Systems Design unit (KDA309)

Hobart, Launceston

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

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1

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	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. 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.
• Analyse complex systems using appropriate frameworks to identify leverage points and interconnections within ecological and social contexts

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	$2,384.00	$2,041.00	not applicable	$5,944.00

• 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

Assessment	Design Brief (30%)|Final Design Presentation (30%)|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.