Bachelor of UX and Web Design

The subject introduces business practices such as costing, time management, value engineering and general models of monetising and valuing output typical of a variety of design industries. Case study analyses’ of a typical design industry business practices, domestic and international, acquaint students with the differences and similarities that exist. Students learn about contractual agreements, and where appropriate become familiar with international shipping and distribution terms as well as an introduction to design copyright laws. Initial overview of time allocation practices and the creation and understanding costing terms such as: Bill Of Material (BOM) /Scope of Work / Deliverables used in typical projects is followed by application. Students plan a project from start to finish through to the development of an appropriate project management plan for their industry such as time management charts with typical dependencies highlighted and costed.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Project Plan, Proposal

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

Problem-based learning (PBL) builds students’ capacity to become increasingly proficient at addressing complex design problems with creative confidence. Students enhance their design thinking skills and mindsets to deal with the natural uncertainty of complex problems in this subject. They acquire the confidence to iteratively reframe these problems and take risks to create novel evidence-based solutions while preserving ambiguity throughout the process. Students acquire the necessary skills by engaging actively, independently and in collaborative multidisciplinary teams with complex social and meaningful problems. Learning happens by living the process, witnessing their peers’ progress and reflecting on their own experience while supported with academic learning resources.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Individual Reflection, Self and Peer Evaluation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject introduces students to design thinking through the 'Double Diamond’ methodology, a collaborative process that facilitates the investigation of project challenges, synthesises appropriate concepts and delivers proposals that fulfil the needs of people, the possibilities of technology and the requirements for business success. It is a methodology that utilises both divergent and convergent thinking approaches to problem-solving. It is a method that focuses upon meanings instead of features and the quest for disruptive change, instead of incremental improvement. Students are emphatically encouraged to adopt a visionary approach. Divided into four distinct phases –Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver –the Double Diamond is a simple visual roadmap which helps students understand and frame their design-thinking to define problems, develop potential solutions and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Assessment Tasks: Proposal, Presentation, Blog, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject introduces dynamic web development and database driven web design both with and without frameworks. The traditional backend web language PHP is initially introduced to develop custom web templates that pull data via MySQL. From these fundamentals, students develop custom coded templates using modern content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress. Students will be required to code flexible design solutions to visualise and manage complex and variable content. How to develop custom web solutions for clients and the tools to meet specific design and project requirements is also explored.

Pre-requisite: DIG103 Interaction Design

Assessment Tasks: PHP Web Page, Video, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the programming concepts behind the Python language, giving students an entry into a range of diverse fields that use Python for digital outcomes to extend their career opportunities and capabilities. The subject introduces fundamental programming concepts such as object-oriented programming, algorithms, data manipulation and visualisation methodologies. Students will be required to complete fundamental learning tasks that explore data, incorporate frameworks and external libraries and the visualisation of data with an emphasis on design opportunities implementing the coding concepts of Python.

Pre-requisite: JSF100 Javascript Fundamentals

Assessment Tasks: Programming project, report, interactive application, video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces web app development, which is a blend of web design, development, and software engineering. The relationship between data, design and logic are explored in modern frameworks to develop complex web-based interfaces that are reactive and real-time. The subject will examine modern backend and frontend technologies that have changed the approach to designing and developing for the modern web. The subject will also include methods for using dynamic application programming interfaces (APIs), decoding and displaying JavaScript object notation (JSON) to develop dynamic web design.

Pre-requisite: JSF100 JavaScript Fundamentals

Assessment Tasks: 3-5 Webpage Site and Video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of user experience design by introducing research methods to identify and explore user needs in contemporary digital applications. Students will first define the user experience problem and hypothesise on solutions before analysing and addressing audience and content requirements. Students will work through concept development, prototyping, validation and testing phases to create and refine user-centred design solutions for interactive media.

