Each week there will be a one-hour lecture and a two-hour design tutorial scheduled to include activities such as project workshops, industry demonstrations, and feedback sessions.
Teaching and Learning methods are active, experiential, collaborative, and project-based. Lectures introduce key concepts, tools and readings following a one-to-many format with opportunities for wider discussions amongst students, tutors and guest speakers. These lectures are recorded for remote viewing. Students are exposed to design thinking systems through the use of templated tools that break projects down into structured phases using a 'learning-by-doing' model.
A flipped classroom methodology is employed to allow students to engage in deep discussion with tutors and classmates during tutorial time while they work with tools and concepts introduced in earlier sessions. Templated project phases and analytical tools worked on in class are accessible remotely and can be completed outside of class in an asynchronous, collaborative online environment. Students are able to discover issues, innovate solutions, and bring questions to tutorials for analysis with tutors and classmates.
Students are expected to attend every week, as each session has been designed to equip students with the necessary skills to complete all assessment activities to receive a passing grade. A thoughtful and active engagement in workshops and feedback sessions will contribute to achieving higher than a passing grade. Asynchronous online collaborative tools allow students to catch up on work through communication and co-operation with tutors and teammates.
The major assessment task is a group project, which has been designed using a constructivist methodology to encourage peer-to-peer learning, cross-pollination, diversity of perspective, robust thinking, and the development of soft skills. Opportunities for assessable peer feedback have been built in to ensure parity, encourage co-operation and build empathy. Assessments also provide the opportunity for individual reflection on the success of designs and learnings made throughout the course.
A tuakana–teina relationship is fostered between tutors and students through the tutors' roles as advisors and critical friends throughout all phases of design projects. A creative, safe, and convivial atmosphere is encouraged through the integration of karakia into tutorials and an emphasis on manākitanga and fun.