Course Title: Develop products incorporating mechanical, electrical and/or digital features

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: GRAP9480

Course Title: Develop products incorporating mechanical, electrical and/or digital features

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5435 - Diploma of Product Design

Course Contact: Robin Blood

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4683

Course Contact Email: robin.blood@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Kevin Lewis:

kevin.lewis@rmit.edu.au

Carl Sturtz

carl.sturtz@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 180

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

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design and produce a product incorporating mechanical, electrical and or digital features from a brief, applying a range of advanced techniques and materials.

It includes the ability to contribute to the product design through the research and development of design options, planning the design process and providing visual concepts to the clients before realising the prototype of the product or a proof of concept accompanied by a physical model and visual representation.

This unit applies to product designers who design and produce products that incorporate mechanical, electrical and/or digital features. Product designers may work independently or as part of a product development team.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VU23430 Develop products incorporating mechanical, electrical and/or digital features
Element:	1.Generate ideas and develop a design concept
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Evaluate the potential for a functional innovative product that incorporates mechanical, electrical and/or digital features based on a targeted market and requirements of design brief 1.2 Use range of creative thinking techniques to generate different options and ideas for the design concept 1.3 Identify and evaluate sustainability, intellectual property and copyright, and legislative requirements that may impact or inform the design concept 1.4 Collaborate with others to refine parameters of the design concept
Element:	2.Undertake research to support the design concept
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Source relevant information relating to the design concept, including information on target user groups, product markets, technologies, technical information, product competitors and brands 2.2 Evaluate the research findings and assess for relevance and applicability to the development of the design concept 2.3 Liaise with relevant specialists in relation to technological and researched options 2.4 Access information on available mechanical, electrical or digital devices to meet requirements of the design brief 2.5 Document research throughout process including methodology, data collected, findings and outcomes
Element:	3.Develop innovative options
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Determine innovation framework to meet the parameters of the brief 3.2 Apply relevant principles of functionality, perceived quality (craftsmanship), user experience, usability, ergonomics, aesthetics, and sustainability to develop the design options 3.3 Develop and use range of criteria to evaluate the different design options and ideas; including criteria for selecting different mechanical, electrical or digital features 3.4 Select preferred design option for the product against agreed criteria, research undertaken, and in consultation with relevant stakeholders 3.5 Document the research, rationale and criteria used for the design option selection process
Element:	4.Develop design proposal and project plan
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Plan the design proposal representing the design vision for the product 4.2 Identify all components and resources required to produce the design option, undertaking additional research where required 4.3 Assess technical, resource, design for colour materials and finish (CMF) and workspace and/or manufacturing requirements associated with the design option 4.4 Consult with, and document input from, any technical experts or specialist services required to produce the design options 4.5 Collaborate with relevant personnel to contribute to the determination of financial, physical and human resources and timeframes required for developing design concept 4.6 Produce 2D and 3D visual interpretations of the design that communicate the size, shape, CMF and ergonomics of the product 4.7 Prepare written and visual support materials to contribute to final presentation 4.8 Incorporate compliance with relevant certification, regulatory and legislative requirements in the project plan, where applicable to the design
Element:	5.Deliver concepts to client
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Present the design proposal and project plan to client, including rationale for any changes 5.2 Respond to feedback and make changes to the design as required 5.3 Confirm design proposal and project plan with client
Element:	6.Realise product design
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Develop the prototype or proof of concept using appropriate facilities, tools, techniques and materials 6.2 Evaluate prototype or proof of concept against nominated criteria and document findings to inform future improvements and address constraints identified during its development 6.3 Use safe working practices throughout the production of the prototype or proof of concept 6.4 Prepare documentation and specifications to accompany final design 6.5 Confirm that intellectual property and other legislative requirements have been met 6.6 Identify processes for protecting intellectual property of the design, where required

Learning Outcomes

Refer to Elements/Performance Criteria

Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio, computer laboratory and makerspace 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
• workshop for all 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