Pre-requisite: DIG103 Interaction Design

Assessment Tasks: Web Based UI Prototype, Report, Video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Social Enterprise is an exciting theoretically-based subject that is driven by the desire to create positive change through entrepreneurial activities. These activities harness design thinking and problem-solving processes in the realisation of pragmatic, viable project proposals from initiation to client presentation. By providing students with a framework to understand business model generation and the skills to source, evaluate, and measure opportunities through systematic research and competitor analysis, Social Enterprise empowers students to conceptualise, develop and propose new ventures and products that focus primarily upon social change for good. In addition, this subject will help students understand and address the practical challenges of working within this environment; to analyse different entrepreneurial business strategies, to explore diverse funding strategies, as well as incorporate theoretical discussions on major trends and issues in the social economy. Social Enterprise enables students to appreciate the power of creativity in problem-solving and the importance of the designer’s role in making a difference and precipitating change.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. The aim of providing industry-specific opportunities is to enable students to develop skills that will enhance their prospects of gaining meaningful employment and building their career for the future.
Much of the benefit of work integrated learning comes from observation, practicing under supervision and reflection. Work Integrated Learning is an excellent way to broaden the students learning environment while they are studying. It allows them to see first-hand how what they are learning in their degree translates into practice, as well as how ‘real world’ practice relates to what they are learning at University.
This subject will develop work ready skills and boost students’ employability while they are studying.

There are two work integrated learning options available to students:
Option 1: Internship
Students are offered the opportunity to work within a professional design environment for an extended period of time. It encourages students to build long-term relationships with the design industry and exposes them to the rigour of applied design practice while building their confidence in adapting to new environments. It also provides a context in which to enhance their communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. Students will undertake a series of research tasks, conducting interviews and gathering data in order to understand the key concepts in managing a professional design practice with emphasis placed on the operation of the professional design environment.

Option 2: Industry Live Brief 
This subject requires students to respond to criteria set within the context of an Industry Live Project. An understanding of research methodologies appropriate to professional practice and the documentation of personal creative investigation will be explored. Students will also further investigate and examine entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities through collaborative work practice. The subject is delivered from a cross discipline perspective and draws on both discipline specific and common design practices.
Students are required to work both independently or as part of a collaborative team in order to conduct research, analyse and define project parameters and deliver innovative solutions that expand the notion of an industry live brief.

Assessment Tasks: Internship, e-Journal

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces User Interface (UI) methodologies for designing component libraries for scalable projects. Students will design, develop and code their own library of reusable web design components for future client projects. This subject also introduces alternative web design theories such as atomic structure and Git code project management. Students are required to produce a library of web components within a modern framework in response to a client brief. Students will need to employ all web coding and design skillsets learnt throughout their degree to develop their own feature library.

Pre-requisite: WAD200 Web App Development

Assessment Tasks: Webpage, Webpage Components, Web Development Folder

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to advanced UX applications and methodologies that reflect professional UX employment opportunities. Through a series of design sprints this subject explores the scoping, planning, designing and delivery of a complex feature of a UX design project following user-centred and agile design processes. A range of UX methodologies such as accessibility, information architecture, functionality, user psychology and behaviour, and project management are examined. Students extend their knowledge of research, design, prototyping, and validation methodologies through the development of a single innovative complex feature of a mobile app or web service.

Pre-requisite: UXF200 UX Fundamentals

Assessment Tasks: Report, Interactive Prototypes, Video, Video Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject enables students to investigate and implement emerging processes, practices, and techniques within design and technology. Students identify an area for professional development and personal exploration, then conceptualise and articulate a self-initiated major project brief. Students design, deliver, and document a major design project that acts as a vessel for personal creative output. Students identify an emotional and authentic core to their body of work, reinforcing their unique position as emerging design professionals.

Assessment Tasks: Design Project, Report, Design Artefact

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on exploring a broader understanding of design portfolios and the presentation of creative works to form a cohesive and authentic personal narrative. Contextualised through the lens of current industry requirements, students define their own design philosophy, then use this to critique their work and compose a cohesive professional identity and portfolio. Supported by self-directed research, students evaluate contemporary styles, methods, and formats of presentation to deliver a portfolio and suite of materials that can be used to initiate dialogue between themselves and the design industry.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Design Artefact, Presentation, Design Portfolio, Resume

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the theory and practice of information design, displaying data with purpose to foster understanding and engagement. Using a variety of sources, students identify and collate quantitative and qualitative data before synthesising and analysing it with applied organisational methods. Using visualisation techniques, students bring the information to life by telling its story in graphic and/or interactive form that represents the data in an effective and compelling way.

