Master of Design Enterprise

Program Overview

The program focuses on "design thinking" and user experience design, enabling students to resolve issues and improve people's interactions with products and services. It prepares students for careers in design, innovation, and problem-solving, across a range of industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Design Enterprise (MDE) program at Otago Polytechnic is a 18-month full-time program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to use design as a strategic tool for enhancing user experiences. The program focuses on "design thinking" and user experience design, enabling students to resolve issues and improve people's interactions with products and services. The program aims to develop students' ability to provide design-led strategy expertise within organizations or enterprises. It recognizes that design is a strategic tool that involves both thinking and production, preparing students to think critically and laterally as they innovate, create new products and systems, and contribute to a more satisfying environment. The program is relevant to a wide range of disciplines and is inspired by leading designers, thinkers, and innovators. Students will explore design, creativity, and strategy; enterprise, business, and marketing; and production, operations, and manufacturing. They will also undertake an industry placement followed by a major research project tailored to their individual needs. This project can be industry-based, collaborative, serving commercial or non-profit needs, or an independent entrepreneurial venture.

Outline:

The MDE program is structured in three phases:

Phase 1: MDE401 Design (30 credits)

• Explores how design-led methodologies, such as customer experience design and service design, and other associated strategies and theoretical frameworks, are applied in the development of innovative products and services.

Phase 2: MDE404 Design-led Enterprise (30 credits)

• Involves an approved industry placement.
• Industry placements are flexible depending on full-time or part-time engagement.
The minimum full-time engagement should equate to no less than 12 weeks.
• Outcomes: A concise report on the industry placement culminates in a brief for Phase 3.

Phase 3: MDE501 Design Enterprise Project (120 credits)

• Requires the development of a Design Enterprise Research Project around a new product/service opportunity either in conjunction with an industry partner or around the student's own design-inspired product or service enterprise.
• This phase involves a significant engagement over 12 months of the course, which can be negotiated according to circumstance.
• Outcomes: An in-depth report that maps in detail the Design Enterprise Project and presents the resultant product or service prototypes.

Careers:

The MDE program prepares students for a variety of career paths in design, innovation, and problem-solving. Graduates can work in a range of industries, including:

• Design agencies
• Product development companies
• User experience design firms
• Consulting firms
• Research and development organizations
• Entrepreneurship

Other:

• The program promotes multi-disciplinary design interaction, criticism, and debate.
• The program includes a product design and development center and an academic research facility meeting international standards.
• Students have access to computer labs, hard media studios, laser cutting, and exhibition spaces.
• Students benefit from ongoing networks and opportunities through these associations, allowing them to form contacts within the industry.
• The program requires students to work with a range of industrial machinery, equipment, and chemicals.
• Students can expand their employment potential with doctoral programs in Design.

• Domestic fees
• Full tuition
• Standard
• $12,642
• International fees
• Full tuition
• Standard
• $48,750
• Additional costs
In general, consumables items are provided.