Handbook home
Human Centred Mechanical Design (MCEN90050)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2026
About this subject
Overview
| Fees | Look up fees |
|---|
This subject provides a project-based learning experience to design and develop a proof-of-concept prototype mechanical device that addresses a need for a person living with disability. Projects are defined by real-life challenges provided by people with a lived experience of disability who also help mentor teams. The goal is to engage in human-centred design thinking that is socially, technically and financially sensible and that delivers products that are feasible, desirable and viable. Topics covered include human-centred design principles, the design thinking approach to problem solving, life as a person with disability and engineering ethics.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate in depth understanding of the foundational principles of human-centred design thinking.
- Understand the challenges faced by people living with disability.
- Gain a broad understanding of the role of engineering in improving lives.
- Appreciate and critically evaluate the role, function and design of existing assistive technologies and identify limitations of these technologies.
- Undertake a critical and empathetic analysis of a complex problem.
- Exercise their engineering design capability to prototype a solution and evaluate it in a systematic way.
Generic skills
- Capacity for independent thought.
- Ability to apply knowledge of engineering science and engineering methods to solve complex problems.
- Ability to comprehend complex concepts and effectively communicate this understanding.
- Ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
- Proficiency in engineering design
- Ability to conduct an engineering project.
- Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Last updated: 19 November 2025