| Unit name | In the Wild |
|---|---|
| Unit code | INOVM0001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Ms. Lizzie Harrison |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Transdisciplinary Group Project 1: Being Human Design and Systems Thinking for Innovation |
| Co-requisites |
Transdisciplinary Group Project 4: Building a Demonstrator |
| School/department | Centre for Innovation |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
A key part of the success of innovation is the degree to which it is adopted by the community for which it is intended. Students will already be skilled in design thinking, but influencing and leading stakeholders to change ways of working requires different skills, which are not generally practised well in the workplace. Transitioning from studying at university to starting your own enterprise or being a change agent within an existing organisation is a big step, especially given the turbulent political, social, economic and environmental climate. This unit is intended firstly, to smooth the transition from designing for clients to working within diverse communities of practice in all their rich complexity. Secondly to experience and realise the real-world challenge of adopting and diffusing innovation.
The unit weaves together 3 strands of learning;
With the support of staff and mentors, the students will consider their future career path and required competencies. Using their own networks, with support from staff, students will secure a research opportunity at one or more organisations (start-ups, companies, third sector) relevant to their own interests. Students will work within their chosen organisation(s) on a piece of innovation-based research. Having defined their research question, drawing on skills gained in years 1-3 they will gain valuable insights into working and how innovation is supported in organisations outside of university.
Students will draw on insights gained ‘in the wild’ to create and tailor a portfolio of products showcasing their capabilities and the contribution they can make in their chosen field of practice. In the process, they will critically reflect on their interests, expertise, and values to help inform their future career(s).
Throughout the unit the students will be supported through a series of lectures and workshops. The group will come together to share lessons learnt through student-led peer mentoring, action-learning sets, and tutor supported coaching to actively reflect on their experiences, build resilience and foster peer support. Building on the practical sessions, lectures and workshops students will explore the nature of influence, power dynamics, leadership, values, impact, purpose, empathy and ethics in innovation.
Lectures, workshops and engaged learning “In the Wild”. This unit will have some significant student-led aspects: students may choose the setting for their research and will have flexibility in terms of with whom and how they conduct their research. Students will be given tools, methodologies, mentoring and support to discover and develop their skills in the wild.
The required reading will be dependent upon the project chosen
