Course Title: Human Centred Design

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Human Centred Design

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr Azizur Rahman

Course Coordinator Phone: 03 9925 6489

Course Coordinator Email: azizur.rahman@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 008.08.50

Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed PUBH1012 Human Factors and Ergonomics before you commence this course. 

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.  

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 


Course Description

In this course you will apply the principles and methods of Human Centered Design (HCD) in designing industrial and office workplaces, tasks, and products that meet the needs of users. You will explore essential concepts in HCD methodology which include applied anthropometry, usability testing, user experience, design thinking, design cycle, design evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of designs. You will examine and apply different engineering approaches to augment workplace designs, hand-held and operated products. 

A key feature of this course is the design and iteration of ergonomic product prototypes to industry standards. The assessments in this course develop a product solution to an ergonomic issue that will be presented to industry partners and peers.   

 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) 

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  • Determine and apply knowledge of complex occupational health and safety theory, principles and best practice to applied projects to contribute to the profession and discipline of occupational health and safety 
  • Professionally communicate and justify project scope, design, implementation, strategy and /or outcomes, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders across a range of industry sectors  
  • Apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively address the diverse needs of occupational health and safety practice, designing innovative solutions and demonstrating independent, sound and ethical decision making related to your professional practice and the discipline. 
  • Utilise specific research and technical skills to strategically develop and implement occupational health and safety strategies and solutions that address complex problems and issues to enhance health and safety deliverables and governance in creative and sustainable ways 


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

CLO 1: Apply the principles of Human Centered Design (HCD) in the design of workplace processes, tasks and consumer products 

CLO2: Identify and use HCD tools including digital human models to design prototypes 

CLO3: Evaluate and Iterate design improvements to products, tasks, and workplaces  

CLO4: Perform cost benefit analysis on design improvements that include the return on investment and the OH&S perspective 


Overview of Learning Activities

Key concepts and their application will be set out in lectures, tutorials and through a range of relevant resources and readings. 

Real world scenarios on key topics will be used to build your capacity to think critically and analytically and apply developing knowledge of underpinning technical skills. 

You will receive feedback on academic progress when assignments are returned. 

You are expected to contribute to class discussion to enhance your reflective and communication skills. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

You will be directed to a range of texts, journal articles and other web-based material that provide a current understanding of the knowledge in this area. 

Lectures, voice files and other materials will be available on myRMIT (Canvas).  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: User Analysis and Prototype Development  (30%) CLO1, CLO2 

Assessment Task 2: Evaluate, iterate, and refine the prototype (40%)  CLO2, CLO3, CLO4 

Assessment Task 3: Presentation of the design (30%) CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 & CLO4 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.