Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

This module provides frameworks and methods for understanding complex systems and design thinking, informed by systems and design theory. You will learn frameworks, processes and methods that support the design of new products and systems that interact with real-world scenarios. You will apply frameworks and discover, define, develop and deliver a proposal to solve a complex, human-centred challenge.

Indicative content includes:

• Systems in real-world scenarios
• We readily understand and solve problems that are well defined, but the systems we need to design are required to work in the real world; in situations that are ill-defined.
• Systems Thinking
• Systems interact with their environment creating outcomes that are unexpected.
• Frameworks, processes, and methods to understand complex human-centred challenges.
• Models taken from control theory to model human and social systems.
• Design Thinking
• Direct, linear approaches to solving complex problems seldom work.
• Iterative, divergent and convergent proceses and methods and the co-evolution of problem-solution pairs.
• Structured Communicaiton
• Complex challenges are multifaceted and scenario based approaches.

excellent

Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevent areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

threshold

Equivalent to 40%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

good

Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

1. Communicate challenges, their component aspects, potential solutions and their designs in an efficient manner.

2. Illustrate systems, in real-world scenarios, using frameworks that help discover and define complex human-centric problems.

3. Apply frameworks, processes and methods to explore and analyse complex human centred challenges.

4. Combine and apply frameworks to develop and deliver prototypes for solutions to problems analysed.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Group Project		60.00
	Unseen Examination		40.00

		Hours
Private study	Tutor-directed private study, including revision.	80
Group Project	Students complete a group project, 12 through Enterprise by Design.	100
Lecture	Traditional lecture (2 hrs x 10 weeks)	20

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
• Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Identify emerging technologies and technology trends;
• Apply an understanding and appreciation of continuous improvement techniques
• Apply underpinning concepts and ideas of engineering;
• Solve problems logically and systematically;
• Plan, budget, organise and manage people and resources;
• Agree objectives and work plans with individuals;
• Use both verbal and written communication skills to different target audiences;
• Communicate proposals persuasively and respond positively to feedback;
• Analyse and display data using appropriate methods and mathematical techniques;
• Demonstrate familiarity with relevant subject specific and general computer software packages.
• Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles & theories
• Use of such knowledge in modelling and design
• Problem solving strategies
• Analyse if/how a system meets current and future requirements
• Deploy theory in design, implementation and evaluation of systems
• Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic issues
• Knowledge of management techniques to achieve objectives
• Specify, design or construct computer-based systems
• Evaluate systems in terms of quality and trade-offs
• Recognise risk/safety for safe operation of computing equipment
• Deploy tools effectively
• Work as a member of a development team
• Development of general transferable skills
• Deploy systems to meet business goals
• Knowledge of systems architecture
• Specify, deploy, verify and maintain information systems
• Defining problems, managing design process and evaluating outcomes
• System Design
• Knowledge and/or understanding of appropriate scientific and engineering principles
• Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles
• Knowledge and understanding of computational modelling
• Specify, deploy, verify and maintain computer-based systems
• Principles of appropriate supporting engineering and scientific disciplines

Compulsory in courses:

• GW49: BSC Creative Technologies year 3 (BSC/CT)