Digital technologies continue to radically transform the way we produce, experience and understand the built environment. The momentous impact of rapid prototyping and rapid manufacture has only just begun to unfold and the extent of change it will have on our lives remains unknown. The only certain thing is that in this time of massive change, digital literacy is an essential element of the designers’ toolkit.

Digital form and fabrication develops the knowledge and skills required to design, specify and manufacture objects with digital tools through the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and computer-mediated fabrication systems and equipment, including 3d printing, laser cutting and CNC milling. The course takes a structured approach to build core competencies for independent and extended inquiry through both set briefs and independently negotiated projects. Emphasis is placed on establishing technical and creative fluency in the use of digital design software used to facilitate digitally mediated making. Students are supported to develop and apply a critical understanding of the constraints of various software and hardware workflows and approaches, ensuring effective application of digital tools to design practice. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. apply computer aided design (CAD) software to the design and specification of the built environment;
2. demonstrate an understanding of operational constraints and appropriate use of additive and subtractive digital fabrication systems and relative to materials and context;
3. communicate reflective and critical approaches through design process; and
4. evidence an awareness of historical, contemporary and future contexts for digital form and fabrication.

Additional Course Costs

There will be a materials fee for this course of $50, payable by census week.

Students should also budget for a minimum of $200 for materials and digital fabrication for this course. ANU does not cover digital fabrication production costs necessary to fulfil coursework projects.

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Class Summary and include tuition, teaching materials, and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours. The Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property. The Additional Materials Fee is payable for Materials you use in addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

Students have the option to obtain After hours Access to workshop and studio spaces outside of class delivery. After hours Access is defined as access to workshop and studio spaces outside of business hours between 6.00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday - Sunday. It is afforded to students by paying an After hours Access Fee each semester.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

Students will need access to their own computer and access to a digital fabrication bureau to complete course projects. The ANU Makerspace is a low cost self service bureau on Campus.

IMPORTANT: Before downloading McNeel Rhinoceros software to their computer, students should seek advice from their Lecturer. A 90 day trial will last for the semester if downloaded week 1. The computer labs in Peter Karmel building have functioning licenses of this software.

Recommended Resources

There are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course overview – assessment items & expectations. Induction requirements overviewed including workshop access.DigiFab & MakerSpace, Software requirementsTask 1 BriefIntroduction to 3D modelling	Evidence of inductions – complete prior week 4.
2	Lecture , software workflow demonstrations & studio activities. Task 2 Brief
3	Task 2 group development. Studio activities. Digital fabrication workshops.	Makerspace inductions to complete.
4	Task 2 group development. Studio activities. Digital fabrication workshops.	Assessment Task 2
5	Assessment Task 2 Presentations	complete forum post and submit paper.
6	Studio activities. Digital fabrication workshops.	Assessment Task 1
7	Assessment Task 1. Brief Assessment Task 3
8	Studio Activities	Team design concept presentations in class including sketch plans, form, process & material expectations.
9	Informal concept presentations : Assessment Task 3
10	Studio Activities
11	Studio Activities
12	Project development discussions, troubleshooting and Individual consultations.	Assessment Task 3

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Research Presentation	20 %	18/03/2025	2,4
Digital Fabrication Vocabularies	30 %	15/04/2025	1-4
Final Project	50 %	03/06/2025	1-4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in the weekly classes is essential to fulfilling the learning outcomes of this course. If you cannot attend all of the scheduled classes, please consider a different course.

Examination(s)

This course does not include a formal examination. Examinable elements are outlined above in assessible items 1-3. Work must be presented in a physical form, with documentation submitted to the online portal.

Assessment Task 1

Research Presentation

Brief: Otherwise Impossible

This task invites students to undertake research on a prescribed set of topics, identify problems/opportunities, and develop solutions for would be otherwise impossible to realise without digital technologies. Students are asked to reflect on the distinctive attributes of digital design and fabrication and to consider thoughtful and appropriate use of the technologies, processes, and materials applied. The design process employed, research, and references informing them will be the starting point for the final project.

