At a glance
A practical course where students design and make products that solve real problems for real users. Students create prototypes, test ideas, and improve designs through feedback and iteration.
Students may use tools such as 3D printing, CAD, laser cutting, and digital fabrication.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- like making things and improving designs through trial, testing and feedback
- are interested in product design, prototyping and user-centred design
- enjoy solving problems using materials, tools and technology
About this course
Design and Emerging Technologies focuses on product design - how to take an idea and develop it into a useful product. Students learn to identify user needs, generate ideas, prototype, test and refine solutions, and explain their design choices clearly. Assessment usually includes product design projects and prototype(s), supported by design documentation, testing and reflection.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- product design and design-related training
- technology, innovation and maker pathways
- manufacturing and production pathways that involve prototyping and making
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Design Processes
This unit is about using a clear design process to plan, prototype and improve a product.
Students will:
- identify a user need, research ideas, and define constraints (limits such as time, materials or cost)
- build prototypes, test them with users, and refine the design
Product Design
This unit is about designing a user-centred product and making responsible design choices.
Students will:
- design and develop a product that meets a real user need
- consider usability, safety and environmental impact when improving designs
Design for Manufacturing
This unit is about designing products that can be made well and consistently.
Students will:
- explore materials, prototyping and production processes and how they affect design
- refine a product so it can be produced using available tools and methods
Innovation and Design
This unit is about future-focused product ideas that use existing and emerging technologies.
Students will:
- explore how emerging technologies can change what products can do
- create and test an innovative product concept and explain how it improves the user experience