Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - IAT 431 D100

Speculative Design (4)

Class Number: 7128

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides students with the opportunity to experiment with designing in various non-normative frameworks provided by cultural studies, critical theory and phenomenology. Students will examine design's potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. Rather than merely illustrating theoretical positions, this examination involves enacting and embodying differing theoretical positions, thereby rendering criticism productive. Individual design expertise and voice is emphasized.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description   Provides students with the opportunity to experiment with designing in various non-normative frameworks. Students will examine design's potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. Rather than merely illustrating critical positions, this examination involves enacting and embodying differing design positions, thereby rendering criticism productive. Individual design expertise and voice is emphasized.

The course provides students with the opportunity to experiment with design using alternative design perspectives, such as critical design, material speculation, design fiction, and ludic design. The focus is on studying and designing to support real world social change and cultural critique. Students will examine design’s potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. This examination involves enacting and embodying differing speculative design positions.

Course Objectives   The goal of this course is to develop skills necessary for understanding, interpreting, and thinking about future designs. Students will study the theoretical perspectives of speculative design, methods for creating flexible and innovative designs of the future, and techniques for critiquing culture and design. Lectures will be complemented with hands-on activities in design studios along with assignments aimed at creating conceptual design proposals and future design prototypes.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Outcomes   Students will be able to:

  • understand, critique and analyze designs from non-typical design perspectives such as material speculation, critical design, ludic design, and design fiction
  • analyze, evaluate, and critically reflect on the design of human-centered solutions with respect to current and emerging design, social and cultural issues
  • design a tangible artifact or digital program from non-typical design perspectives
  • create an exhibition of a final, highly resolved speculative design project to understand and receive critical feedback and cultural understanding by non-designers

Grading

  • Individual Assignments 30%
  • Group Assignments 30%
  • Final Group Project 40%

NOTES:

Your total course grade will consist of the following percentage breakdown:

10% Individual Assignments
90% Group Projects 

Group projects breakdown as follows:
4 Initial mini group projects will involve students working on pre-assigned teams. Teams will be assigned to ensure nearly all students have an opportunity to work with each other. The 4 initial group projects collectively add up to 40% of overall total grade. 

The Final project will be worth 50% and students can self-select their teams (with the constraint of having a size per team). 

All team/group assignments must be completed as a group with your respective team members. 

Your TA and Instructor will have final say over who are your group/team members.

REQUIREMENTS:

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

This course will require printing of a series of high-quality posters as well as other material costs (amount dependant on the nature and focus on your mini projects and also your final project).

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.