Design Thinking for Complex Systems

Module overview

Design Thinking for Complex Systems is a practice-based module that equips you with critical and creative tools to navigate real-world complexity. You will develop the skills to design resilient, future-oriented solutions grounded in critical analysis and social responsibility. Activities include mapping systemic relationships, prototyping service and product ecosystems, and visually communicating complexity. Through collaborative projects, you will learn how to map, diagnose, and intervene in systemic challenges using advanced design and technical methods. The module tackles urgent issues such as climate adaptation, responsible technology, and inclusive innovation - focusing on areas like resilient healthcare services, sustainable climate interventions, and responsible digital transformation. Guest lectures, industry-led workshops, and field-based insights connect you with current practices and ensure that your learning remains relevant on both regional and global scales.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate accurate and effective academic research and communication skills.

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Analyse and synthesise diverse disciplinary and cultural perspectives to co-design inclusive, user-centred, and sustainable solutions that address complex societal, environmental, and technological challenges.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Design and test rapid prototypes of technology-enabled products and service s, using iterative methods to explore and refine solutions.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Critically analyse examples and case studies relevant to design innovation and technology.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Critical engagement with key ideas in design innovation and technology through creative practice.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching Methods: Lectures, keynote talks Industry specialists - led workshops Studio-based project tutorials Case study discussion Visiting speakers and industry collaborators Study visits and field research Technical assistance Learning methods, that include independent learning during non-contact time, will include: Group and collaborative projects and tasks Study visits Independent research and investigation Online reference material research Peer group learning and peer assessment tasks Problem-solving activities Class discussion/critiques Student presentations Reflection on verbal or written feedback offered during seminars, tutorials, group activities Evaluation of feedback: this may take the form of reflective formative tasks

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	252
Teaching	48
Total study time	300

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Presentation & Peer Discussion

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment:
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Portfolio	100%

Module overview

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Knowledge and Understanding

Syllabus

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Assessment

Formative

Presentation & Peer Discussion

Summative