Course Schedule
Week	Topic	Readings and Activities	Assessment
Week 1	Introduction to the Semester Introduction to all Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 briefs and the project components. Mech. Mechanisms project introduced.	Begin Project scope brainstorming and research on target market, design direction, visual story for Task 1 Mech. Choose 2 mechanisms from 507 Mechanisms book and construct as 2D CAD models for laser cutting
Week 2	Task 1: Technical resources and time management Mech. Automata project discussed.	Task 1: Character profile and design influences. Time management Mech. Mechanisms progress check
Week 3	Presenting your ideas. Digital presentations, Page layouts. Getting 'Physical' with your design. Mech. Automata concepts and mechanisms.	Task 2: Mood Boards, mockups and visuals. Who is your consumer? Mech, Automata concept presentation	Mech. Automata concept presentation
Week 4	Task 1: SWOT, Presenting your ideas. Mech. Automata test models. Breakdown of project stages	Mech. Flat automata test models should be in progress. CAD modelling should start.	Task 1 Part A: Due for assessment
Week 5	Task 2: Presenting preferred concept Introduction. Refinement and detail design. Presentation feedback Mech. Automata modelling and experimentation.	Task 2: detail design process Mech. Research and experimentation into automata mechanisms and integration.	Task 1 Part B: Due for assessment
Week 6	Task 2: Technical package. Detail design to prototype Mech. Automata modelling and experimentation.	Task 2: Detail design process, mockups and analysis. CAD documentation Mech. Research and experimentation into automata mechanisms and integration.
Week 7	Task 2: Model Fabrication process. rapid prototyping and project progress review Mech. Automata modelling and experimentation.	Task 2: detail design process, mockups and analysis. CAD documentation. Mech. Research and experimentation into automata mechanisms and integration, nearly finalised.
Week 8	Task 2 Consultation and presentation review Mech. Automata progress	Task 2: Continue with detail design and prototype. Mech. R&D into automata mechanisms and integration, nearly finalised. Present progress for feedback. Fabrication starting.	Mech. Automata progress check
Week 9	Task 2 and 3 Consultation Mech. Continued automata CAD modelling and building	Task 2: Finalise mock ups. Mech. Fabrication of automata parts.	Task 2: Due for assessment
Week 10	Task 3: Commence product model. Preliminary documentation review Mech. Continued automata CAD modelling and building	Mech. Continued automata CAD modelling and building.
Week 11	Task 3: Commence product model. Preliminary documentation review Mech. Continued automata CAD modelling and building.	Mech. Continued automata CAD modelling and building. Modifications and progress check.	Mech. Automata progress check
Week 12	Design for Manufacturing Mech. Continued automata building.	Task 3: Model making progress check Mech. Continued automata parts fabrication and building. refinement of mechanical movements.
Week 13	Project consultation Mech. Continued automata building.	Task 3 model making Mech. Continued automata parts fabrication and building. Refinement of mechanical movements. Detail and finishing starts.
Week 14	Project consultation Mech. Continued automata building.	Task 3 model making. Reports, CAD, folio compilation, packaging, audio visual. Mech. Continued automata parts fabrication and building. Refinement of mechanical movements. Assembly, detail and finishing.
Week 15	Project presentations Mech. Continued automata building.	Task 3 model making final Mech. Continued automata refinement of mechanical movements. Assembly, detail and finishing.
Week 16	Semester review and assessment Mech. Automata complete.	Mech. Automata should be complete, documentation complete.	Task 3: Due for assessment Automata project due for assessment

While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Students will need to refer to CANVAS as teaching resources may vary according to teaching schedule and task requirements.

Prescribed Texts: There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course.

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.

Study Support

Study support - RMIT University

Overview of Assessment

Assessments will be held throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess your performance and the application of your knowledge and skills and may include practical tasks, project,direct observation including exploration of and experimentation with techniques,written and/or oral questioning and discussions to assess your knowledge and understanding of this unit.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher for each assessment task.

Assessment Task 1: Research Activity
Due: Week 4 (Part A) and Week 5 (Part B)

Assessment Task 2: Development Activity
Due: Week 9

Assessment Task 3: Research Activity
Due: Week 16

*Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.

You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time.
The submitted projects will be assessed with written feedback as well as a checklist that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

SEC: Stopped engagement in course

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration and CANVAS for each assessment task.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

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.
Assessment - RMIT University

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

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (e.g. applying for an extension of time):

Assessments and results - RMIT University

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 competency assessment.
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is 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.

Academic integrity - RMIT University

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 about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

Current students - RMIT University

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

Credit for prior study or experience - RMIT University

Course Overview: Access Course Overview