Module Details

Module Code: INTR8037
Title: Design for Digital Ecosystems
Long Title: Design for Digital Ecosystems
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: In the development of products for the modern Internet of Things, the product designers are dependent on a portfolio of interconnected systems, referred to as an ecosystem. This module equips the learner to consider the elements of the ecosystem and consider the impact of design decisions across multiple disciplines. The design process will consider integration of the physical product, the associated services and the experience for the end user.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse case studies of contemporary digital and technology ecosystems.
LO2 Develop a prototype digital ecosystem using a design thinking approach.
LO3 Select appropriate tools and platforms to integrate smart products and services.
LO4 Develop and validate a model for the enterprise architecture supporting a digital ecosystem.
LO5 Reflect critically on the personal and societal impacts of the design choices in the digital ecosystem.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Technology Ecosystems
Core components, products and complementary applications, support and infrastructure, relationship management, Open systems,Sustainable Innovation, Evolution of Ecosystems,
Development Platforms.
Platform as a Service. Modelling approaches to the Ecosystem. Enterprise Architectures, ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010, Scaling of systems, API's and Semantic interoperability.
Design Aspects
Interaction of hardware and software design, co-design principles. Security Analysis and Test Frameworks from initial design through to deployment and maintenance. Integration of heterogeneous tools. User Centered Design, Design Thinking Approach, Ethical considerations and organizational culture.
Case Studies
Conduct case studies of representative enterprises in the commercial, open source and crowd funded spaces, e.g. The Things Network (LoRaWAN), mDash, Address the development, selection and integration of technologies, security risk assessments and assessment of the wider impact on the industry, users and society.
Physical Interaction
UI/UX implications for ecosystem design, Tangibility of the product. Physical aspects of Interaction design
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,5
Assessment Description
Present a case study of a suitable technology ecosystem. Make a 10-15 minute presentation and conduct a peer discussion group.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Develop models for an existing digital ecosystem using appropriate industry tools.
For a proposed new product family, select and design a suite of supporting systems possibly including (a) architecture model, (b) recommendations for user centered interaction designs, (c) security risk analysis and mitigation.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Research a technology ecosystem, review it and make proposals for design approaches that might improve the outcomes. Write an accompanying report (10-12 pages).
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Discussion of material and case studies Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Workshop Exercises in designing digital ecosystems Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study, Research assignments, prepare deliverables Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Discussion of materials and case studies Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Workshop exercises related to case studies and Ecosystem design Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study, Research assignments, prepare deliverables Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lazazzara, Alessandra, Ricciardi, Francesca, Za, Stefano (Eds.),. (2020), Exploring Digital Ecosystems, Organizational and Human Challenges, 1st Ed.. Springer, [ISBN: 9783030236649].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 7 Mandatory