Sustainable Innovation: Design Thinking with AI module (DJ51050)

The module weaves together the exploration of design’s value, methods, and impact. It will do this by integrating humanity-centred design thinking methodologies, sustainable innovation, and human-AI collaboration. You will be introduced to design methodologies. These will equip you with a systematic understanding of design as a mindset, process and strategy. This module addresses complex and real-world challenges in a structured and creative way.

You will cover topics such as:

• Introduction to design thinking
• Sustainable development in design
• Innovation strategies for future-focused design
• AI in design practices
• Humanity-Centred design mindset
• Project Development and management

These topics will represent a broad overview and allow you to dig deep quickly and reflect slowly. 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• cover fundamental principles, key concepts, and methodologies. These including essential design frameworks and research methods. You will cover the Double Diamond framework, ethnographic research, user journey map, persona, and data analysis
• explore core concepts and frameworks. These include the Triple Bottom Line and Circular Economy. This will allow you to foster a deeper understanding of sustainability considerations in design activities
• examine methodologies for anticipating and leveraging social, cultural, environmental, and technological change. You will use these to drive forward-thinking design solutions.
• take part in in-depth discussions on the development and application of AI tools in design. This will also cover ethical considerations, and AI-powered tools for ideation, visualisation, prototyping, and testing. You will analyse AI’s evolving role in shaping future design workflows. You will also look at its impact on creative design outcomes
• explore the application of real-world case studies on sustainable innovation. This will allow you to cultivate a socially responsible and ethical approach to design.
• learn the fundamentals of project planning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and co-creation activities. You will also learn storytelling techniques for effectively communicating design concepts and solutions

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand fundamental principles, key concepts, and methodologies
• understand core concepts and frameworks
• understand sustainability considerations in design activities
• drive forward-thinking design solutions
• understand AI’s impact on creative design outcomes
• cultivate a socially responsible and ethical approach to design

Assignments / assessment

• Project development documentation (40%)  
  • You will form a small group to apply the Design Thinking process. You will explore a research area related to contemporary social, commercial, and environmental challenges. Your group will use a range of design research methods to investigate a specific real-world challenge. You will also identify opportunities for innovation.
• Oral presentation (10%)
  • Each group will develop and deliver a 5-10 minute presentation based on the research conducted for the project development documentation assessment.
• Reflective report (40%)
  • You will write a 2,500-word reflective report. This will critically evaluates your experiences and contributions throughout the module. You will be able to reflect on the research process, methodologies, and efforts involved in the Project Development Documentation and Oral Presentation
• Social media project communication (10%)  
  • You will create and maintain a professional social media profile. This will be on platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or another mainstream network. This profile will serve as a digital portfolio to document your learning journey. You will also be able to document project development, and outcomes throughout the module and course study

This module does not have a final exam. 

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• guest talks
• hands-on workshops
• field research
• one-on-one and group tutorials
• online learning materials

A curated library reading list, along with open-source cases and tools, will also be provided as part of the online learning resources. This will offer you a structured approach to your readings and a toolkit aligned with their weekly activities. 

AI (Artificial Intelligence) in teaching and learning

You will also receive supporting materials to help you understand the Generative AI Code of Conduct. This is to ensure ethical academic practice and secure data protection.

Further information can be found on our Get help with acknowledging and using AI responsibly in assessment and study guide.