CI7831 Design Thinking Theory and Practice_Coursework Handbook 2025TB2

Overview of CI7831 Design Thinking: Theory and Practice

• Module Code: CI7831

• Module Leader: Dr. Makayla Lewis (m.m.lewis@kingston.ac.uk)

• Academic Year: 2024-2025

• Assessments: Project Proposal and Portfolio

Assessment Details

Assessment 1: Project Proposal (20%)

• Deadline: 27 February 2025 – 11:59 PM

• Submission Format: Online to Canvas; must use assessment template.

• Key Points:

  • Outline project objectives and problem it addresses.

  • Summarise research and design phases;

  • Include a timeline and key milestones.

Assessment 2: Portfolio (80%)

• Deadline: 29 April 2025 – 11:59 PM

• Submission Format: Online to Canvas; must use assessment template.

• Key Points:

  • Document the entire design process, emphasizing iterative and user-centered approaches.

  • Must provide clear evidence of user engagement and how feedback shaped the design.

Table of Contents

• Assessment Outline

• Module Learning Outcomes

• Assessment Brief and Criteria

• Project Brief

• Suggested Topics

• Exclusions and Constraints

• Assessment Criteria

• General, Academic, and Industry-Facing Evaluation Criteria

• Prototypes and Feedback Process

• Deadlines and Extensions

• Referencing and Plagiarism

• Individual Marking Rubrics for Assessments

Module Learning Outcomes

1. Research user needs and implications of modality and social conduct.

2. Analyze multi-modal interactions, user groups, and contexts of use.

3. Design input/output media and interactive content for target audiences.

4. Prototype human interactions in social/technical contexts.

5. Evaluate user experiences throughout user journeys.

6. Reflect on design practices and assess various methodologies.

Project Outline - Designing Connected Journeys in Modern Digital Lifestyles

• Focus on planning, researching, designing, prototyping, and evaluating multimedia applications.

• Assess user experiences leveraging personal computing, intelligent environments, and cloud-based information.

• Involves qualitative user research with participatory feedback on prototypes.

• Project examples include personalized well-being applications, social networking aids, and financial tools.

Suggested Topics for Projects

• Personalized Well-Being: Apps for health tracking, productivity, and stress management.

• Social Networking: Enhance remote/hybrid work collaboration with IoT solutions.

• Cultural Engagement: Curate educational materials for enhanced cultural experiences.

• Smart Living: Coordinate household routines through technology.

• Entertainment: Personalize recommendations based on user activity.

Important Design Process Guidelines

1. User Engagement: Conduct interviews, focus groups, and participatory design workshops.

2. Iterative Development: Use feedback to refine and improve prototypes continuously.

3. Documentation: Maintain organized records of user research, ethics documentation, and all phases of design.

Ethics Considerations

• Must include participant information sheets, consent forms, and debrief forms.

• Compliance with ethical standards is critical for research.

Project Timeline and Management

• Gantt Chart: Create to outline project milestones and deadlines.

• Trello Board: Document tasks and manage progress.

Referencing

• Use Harvard-style referencing throughout.

• Plagiarism will be strictly checked using Turnitin.

Feedback and Evaluation

• Feedback will be provided for each assessment approximately four weeks after submission.

• Marking Rubrics will assess various components from user research to prototype evaluation.

Marks and Feedback Process

• Access to feedback is through Canvas.

• Follow guidelines for disputing marks or seeking clarifications.