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Systems Design unit (KDA309)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

Systems Design is one of two capstone units in which you will demonstrate knowledge and skills gained throughout the degree in a complex applied project. This unit focuses on regenerative systems thinking, relating global ecological and social concerns to local contexts. In this unit you will undertake systems analysis, speculate on future scenarios, consult with community groups, and/or stakeholders and develop systems design outcomes informed by environmentally and socially responsible principles. The unit will expand your understanding of design practices, emphasising the importance of intellectual risk to extend and challenge design concepts and assumptions. You will work with a degree of independence and pursue opportunities related to your own interest areas and design specialisations while also being supported by delivered content, focused activities, and workshops. The unit prepares you to practice in a world where design is part of a wider system of activity and increasingly embedded in social contexts, engaging diverse stakeholders and user groups.

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

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 23/2/2025 24/3/2025 13/4/2025 31/5/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
100500 $2,328.00 $1,993.00 not applicable $5,660.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KDA208 AND KDA207 AND ZAD222 AND ZAD225

Teaching

AssessmentDesign Brief (30%)|Final Design Presentation (30%)|Design project (40%)
TimetableView 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.