Graduate Certificate in Service Design

In this course, you will examine the fundamental practice and principles of service design and how these can be applied across a range of complex situations within society. You will investigate how service design uses human-centred methods and approaches to define problems and improve productivity and quality of services. As you
become familiar with the tools and processes service design applies to real-world situations you will also begin to situate yourself as a designer within a multi-disciplinary service economy.

Learning outcomes

• Articulate how service design supports activities in a range of fields, including corporate, social and public sectors  
• Apply a range of design processes and principles such as thinking in critical, systemic and holistic ways to analyse complex systems and issues 
• Critically reflect on the role of a designer within human-centred approaches to service design 
• Evaluate service design solutions from real-world contexts and propose solutions 

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for the GRAP2494 Service Design course within RMIT’s Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements.

In this course you will explore how designers work with corporate, social and public sectors to contribute to the envisioning, communication, execution, and innovation of strategy. You will examine the strategies behind the successful delivery of services and experiences, with attention to the broader stakeholder network both internal and external. You will investigate and apply tools, methods and processes to help you align design practices with current and emerging movements in organisational strategy.

Learning outcomes

• Identify current and emerging approaches in organisational strategy.
• Articulate and apply knowledge of how design supports strategic activities in organisations.
• Apply strategic design to an organisational problem.
• Critically evaluate the efficacy of strategic design and propose alternatives.

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for the GRAP2626 Design Strategy course within RMIT's Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements. 
 

In this course you will develop fundamental knowledge of design research practice and the role it plays within service design. You will become familiar with various design research tools and the methods by which they can be applied within a human-centred design framework.

Through activities including case-study analysis, fieldwork, observation and reflection you will develop insights into how research allows you, as a designer, to create or improve service experiences for stakeholders. The practice of critical reflection through the process will allow you to examine your own design ‘lens’ and professional identity as an ethical practitioner.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of the role design research plays within a human-centred design framework.
• Critically evaluate and apply judgment in the use of design research methods in diverse contexts.
• Analyse and synthesise material gathered in a design research process.
•  Communicate insights, possible risks, and opportunities within a professional setting.

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for an open elective within RMIT's Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements. 
 

In this course you will learn how to synthesise various design processes with observations and information in order to produce an end-to-end service prototype.

You will use design research tools to observe, assess, and then map and articulate the current state of a real-world service. Through a process of critical analysis, idea generation and iterative design, you will develop a future focussed and stakeholder-centric service prototype. The practice of critical reflection through the process will allow you to examine your own design ‘lens’ and professional identity and produce an artefact that reflects this.

*We recommend that you complete Service Futures as the last course in your program. 

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of a human-centred design approach.
• Critically evaluate and apply judgement in the contextual use of design methods and tools.
• Collaborate constructively within a multi-disciplinary professional setting.
• Articulate a professional design proposition which demonstrates a process of reflective practice.

Students who complete this course may be eligible for credit (up to 36 credit points) for an open elective within RMIT's Master of Design Futures. See program page for more information and eligibility requirements.