This unit equips international students preparing to undertake an undergraduate course with foundation knowledge to undertake first year degree undergraduate study in a range of disciplines. This units aims to:
1) promote knowledge and understanding of the history and practice of design since the mid 18th Century
2) enable students to explore the roles played by design within the context of social, political and economic issues
3) expand student involvement in critical thinking.
Particular attention is paid to the four industrial revolutions: (urbanisation & factories, globalisation, communication & energy, artificial intelligence & robotics. Included in this unit is the history of design and design innovation during mid 18th century to mid 20th century, technologies and materials during that time, economic and socio-cultural impact of design during that time, the history of production, manufacture, distribution and retail during that time as well as the history of communication (advertising and media) during that time. The use of typography, illustration and photography are considered along with questions raised from the mid 20th century: sustainability, environment, mass production and craftsmanship.
