FSD1-SD05 Service Design Planning
FSD1-SD05 Service Design Planning
- Course description
- Course codeFSD1-SD05
- Level of study5.1
- Program of studyService Design
- Credits5
- Course coordinatorMarna Haskins
Service design projects are multifaceted endeavours that require careful planning, coordination, and project management. In this course, participants will practice essential skills and strategies for effectively framing and scoping service design projects and orchestrating the entire process from concept to implementation.
Students will develop and plan their exam projects in this course. They are encouraged to form small teams and work for a real client, which they must find and contract during the course.
Key elements in the course will be framing the specific service design challenges, scoping, and limiting project boundaries, objectives, and deliverables for the chosen project. Students are to define the purpose and goal of the specific project within the context of the broader organisational strategy of the client company.
Course participants create and deliver a comprehensive project plan that outlines tasks, responsibilities, timelines, and key deliverables at the end of the course. This detailed project description must set clear expectations for all stakeholders and is to be approved by the main course teacher.
Further, students are expected to develop their time management skills by creating realistic project timelines, prioritising tasks, and ensuring project milestones are met.
By the end of this course, students will possess the knowledge and skills to successfully manage and plan service design projects. The course enables them to design and plan their exam projects before moving on to the programme’s final course, where they make the project description a reality by turning it into a real service design delivery for a real-life client.
The candidate:
- has knowledge of the service design process, including its stages, methods, and best practices.
- has knowledge of how to frame service design challenges and scope projects effectively and how to set clear boundaries, objectives, and deliverables.
- has knowledge of how to align service design projects with organisational goals, mission, and vision.
- has knowledge of how to allocate internal and external resources efficiently, optimising team members, tools, and external collaborators.
- has knowledge of tools and methods for budgeting and cost estimation for service design projects, ensuring financial control and resource optimisation.
- has knowledge of time management techniques to create realistic project timelines, manage priorities, and meet project milestones.
The candidate:
- can apply their skills to create comprehensive project plans that outline tasks, responsibilities, timelines, and key deliverables throughout the service design process.
- can ensure effective coordination with various stakeholders, including tech leads, project managers, and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
- can apply skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with service design projects, minimising potential setbacks.
- can clearly communicate and articulate project goals, progress, and outcomes to stakeholders and team members.
- can skilfully adapt project plans and strategies in response to changing user needs, market conditions, or organisational priorities.
The candidate:
- understands and applies facilitation skills to guide service design teams, foster collaboration, and inspire a shared vision of project success.
- has developed an independent capacity for strategic thinking and can make informed decisions that align with organisational goals.
- understands how to enhance project management and planning processes.
- understands the ethical implications of service design decisions and their impact on users, society, and stakeholders.
In this course, the following teaching and learning methods can be applied, but are not limited to:
- Lecture: Educator-led presentations or activities providing knowledge, skills, or general competencies in the subject area.
- Group work: Collaborative activities where students work together to solve problems or complete tasks.
- Tutoring: One-on-one or small group sessions with an instructor for personalized guidance and support.
- Student presentations: Opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of course material by presenting to peers.
- Online lessons: Digital content delivered via an online learning platform.
- Guidance: Individualized advice and direction from instructors to support students in their learning journey.
- Workshops: Practical sessions focused on hands-on application of theoretical concepts or skills.
- Self-study: Independent study where students engage with course material on their own without any teacher support.
Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.