This task is a teamwork assignment where multiple concepts and models will be developed and presented to the class in a single presentation, addressing the brief. All students will individually offer constructive critical feedback to the presentations via forum responses. Each team will then prepare and submit a summary report (including references to known design works and practices, design theory and criticism) that reflects on the feedback to be submitted online.

Submission Requirements:

Presentation: 5 mins (PowerPoint/PDF)

Word count: 1000 words (report and reflection)

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Demonstrate understanding of operational constraints and appropriate use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. LO2	Consistently and comprehensive demonstrates understandings and applies them strategically to achieve outstanding project results	Regularly demonstrates understandings and applies these knowledgeably to achieve superior project results	Intermittently demonstrates understandings and applies these capably to achieve results above average project results	On occasion demonstrates understandings and applies these satisfactorily to achieve basic project results	Does not demonstrate or understandings or apply them to achieve satisfactory project results.
Evidence and awareness of historical, contemporary and future contexts for digital form and fabrication. LO4	Awareness shows a lucid comprehensive synthesis of relevant contextual relationships , informed by critical analysis and articulated to an outstanding level in writing and discussion	The work evidences high level synthesis of contextual, historical, and theoretical knowledge informed by some critical analysis, articulated to a high level in writing and discussion	Work evidences good analysis and integration of contextual, historical, and theoretical knowledge, articulated to a capable level in writing and discussion	Work evidences basic analysis of contextual, historical, or theoretical knowledge articulated to a satisfactory level in writing and discussion	Insufficient evidence of contextual, historical, or theoretical knowledge in writing and discussion

Assessment Task 2

Digital Fabrication Vocabularies

Brief: Your digitally fabricated desktop.

Students will present a portfolio of work showing their iterative and creative explorations of digital technologies and processes demonstrating the development and resolution of ideas. This will involve the use of digital drawing tools (Rhino 3D) to specify designs and selected digital manufacturing technologies (3D printing, CNC, laser, waterjet) to produce artefacts. The rationale for this task is to facilitate understanding of materials, tools, processes, and technologies that will serve as a vocabulary of skills. Using a set of standard exercises in digital drawing, modelling and manufacture, how would you present yourself? What would represent you? You will be marked on creativity, use of technology and finish. This suite of objects are set tasks for each week. In this course we will be using Rhino 3D so submitted models and artefacts must be generated using this software.

Submission requirements: Submit physical objects and digital portfolio/visual diary

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Apply computer aided design (CAD) software to the design and specification of the built environment LO1	Comprehensively develops and applies of a range of relevant and advanced level digital and analogue skills regularly to a superior level	Develops and applies  a range of relevant and advanced level digital and analogue skills regularly to a superior level	Develops and applies relevant digital and analogue skills intermittently to a good, independently capable level.	Develops and applies relevant digital and analogue skills on occasion to a basic level.	Relevant digital and analogue skills are below a satisfactory standard.
Demonstrate understanding of operational constraints and appropriate use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. LO2	Consistently and comprehensive demonstrates understandings and applies them strategically to achieve outstanding project results	Regularly demonstrates understandings and applies these knowledgeably to achieve superior project results	Intermittently demonstrates understandings and applies these capably to achieve results above average project results	On occasion demonstrates understandings and applies these satisfactorily to achieve basic project results	Does not demonstrate or understandings or apply them to achieve satisfactory project results.
Communicate reflective and critical approaches through the design process. LO3	Knowledge is communicated at an outstanding level in a critical, systematic way through project work, writing and discussion, comprehensively articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge is communicated at a superior level in a critical, systematic way through project work, writing and discussion, consistently articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge is communicated to a good level in a critical, way through project work, writing and discussion, intermittently articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge is communicated to a basic level in a critical, way through project work, writing and discussion, sometimes articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge of relationships is not evidenced in writing, discussion and completed project work
Evidence and awareness of historical, contemporary and future contexts for digital form and fabrication. LO4	Awareness shows a lucid comprehensive synthesis of relevant contextual relationships , informed by critical analysis and articulated to an outstanding level in writing and discussion	The work evidences high level synthesis of contextual, historical, and theoretical knowledge informed by some critical analysis, articulated to a high level in writing and discussion	Work evidences good analysis and integration of contextual, historical, and theoretical knowledge, articulated to a capable level in writing and discussion	Work evidences basic analysis of contextual, historical, or theoretical knowledge articulated to a satisfactory level in writing and discussion	Insufficient evidence of contextual, historical, or theoretical knowledge in writing and discussion

