Topic outline

  • Assignments

    To pass the course, students need to complete the given personal and group assignments, actively participate in class – 80% attendance is required, create a concept and an early prototype, and document their progress in a report. 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.

    Individual deliverables

    Benchmarking report

    • A report documenting 3–4 cases you analyzed
    • Start with a one-paragraph "executive summary" – just call it Summary
    • Use screenshots and photos (where applicable) to illustrate the discussion
    • Maximum length: three A4 pages
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of writing, analysis, structure and argumentation
    • Submitted as a PDF through MyCourses, see below
    • Deadline: Feb 5

    Diffusion essay

    • A personal reflective essay on the diffusion of an innovation you've experienced yourself
    • Choose the topic yourself – confirm with us if unsure
    • 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: two A4 pages
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of writing, reflection, structure and use of theory
    • Deadline: Feb 15

    Idea presentation

    • A presentation about your project idea to others: what is it, why would it be worth pursuing?
    • Maximum duration: 5 minutes + 2 for discussion (rehearse the timings!)
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of presentation, insight, argumentation and structure
    • Deadline: Feb 11
    • Even if we didn't say so earlier, submit your slides below so that we can check them again and share them to others to help group formation


    Group efforts

    Mid-term presentation

    • 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 and benchmarking
    • Graded 0–5 based on the quality of presentation, use of examples, argumentation and structure
    • Deadline: Feb 26

    Final presentation

    • 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 and outcome of the project
    • Deadline: Apr 16

    Report

    • Recommended length: 10–12 A4 pages
    • Include in the report at least a description of your concept, your progress, the outcome, 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, argumentation and reflection
    • Deadline: Apr 30


    Grading

    • 20–23: 1
    • 24–27: 2
    • 28–31: 3
    • 32–35: 4
    • 36–40: 5

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