Systems Design unit (KDA309)

Introduction

Systems Design is a capstone unit where students demonstrate integrated knowledge and skills through complex, real-world design challenges. Focusing on regenerative systems thinking, this unit connects global ecological and social issues to local design interventions. Students will conduct systems analysis, engage in speculative design processes, collaborate with community stakeholders, and develop environmentally and socially responsible design solutions. The unit emphasises intellectual risk-taking to challenge conventional design assumptions while building professional readiness for practice in interconnected, socially embedded contexts.

Summary

Unit name	Systems Design
Unit code	KDA309
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design
Discipline	Architecture & Design
Coordinator	Doctor Vanessa Ward
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Defend design decisions through critical reflection on ethical considerations, demonstrating autonomy in navigating ambiguity and complexity in systems design practice.
• Generate and refine design propositions through speculation and experimentation by employing a range of processes, techniques and material explorations related to a practice specialisation area.
• Collaborate with a range of participants and communicate with diverse stakeholders, applying skills in negotiation and critique.
• Conduct socially and environmentally responsible design practice by considering the implications of design, and its capacity to initiate change in a system.
• Analyse complex systems using appropriate frameworks to identify leverage points and interconnections within ecological and social contexts

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

100 credit points in any discipline

Teaching

Assessment	Design Brief (25%)|Final Design Presentation (35%)|Design Project (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Ichioka & Pawlyn. 2021. Flourish. UK. Triarchy Press. Meadows. 2008. Thinking in Systems: A Primer. US. Chelsea Green Publishing. Warden, J 2021, Regenerative Futures: From sustaining to thriving together 1 Regenerative Futures From sustaining to thriving together. Wahl DC 2016, Designing regenerative cultures, Triarchy, Axminster.
Recommended	Mau. 2020. MC24. US. Phaidon Press

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.