Program Overview

Overview of the University Program

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a range of programs for students, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as well as research opportunities. The university has several campuses across Australia, including Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield.

Study at ACU

ACU provides students with a comprehensive education, offering various courses and programs across different disciplines. The university's faculties include Education and Arts, Health Sciences, Law and Business, and Theology and Philosophy. Students can choose from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including online and on-campus options.

Faculties and Schools

• Faculty of Education and Arts
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Law and Business
• Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

Research and Enterprise

ACU is committed to research and enterprise, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. The university has several research institutes and centers, including the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry, and the ACU Research Institute for Sport and Exercise. Students can engage in research projects and collaborate with industry partners to develop innovative solutions.

Research Areas

• Positive Psychology and Education
• Religion and Critical Inquiry
• Sport and Exercise

International Students

ACU welcomes international students from around the world, offering a range of programs and support services to help them succeed. The university provides English language support, academic advising, and cultural adaptation programs to ensure a smooth transition to studying in Australia.

English Language Support

• English language courses
• Academic advising
• Cultural adaptation programs

Student Life

ACU offers a vibrant student life, with a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies. Students can engage in sports, creative pursuits, and community service, as well as participate in leadership development programs. The university also provides support services, including counseling, academic support, and career advice.

Student Services

• Counseling
• Academic support
• Career advice
• Sports and fitness programs
• Creative pursuits and clubs

About ACU

ACU is a public university with a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusivity. The university has a diverse community of students, staff, and alumni, and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen careers.

University History

ACU was established in 1991, following the merger of four Catholic institutions of higher education. The university has since grown to become one of the largest Catholic universities in Australia, with a strong reputation for academic excellence and community engagement.

TECH505 - Product Design Innovation

This unit focuses on the development of advanced design and manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on user-centered design and innovation. Students will learn about design thinking theories, product design analysis, and life cycle thinking, as well as develop skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Unit Content

• Design thinking theories
• Product design analysis
• Life cycle thinking
• Creative thinking strategies
• User-centered design
• Sustainable design strategies

Learning Outcomes

• Synthesize broad and deep theoretical and technical knowledge to discuss attributes of designed products
• Devise creative thinking strategies for iterative design contexts
• Develop a user-centered brief for product redesign
• Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgment, and responsibility in the design, illustration, safe manufacture, and evaluation of a prototype

Assessment Strategy

The unit assessment includes a range of tasks, such as design analysis, reflective reports, and product redesign folios. Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in design thinking, creative problem-solving, and communication.

Credit Points and Year

This unit is worth 10 credit points and is offered in 2026.

Representative Texts and References

The unit draws on a range of texts and references, including books and articles on design thinking, product design, and sustainable design strategies. Some of the key texts include:

• Darbellay, F., Moody, Z., & Lubart, T. (2017). Creativity, design thinking, and interdisciplinarity.
• de Vries, M. J. (2018). Handbook of technology education.
• Fry, T. (2009). Design futuring: Sustainability, ethics, and new practice.
• Peters, S. (2014). Material revolution 2: New sustainable and multi-purpose materials for design and architecture.
• Runco, M.A. (2014). Creativity: Theories and themes: research, development, and practice.
• Stables, K., & Steve, K. (2015). Environment, ethics, and cultures: Design and technology education's contribution to sustainable global futures.
• Thompson, R., & Thompson, M. (2013). Sustainable materials, processes, and production.
• Verganti, R. (2016). Overcrowded: Designing meaningful products in a world awash with ideas.
• Williams, P. J., & Barlex, D. (2020). Pedagogy for technology education in secondary schools: Research-informed perspectives for classroom teachers.
• Williams, P. J., & Stables, K. (2017). Critique in Design and Technology Education.