Graduate Design Computing Teaching at the University of Sydney

Design Computing involves the effective application of computing technologies, digital media, formal methods and design theory to the study and practice of design. Computers are assuming a prominent role in design practice. This change has been partly brought about by economic pressures to improve the efficiency of design practice, but there has also been a desire to aid the design process in order to produce better designs. The introduction of new computer-based techniques and methods generally involves a re-structuring of practice and ways of designing. We are also seeing significant current developments that have far reaching implications for the future. These innovations are occuring at a rapid rate and are imposing increasing pressures on design professionals. A re-orientation of skills is required in order to acquire and manage computer resources. If designers are to lead rather than follow developments then they need to acquire specialist knowledge - a general Computing also demands technical competence, an awareness of advances in the field and an innovative spirit to harness the technology understanding of computers and their impact, expertise in the selection and management of computer-aided design systems, and skill in the design an implementation of computer programs and systems.