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System design is the process of defining the architecture, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specified requirements. This process has become more complex and multi-layered considering networked, sensor systems, and growing use of IoT technologies.

This module teaches students sensor system design thinking through the lens of speculative design. Speculative design is an approach used as a catalyst for collectively reimagining possible, plausible, probable, and preferable futures. While other design approaches focus on details, small requirements and issues; speculative design broadens the scope and tackles biggest challenges to disrupt current ways of thinking.

This module will enable students to think strategically about their decisions in complex interconnected situations, contrasting alternative paths from idea to deployment and end user feedback, when considering technical, user-specific, contextual, socio-economic, regulatory, and cultural factors for a system feasibility, desirability, and viability.

Aims:

The aims of this module are to:

• Enable students to think strategically about decisions in complex interconnected situations, contrasting alternative paths from idea to deployment, through a user-experience centred perspective.
• Help students to develop capabilities towards making choices with human, social, ethical awareness and privacy sensitivity in the increasing volatility, uncertainty and complexity of modern life.
• Engage students in the experience of uncertainty about the nature of a problem and thus what would constitute a solution (i.e., dealing with wicked problems or ‘messes’) drawing on relevant real-world application examples from academia and industry (e.g. through invited speakers).
• Nurture students’ capacity to strategically utilise both improved understanding of inter-relationships, and enhanced engagement with multiple perspectives.
• Enrich students understanding of systems thinking whilst making practical progress on situations from their existing work and interests.

Intended learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:

1. Develop system design requirements through the process of speculative design accounting for possible, plausible, probable, and preferable futures.
2. Critically reflect upon a wide range of often incompatible perspectives on issues and tasks encountered when developing sensory systems for real world deployment.
3. Evaluate the consequences of a system design on user experiences as part of complex interconnected situations.
4. Engage with multiple stakeholders both within and beyond one’s immediate problem space, community, and across disciplinary boundaries.

Indicative content:

The following are indicative of the topics the module will typically cover:

• Lectures (theory) and practical exercises.
• Practical exercises will include individual and group activities.
• Lectures will be enriched through invited guest speakers.
• In-class presentations and critical feedback sessions, enriched with online resources and feedback to complement the basic theoretical readings.

Requisites:

To be eligible to select this module as an optional or elective, a student must be registered on a programme and year of study for which it is formally available.