2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Online
Note that this unit includes an 'assurance of learning' task which necessitates that that students record short videos of themselves explaining unit concepts to verify their learning. For this task, students must have access to a camera and microphone so staff can see and hear them in the recording. This task must be completed for a student to pass the unit.
Introduction
Do you have a sustainability idea you'd love to bring to life through a community initiative, business, social enterprise or similar? Would you like to develop it using design thinking tools in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment?
In this unit, you will integrate understandings of sustainability with Bruce Mau’s ‘design thinking’ principles, to empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test your ideas to plan a successful sustainability initiative. This unit cultivates collaborative, hands-on learning through weekly live seminars and interactive discussion boards. Each week, students apply design thinking tools and concepts to their own ideas, building a structured yet flexible framework that supports creativity and progress.
To deepen insight and spark innovation, students explore real-world projects—including inspiring examples from past cohorts. By grounding learning in practical application, peer interaction, and lived experience, the unit offers a dynamic environment for shared exploration and reflective growth. Students will emerge from the unit with a project idea ready to launch and a business model canvas and project pitch ready for investors or a grant application.
Note that this unit includes an 'assurance of learning' task which necessitates that that students record short videos of themselves explaining unit concepts to verify their learning. For this task, students must have access to a camera and microphone so staff can see and hear them in the recording. This task must be completed for a student to pass the unit.
Summary
| Unit name | Design Thinking for Local Sustainability Initiatives |
| Unit code | KGA102 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Emily Flies |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |
|
|
|
|
- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
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).
Learning Outcomes
- Construct your ideas through questioning and synthesis of information
- Evaluate a project by refining questions, gathering feedback and reflecting on improvements
- Develop a realistic plan of action by synthesising information, including self, peer, unit content and the academic literature
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100799 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,972.00 |
- 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
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
XBR102Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 x weekly 1-hr synchronous online tutorial, 1 x 1 hour pre-recorded online lectures and content, plus self-paced online learning (Unit readings, discussion boards and project work). |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Discussion posts (30%)|Value proposition canvas quiz (30%)|Project proposal final report (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Various; provided weekly |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.