Program Overview

Course Overview

The course DSDN 451, Contemporary Perspectives in Design Innovation, introduces students to a diverse range of research practices that foster criticality, creativity, and a deepening of our connection to whanaungatanga associated with a range of contemporary issues and emerging technologies.

Course Details

• Course Code: DSDN 451
• Duration: 23 February 2026 to 21 June 2026
• Trimester: Trimester 1
• CRN: 35079
• Campus: Te Aro
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$2,706.30
  • International students: NZ$11,736.00
• Lecture Times:
  • Monday: 12.40pm
  • Wednesday: 12.40pm
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 300 hours or 17.6 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 30

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Taught By

The School of Design Innovation — Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation teaches this course.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be announced once the course has begun.

About This Course

DSDN 451 is an on-campus only course, not available for distance study. All class sessions will be delivered in person at the Te Aro and Te Auaha Campus.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Explore a given context to draw out significant issues/opportunities for creative exploration.
2. Use a curious and experimental approach to develop, execute, and communicate skillful and sophisticated design projects.
3. Demonstrate the use of critical frameworks as tools to shape their design thinking and practice.
4. Critically and insightfully reflect on the design experimentation of their peers and themselves.

How This Course Is Taught

This course will be delivered on campus only, with all class sessions (including lectures, tutorials, and/or studios) delivered in person at the Te Aro campus. Regular field trips to visit the National Library in Pipitea are part of the course.

Assessment

• A1: Critical Design Experimentation: 30%
• A1.2: Self Critique & Reflection: 5%
• Peer Review 1: 5%
• A2.1: Work in Progress Review (0%) + A 2.2: Critical Design Development (15%): 15%
• Peer Review 2: 5%
• A3: Design-Research Portfolio: 40%

Mandatory Requirements

To pass this course, students must:

1. Attend at least 18 of the 24 class sessions.
2. Present both Assignment 1 and Assignment 2 (visually and verbally) in person at the design reviews.

What You'll Need to Get

• Students should expect to pay their bus fare from Te Aro Campus to Pipitea for field trips.
• A visual diary/sketchbook, pens/pencils, and access to a camera are required.
• Material and equipment costs will vary per student, depending on their project ambitions and development.

Course Coordinator

Associate Professor Edgar Rodríguez Ramírez is the course coordinator.