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Design Artefact, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

3D Asset Creation introduces the fundamental concepts of developing 3D models for use in digital media and allows the students to familiarise with industry standard 3D modelling tools and techniques to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Students will develop a foundational understanding for the principles and techniques required for creating practical digital assets such as props, characters and environments.

Assessment Tasks: Render 3D design project

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject students will study the history and evolution of art and design acknowledging the major influences and commentators of the industry.

The introduction of essential fundamental design principles and elements build to a comprehensive understanding, enabling students to start seeing and thinking like a designer.

Students will be challenged to develop visual solutions to design problems and acquire the knowledge, skills and perspective necessary to identify and articulate techniques and concepts exhibited in design work.

This is followed by an in-depth look at the design process from receiving the brief up to the client presentation and reflection on success of project.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Presentation, Journal, Design Artefact, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit.

Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums.

Assessment Tasks: Online test, vector file, raster and layout file

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and methodologies utilised in software development. Students will develop proficiency in user requirement analysis and software planning in order to address software project requirements. Fundamental procedural programming skills followed by Object Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm will be introduced to enable students to deliver viable coding solutions. Lastly, students will verify and validate software solutions using an industry standard modelling language for presentation to technical and non-technical audiences.

Pre-requisite: ITP122 Introduction to Programming (only a pre-requisite for Diploma of Information Technology, Bachelor of Information Technology and Associate Degree of Information Technology courses)

Assessment Tasks: Workbook, software project

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

The goal of this subject is to familiarise the student with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and the problems AI can solve. The course content is organised around the three main areas of AI: Search, Logic and Learning. Topics covered include basic search, heuristic search, adversarial search, constraint satisfaction, logical agents, logic and inference, knowledge representation, probabilistic reasoning, knowledge in learning, learning probabilistic models, learning and ethics of AI.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Workbook, Report, Source Code

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject develops idea generation and concept development practices applied to motion graphic sequences. As a means of enriching the design process, the history of motion graphic traditions such as broadcast and film title design are also investigated. Students develop motion graphic animations using a variety of techniques that may include kinetic typography, 2D and 2.5D animation, video compositing, visual effects, and rotoscoping. By exploring new techniques students expand their video, animation and mixed media production abilities.

Assessment Tasks: Video Pitch Presentation, Process Diary, Render

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject enables students to analyse and develop effective typographic systems for use in contemporary visual identity contexts. Students experience designing a logotype which forms the conceptual and visual basis of a complex, cohesive and typographically-driven identity. Students investigate methods and techniques that can be used to establish a coherent visual language across a variety of mediums and applications. Students identify the function of typography as a vehicle to communicate in literal and abstract terms, developing their understanding of visual rhetoric, layout, hierarchy structures, material selection and specification, and use of digital technology. Students explore the intrinsic and extrinsic features of typography and use it to develop an appropriate tone of voice intended to complement the logotype design. Students conceptualise and visualise type as three-dimensional form, abstract visual form, pattern, and secondary visual language.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject provides students with introductory knowledge of data, life cycle of data science, ecosystem of data science, data scientist tools and relevant industry scenarios. In addition to students being introduced to the ideas behind turning data into information, they will also be introduced to the data scientist's toolbox that includes basic statistical knowledge and fundamentals of Python programming language. Key topics include data scientist skills and responsibilities in a business setting such as planning, performing and presenting insights, data manipulation tools and techniques, and data science codes of ethics.

Assessment Tasks: Essay, report, programming project

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on the value that design strategy brings to business through the exploration of disruptive and systematic problem-solving approaches. Students utilise service design principles to research, analyse, and define opportunities, streamline systems and processes, and formulate strategic responses to user and market needs. Students create an innovative business solution that drives holistic long-term sustainability alongside commercial viability that reimagines conventional business models in the 21st century.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject focuses on strategic brand and communication approaches in driving shifts in ingrained cultural perspectives to create societal change. Through research and critical analysis, students work to understand the broader contextual influences, as well as macro and micro drivers of cognition and behavior, in creating societal perspectives. Students expand on their knowledge of design thinking to examine how disruptive ideas can provide the opportunity to culture hack, leveraging the coercive power of design in branded customer experiences to drive a progressive ‘culture of change’.

Assessment Tasks: Video, Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online