Course Overview

Course Title: Technology and Innovation in Occupational Therapy
Credit Points: 12
Nominal Hours:
Course Coordinator: Kylee Lockwood
Course Coordinator Phone:
Course Coordinator Email: kylee.lockwood@rmit.edu.au
Course Summary

In this course, you will explore how rehabilitation technologies, emerging digital technologies and human-centred design can enhance participation and wellbeing across diverse communities. Building on knowledge developed throughout the program, you will examine how physical, cognitive, sensory, psychosocial and environmental factors shape everyday occupations, and how thoughtfully designed technologies can support people to engage in meaningful activities across the lifespan. 

Through practical workshops, case scenarios and collaborative design activities, you will work with a range of technologies, from low-tech assistive solutions to digital tools, smart environments and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. You will evaluate their application using occupation-centred and evidence-informed approaches, and apply human-centred and universal design principles to identify participation challenges, develop ideas and prototype potential solutions. 

Learning activities may involve collaboration with students or professionals from other disciplines such as design, engineering or digital health, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary technology innovation. You will explore how occupational therapy perspectives contribute to the design, adaptation and evaluation of technologies that support participation. 

You will also consider cultural, ethical and social factors that influence technology access and use, including issues of digital inclusion, usability and sustainability. By the end of this course, you will be able to integrate occupational therapy reasoning, design thinking and technological innovation to develop practical and inclusive solutions that enhance participation in real-world contexts. 

Full Course Information
View detailed overview on Course Guide