Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation

The Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation introduces design practitioners and students from non-design backgrounds to design as a strategic resource in organisations.

Students explore design management in a strategic and operational context.

They also learn about strategic foresight tools in relation to design and develop skills in design research.

The course provides students with a sound introduction to design practice and design thinking, and the value these bring to successful organisations.

The Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation provides a unique opportunity to integrate design thinking, design management and strategy, systems and complexity thinking, innovation processes, futures forecasting, leadership and advanced sustainability practice within the same course.

The course is suited to designers and non-designers who wish to complement their existing skills with the frameworks, strategies, techniques and tools to solve complex problems and integrate design-led strategies into existing practice in business, government agencies, social enterprise and communities.

The course will prepare graduates to create, lead and manage new products, systems and services that have a sustainable impact on the economy, society and the environment.

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation, students must complete 50 credit points comprising three Design Core units.

Units of study

DDD70015 Design Management DDD40001 Studio 1: Methods for Design Research FST80008 Designing for Change

* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.

Students with a recognised three-year bachelor qualification are eligible for entry into the Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation, students will be able to progress on to the Graduate Diploma or the Master of Design Strategy and Innovation.

The course aims to provide graduates with an understanding of how design, design methods and design strategies integrate with management and innovation. It enables graduates to understand the management of design as a value-add resource in business. It is particularly suitable for ‘mid-career’ designers moving into management or strategy-related positions, or those responsible for managing design resources.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation, graduates will be able to:

• Review and explain current practices and trends in design practice, strategy and management as they relate to social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts.
• Conceptually and technically investigate complex information, problems, concepts and theory and interpret them through independent research and projects on design strategy and innovation.
• Use research principles, methods and communication skills to review theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and outcomes to a professional standard.
• Express critical thinking in planning, problem solving and decision making during design projects.
• Review and demonstrate design thinking, design management, strategy, innovation processes, futures forecasting, and sustainability.

The Swinburne Graduate Attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:

• Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
• Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• Effective and ethical in work and community situations
• Adaptable and able to manage change
• Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)