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IA20130

Academic Year 2026/2027

Designing the Future (IA20130)

Subject:
Innovation Academy
College:
VP - Research, Innov & Impact
School:
Innovation Academy
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Thomas Macagno
Trimester:
Autumn and Spring (separate)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

Both the working and academic worlds are changing rapidly. 'Designing the Future' will help to develop your innovation, communication, and design skills needed to evolve and thrive.

Through a series of tasks and challenges, you will learn how to use a variety of MakerSpace tools and the Design Thinking Process to solve real challenges, concluding the module with a portfolio-ready project. We will consider the impacts of design, material, and environments / social sustainability in the prototyping and making process. We will cover both transversal skills and technical skills such as 3D printing, laser cutting, vacuum forming, and more.

Open to all disciplines, this module is suitable for those with little or no prior making experience and those who know the basics but may want practical hands-on experience with prototyping technology.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

The Design Thinking Process
Physical prototyping
3D Modelling and Vector Design essentials
3D Printing & biomaterials
Vacuum Forming and mould making
Laser Cutting/Engraving
Electronics

Over the course of the module, you will be introduced to a variety of technology and visualisation tools. You will build ideation, testing, and prototyping skills while improving your communication skills with non-technical audiences.
Using these skills, you will make physical prototypes using 3D printing, wood, acrylic and other materials culminating in a creative project which may be used in a professional portfolio.

FORMAT:

This module is offered face-to-face only. There will be a mix of facilitated classes and practical sessions, as well as teamwork and individual tasks to be completed outside of class time. Enrolment in an Innovation Academy module means a commitment to active participation and engagement, which necessitates attendance at all scheduled classes.

NOTE ON ASSESSMENTS:

Assessment is continuous throughout the module, with a final reflection due at the module end.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1) Build skills and confidence in the design process.
2) Learn how to get, and action on, user feedback.
3) Practice hard skills - 3D printing, laser cutting, vacuum forming, and more.
4) Build a product - managing the whole process from design to real-life product.
5) Practice essential soft skills such as working in a cross-discipline team and preparing engaging pitches.
6) Discover how AI can be used positively in the Design Process.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Advanced Beginner

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Advanced Beginner

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Competent

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Advanced Beginner

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Advanced Beginner

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Advanced Beginner

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 3

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 1

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 3

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 3

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 3

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 2
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Small Group

20
Tutorial

6
Specified Learning Activities

35
Autonomous Student Learning

35
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
All Innovation Academy modules take a 'learning by doing' approach, combining individual, and group activities and tasks including projects, discussion and reflection. Guest speakers will share their own experiences and lessons learnt.

- Active/task-based learning
- Real-world challenges
- Teamwork
- Reflective Learning
- Enquiry & Problem-based learning
- Student Presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Design Project: Team project showcasing the learning objectives throughout the trimester. This will involve work throughout the weeks and be presented at the end of the module. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes
40
 Yes
Participation in Learning Activities: Includes but is not limited to specified activities and assignments in the classes and practical sessions, in-class presentations, and in-class practical use of machinery/techniques Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes
40
 Yes
Reflective Assignment: Reflective Assignment: A final reflective assignment is due at the end of the module, with regular checkpoints throughout the course. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes
20
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Facilitators will give verbal feedback on classroom-based continuous assessment activities such as group presentations, presentation materials and other deliverables.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 15:00 - 16:50
Spring Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 16:50
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