Unit of Study DSGN1003 Design and Technology Principles and Processes (2023)

Unit description

This unit will enable students to develop understanding of the structure of the Design and Technology Stage 5 and Stage 6 syllabi. The unit focuses on the development and interdisciplinary nature of design and technology and the associated industries. A holistic approach to design and technology is taken through a study of technacy, ecological sustainability and appropriate technology and the place of these in the Board of Studies syllabi. The foundational concepts of design are defined and the use of design processes as used in industry and in the Design and Technology syllabi introduced. Factors affecting design and the work of designers across a range of settings including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are examined.

Unit content

1. The nature of technology and design and the industries associated with them - What is design and what is a designer? - A structural view of design - Specialisations within design practice (industrial, interior, graphic) - The role of technology in design 
2. Interdisciplinary nature of design and technology - disciplines such as mathematics, sciences, fine arts and humanities - Relationship between the disciplines - Historical perspectives - Concepts of 'good' design - A modern perspective 
3. Holistic approach to design and technology - Technacy - Ecological sustainability, including renewable energy systems and resource conservation - Appropriate technology: Indigenous perspectives 
4. Defining foundational concepts of design: Creativity, innovative, enterprise, ethics, social and environmental sustainability - Definitions of design concepts - How design is perceived - Design as a learning tool - Useful design and design appeal - Making design decisions 
5. Factors influencing design including design purpose and setting, human, technical and environmental factors - Factors affecting design and production - Analysis of design products 
6. Experimentation, evaluation and research processes - Research methods (qualitative and quantitative) - Testing and experimenting 
7. Introduction to design processes (general introduction) - Designing for products, systems and environment - The design process in context - Application of the design process 
8. The work of past and current designers across a range of settings including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (including case study analysis).