Industrial design studio 4

In this unit, you will explore the social role of industrial design as an advocacy-driven, holistic approach to problem-solving that drives positive social and behavioural change. You will gain foundational knowledge by examining how industrial design practice can critically address contemporary social, political, economic, and environmental challenges - particularly those aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 10, 11, and 13.

Using design thinking, you will develop human-centred solutions that respond to real-world needs and contexts, advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion. The unit includes collaboration with Industry or Community partners, where you'll design with stakeholders on both directed and speculative briefs.

Project outcomes will be presented to stakeholders at multiple stages of development throughout the semester. Your process and learning outcomes will be documented in a process journal, and final proposals will take the form of detailed models or prototypes, demonstrating your human-centred approach and capacity to drive meaningful societal impact.