Topic outline

  • To pass the course, students need to complete the given assignments (see below), actively participate in class – 80% attendance is required, create a concept and an early prototype, and document their progress in a report. In the project phase the groups keep a diary of the tutoring meetings where they present their progress to the tutors. Grades will be based on the successful completion of the steps, the quality of the report and other written assignments, and the design outcome. More detailed requirements for each milestone are provided below.

    We definitely encourage you to submit the assignments in time, so after the deadline each day will earn you a minus point for the grade of the particular deliverable. If there is a force majeure contact us in advance and not after the deadline.

    Benchmarking report (DL 25.1.)

    • A report documenting 5–6 cases you analyzed
    • Start with a one-paragraph "executive summary" – just call it Summary
    • Use screenshots and photos (where applicable) to illustrate the discussion
    • Recommended maximum length: six A4 pages
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of writing, structure, choice and analysis of the cases, argumentation, and results that support the following stages
    • Submitted as a PDF through MyCourses, see below
    • Deadline: January 25 at 23:59

    Idea presentation (DL 2.2.)

    • A presentation about your project idea to other groups: what is it, why would it be worth pursuing?
    • Maximum duration: 10 minutes + 10 for discussion (rehearse the timings!)
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of presentation, insight, relevance of the topic, argumentation that supports the idea, use of examples, and structure. Do not go into overtime.
    • Deadline: February 2
    • Submit your slides below so that we can check them again

    Diffusion essay (DL 24.2.)

    • A reflective essay on the diffusion of an innovation that relates to your project
    • Choose the exact topic yourself – confirm with us first
    • Discuss at least the topics of (see the slides):
      • Innovation-decision process
      • Perceived attributes of innovations
      • Adopter groups
    • If some part of the theory doesn't apply, you can say that too
    • Maximum length: four A4 pages
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of writing, reflection, structure and use of theory. Remember to cover all the three topics mentioned above.
    • Submitted as a PDF through MyCourses, see below
    • Deadline: February 24 at 23:59 (moved from Feb 15)

    Mid-project presentation (DL 22.2.)

    • Presentation on your groupwork idea
    • Maximum duration: 20 minutes + 10 for discussion (rehearse the timings!)
    • What is your project all about? Why is it important? How do you pursue your goals? What is the expected outcome? Who is your target audience?
    • You can use material from the idea presentation, diffusion essay and benchmarking
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of presentation, use of examples, viability of the proposal, argumentation, and structure. Do not go into overtime.
    • Deadline: February 22

    Final presentation (DL 20.4.)

    • Presentation of the final work you did, be it a prototype, well-developed concept or something else
    • Maximum duration: 20 minutes + 10 for discussion (rehearse the timings!)
    • Focus on your process and progress, present concrete steps and outcomes
    • Dare to show dead ends and discarded ideas too
    • Graded 0–10 based on the quality of presentation, structure, outcome of the project (quality, extent, relevance), and discussion of your design process. Again, do not go into overtime.
    • Deadline: April 20

    Final report (DL 8.5.)

    • Recommended length: 10–12 A4 pages
    • Include in the report at least a description of your concept, your progress, the outcome, testing results, your own reflection on the shortcomings and merits of the project, and future development ideas
    • Again, start with a one-paragraph summary that crystallizes your concept, main findings and next steps
    • Use visual material such as mockups, sketches and screenshots
    • Graded 0–10 based on the quality of writing, structure, documentation of your progress, argumentation, and in particular reflection – honest assessment of the merits and shortcomings of your work
    • Deadline: May 8


    Grading

    • 20–23: 1 (passable)
    • 24–27: 2 (satisfactory)
    • 28–31: 3 (good)
    • 32–35: 4 (very good)
    • 36–40: 5 (excellent)