Design Strategies as Responses to Wicked Problems

2025/2026

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • has knowledge about different design strategies to tackle wicked problems
  • can understand challenges concerned with ill-defined and working with complex problems both on a general level and at local levels

Skills

  • can identify, characterise, and analyse a subject matter as the focus for the design process
  • can apply different design strategies as a response to a wicked problem
  • can develop or redesign sustainable business models seeking to support the subject matter
  • can enrol interested parties in companies, governmental bodies and / or from civil society in a design process
  • can use material objects to visualise and communicate project findings or to facilitate dialogue

Competences

  • can reflect upon viable design strategies as a response to wicked and ill-defined problems and consider the possibilities in a design oriented approach
  • can reflect upon viable ways of engaging and enrolling actors from a diversity of knowledge, institutional and business domains by taking into account the repertoire of design strategies

Type of instruction

Project assignment, carried out in groups of 4-5 students. The project should be planned in cooperation with a company, an institution or an interest group. Instructions on sustainable business models and project management will support the project work.

Exam

Exams

Name of examDesign Strategies as Responses to Wicked Problems
Type of exam
Written and oral exam
ECTS20
Permitted aids
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingExternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleDesign strategier som respons på komplekse problemer
Module codeTBISDK17201
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS20
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Copenhagen
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Sustainable Design)
Study BoardStudy Board of Techno-Anthropology and Sustainable Design
DepartmentDepartment of Sustainability and Planning
FacultyThe Technical Faculty of IT and Design