IA40610 Design for User-Centric, Sustainable Solutions

Academic Year 2023/2024

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MODULE IS PROGRAMME BASED. THIS MODULE IS NOT OPEN TO OTHER UCD STUDENTS.

The purpose of this module is to enable students to apply the knowledge learned during the other modules of the programme to a real world project with an external 'client' organisation. Students will work in multi-disciplinary teams to apply Design and Systems Thinking approaches to co-create, prototype, and test innovative, potentially viable solutions for real-world challenges of sustainability.

Building on what has been covered in the other modules, you will research the challenge and understand its context (from environmental, social, and economic perspectives) and engage with key stakeholders to identify key insights before developing potential innovative solutions.

Using an approach of prototyping and intentional iteration you will test your assumptions, re-iterate and pivot your prototype, as required, in order to develop a validated approach.

You and your team will present your proposed solution to your class, invited guests and your 'client' organisation.

Over the course of the module, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study specific to your project (covering, technical, environmental, legal, ethical, financial and business aspects) as appropriate. Teams will be supported throughout the project with structured mentoring and peer innovation group interventions.

Notes:
Enrolment in an Innovation Academy module means a commitment to active participation and engagement, which necessitates attendance at all scheduled classes. We limit our class size to 40 students or less. We require a minimum of 16 participants to ensure enough people for teamwork and a dynamic classroom environment.

UCD Innovation Academy : About Us

At the UCD Innovation Academy, we are a group of Educator Practitioners with extensive real-world experience as academics, business and social entrepreneurs, tech thinkers, creative professionals and design thinking practitioners.
We take an action-oriented approach to learning, with a combination of individual, group and class tasks and activities, including discussions, presentations and reflection. All of our teaching is grounded in academic rigour, and our focus is on learning from doing in a real-world context.

https://www.innovationacademy.ie/courses/ucd-graduate-diploma-in-design-thinking-for-sustainability/