University of Technology Sydney

42911 The Challenge Studio

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Information Technology: Computer Science
Credit points: 24 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 42910 The Collaboration Studio
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

In Studio 3, students work together to complete the 3D animation project developed in Studio 1 (42909 The Connected Studio) to the highest professional standards.

In addition to this, they develop an emerging visualisation technology project from Studio 2 (42910 The Collaboration Studio) selected by an industry panel as a high-fidelity prototype.

The cohort responds to both assigned tasks in a simulated working environment, taking advantage of individual collaborators’ strengths in a group context to produce professional-quality outcomes. The team apply rigorous creative and technical problem-solving and implementation strategies and actions to complete innovative and technical responses to the posed challenges, stretching their craft and technical practices beyond what can be achieved individually.

At various stages, the cohort critically examine and evaluate their evolving solutions, drawing on feedback from all relevant stakeholders, and respond appropriately to ensure that what is delivered is effective, innovative and has the highest possible production values.

In addition, students reflect on both individual and group progress, as well as predicting future opportunities and ethical approaches when conducting research and working for and with Indigenous stakeholders.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Implement specialised knowledge of ethical Indigenous research approaches in professional contexts. (A.1)
2. Critically reflect on individual behaviours and collaborative practices experienced in a working animation/visualisation studio, and how these affect project outcomes and stakeholders. (B.1)
3. Work empathically, iteratively and constructively in response to complex and changing challenges and environments. (C.1)
4. Apply expert technical knowledge and skills to complex project challenges. (D.1)
5. Create original animation/visualisation works using innovative creative and technical approaches. (D.1)
6. Manage workflows, stakeholder expectations and relationships in a collaborative manner to achieve sustainable practice within the context of project outcomes. (E.1)
7. Predict future opportunities, trends and behaviours based on reflective analysis. (F.1)
8. Critically analyse the opportunities collaboration presents in an evolving animation and visualisation project. (F.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates will use specialised knowledge of ethical Indigenous research approaches to inform their professional application in the fields of animation and visualisation, when working for and with Indigenous peoples and communities. (A.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders, and are able to evaluate and critically analyse social, economic and ethical impacts within the fields of animation and visualisation. (B.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates apply expert design and innovation strategies to develop creative and technical outcomes within identified constraints. (C.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates integrate expert knowledge, technical ability and research skills to design and produce animation and visualisation works. (D.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates communicate professionally to specialist and non-specialist audiences and collaborate across disciplinary, hierarchical and professional boundaries in a global context. (E.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates are reflective, adaptive, lifelong learners who make positive contributions to organisations and the broader society. (F.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Learning takes place in a collaborative, professional-style studio environment using project-based learning strategies. The cohort work to develop collaborative workflows and implementation strategies in order the address creative and technical project challenges. Learning approaches centre on developing high-level creative and technical ability coupled with reflection and critical analysis. The multidisciplinary knowledge bases that inform this studio are supported by masterclass sessions and intensive mentoring by industry and academic experts.

Content (topics)

  • Innovation, design-thinking and creative problem-solving for animation and visualisation projects
  • Development of specialised technical proficiency to contribute to a professional-level response to a creative project brief
  • Collaborative practice and collective knowledge
  • Responsive and effective communication
  • Reflection and analysis of outcomes to improve the quality of individual and collaborative work
  • Ethical Indigenous research practices

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Final Project deliverables

Intent:

To demonstrate collaboration skills in executing presentation of animation project

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

3, 4, 5 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1, D.1 and E.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, individually assessed
Weight: 60%
Length:

Individual contribution to a 2-4 minute 3D animated short film and/or 2-4 minute emerging visualisation technologies project

Criteria:
  • Substantial progress across range and levels in identified technical and creative skill sets
  • Creative excellence and level of technical proficiency
  • Substance and aptness of creative and technical proposals and concepts
  • Efficiency and effectiveness of solutions that resolve the criteria identified to ensure excellence in specified outcomes
  • Quality and clarity of critical contributions during collaborative reviews
  • Responsible participation in and meaningful contribution to the collaborative goals set in the production schedule

Assessment task 2: Ethics application for Indigenous research

Intent:

Implement specialised knowledge of ethical Indigenous research approaches in professional contexts

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

A.1

Type: Demonstration
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

800 – 1000 words

Criteria:
  • Clarity, accuracy and insightfulness of reflections on the creative process
  • Depth, quality and appropriateness of references to past research and creative work

Assessment task 3: Professional goals, presentation and reflection

Intent:

To reflect on and plan for personal growth and professional development in preparation for entry into industry

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2, 7 and 8

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1 and F.1

Type: Reflection
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

1000-1500 words / Plus a 2-3 minutes showreel (portfolio) and digital profile

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must pass all assessment tasks.

Required texts

Resources are defined in response to the project brief, as well as team and individual learning objectives. A digital archive of evaluated resources will be curated by leadership and cohort for ongoing reference. Canvas will be used to share information, publish detailed assessment briefs and manage assessment feedback.