Unit Aim
The aim of this unit is to provide Learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills in a collaborative and multidisciplinary structure to explore and apply human-centric design methodology in interior environments. Learners work on an interdisciplinary collaborative project with students from other programs.
Unit Content
Know the challenges, dynamics and opportunities of collaborative teamwork in design projects.
Team challenges and opportunities
Communication and conflict resolution
Trust, accountability, and team dynamics
Benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration
Know the roles and contributions of various consultants and disciplines in collaborative design.
Consultant roles (e.g., architects, engineers, lighting designers, sustainability experts)
Interdisciplinary workflows and coordination
Role clarity and mutual respect in team settings
Be able to delegate, manage and execute tasks effectively within a collaborative design process.
Task division and role assignment
Time management and scheduling
Use of tracking tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, Gantt charts)
Accountability and progress reporting
Be able to manage the design process holistically from concept to implementation in a team setting.
Stages of the design process (research, ideation, development, delivery)
Integrated design thinking
Collaborative decision-making
Case studies of holistic design projects
Know macro and micro design thinking in collaborative projects.
Understanding scale: site-wide vision vs. detailed interventions
Aligning individual contributions with overall project goals
Systems thinking and contextual awareness
Be able to contribute meaningfully to a team project and reflect on one’s role and value
Self-awareness and reflection
Identifying personal strengths and areas for growth
Articulating individual contributions
Peer and self-assessment
Be able to apply human-centric design methodologies in collaborative interior design projects
Principles of human-centric and user-focused design
Empathy mapping and user journey analysis
Co-design and participatory design techniques
Applying user insights to collaborative design solutions