Assessment Task 3

Final Project

This task invites students to undertake an ambitious project to produce work that would be otherwise impossible to realise without digital technologies. Students are asked to reflect on the distinctive attributes of digital design and fabrication and asked to produce object/s demonstrating a thoughtful and appropriate use of the technologies, processes, and materials applied. The final project requires you to evidence experimentation in form, fabrication, and materials, and to employ critical thinking and making to ideate and resolve a prototype using digital fabrication in an individual and collaborative environment.

It is a requirement that the final project is developed from the research brief explored in Assessment Task 1.

Submission requirements:

The submission includes a physical 1:1 model (or justified scale model) developed from the determined design and fabrication drawings documented as part of a design portfolio. It must utilise digital fabrication processes.

This portfolio will also include illustrations of your prototypes and model development and address the selected design rationale and demonstrate critically engaged process development by illustrating and documenting iterative experiments across multiple digital and analogue mediums, and interactions with others necessary to resolve the final design prototype.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
apply computer aided design (CAD) software to the design and specification of the built environment LO1	Comprehensively develops and applies of a range of relevant and advanced level digital and analogue skills regularly to a superior level	Develops and applies  a range of relevant and advanced level digital and analogue skills regularly to a superior level	Develops and applies relevant digital and analogue skills intermittently to a good, independently capable level.	Develops and applies relevant digital and analogue skills on occasion to a basic level.	Relevant digital and analogue skills are below a satisfactory standard.
Demonstrate understanding of operational constraints and appropriate use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. LO2	Demonstrate understanding of operational constraints and appropriate use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems.	Regularly demonstrates understandings and applies these knowledgeably to achieve superior project results	Intermittently demonstrates understandings and applies these capably to achieve results above average project results	On occasion demonstrates understandings and applies these satisfactorily to achieve basic project results	Does not demonstrate or understandings or apply them to achieve satisfactory project results.
Communicate reflective and critical approaches through the design process. LO3	Knowledge is communicated at an outstanding level in a critical, systematic way through project work, writing and discussion, comprehensively articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge is communicated at a superior level in a critical, systematic way through project work, writing and discussion, consistently articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environmentv	Knowledge is communicated to a good level in a critical, way through project work, writing and discussion, intermittently articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge is communicated to a basic level in a critical, way through project work, writing and discussion, sometimes articulating relationships between design process, technology and its impact on the built environment	Knowledge of relationships is not evidenced in writing, discussion and completed project work
Evidence and awareness of historical, contemporary and future contexts for digital form and fabrication. LO4	Awareness shows a lucid comprehensive synthesis of relevant contextual relationships , informed by critical analysis and articulated to an outstanding level in writing and discussion	The work evidences high level synthesis of contextual, historical, and theoretical knowledge informed by some critical analysis, articulated to a high level in writing and discussion	Work evidences good analysis and integration of contextual, historical, and theoretical knowledge, articulated to a capable level in writing and discussion	Work evidences basic analysis of contextual, historical, or theoretical knowledge articulated to a satisfactory level in writing and discussion	Insufficient evidence of contextual, historical, or theoretical knowledge in writing and discussion

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Work submitted for physical assessment should be collected at the end of the assessment.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students