grade for each assessment task.
The following adjustments for late submission will be made: Work submitted late will be assessed for competency only. Submissions are only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview