FAQS

Who can apply?

The program is designed for professionals who possess the mindset of continuous learning and want to develop skills to help realise their own ambitions. These are individuals who are motivated to lead, inspire others and motivate innovation within their organisation. If you are a corporate innovator, a designer, a business professional, a creative rebel, a systems thinker - this program is for you.

Please note that all live content and workshops will be run according to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). For this reason we recommend that applicants are Australian-based or otherwise able to participate in the sessions according to this timezone.

What will I be working on throughout the program?

Participants will be developing ideas and building concepts around their own point of view. This program is a vehicle to fast-track the ideas, challenges and opportunities that matter to each individual participant. Each module is designed to further shape and develop participants’ point of view to eventually arrive at a concept or strategy that can be presented and defended at the graduation of the program.

Do I need to have tertiary qualifications to be eligible to apply?

No. You do not need to have tertiary qualifications to be eligible to apply. Students can also apply, however we recommend that applicants have the time and mental capacity to commit to the program and the ideas of their choosing.

Why is there a cost to participate?

The cost to participate in the program is indicative of the resources required for faculty and staff to design and deliver the program each year. It should be considered an investment into one’s learning and development.

How do I know if I have been accepted into the program?

You will receive a follow up email from the DPF team to learn more about your point of view and reason for applying. Following this, you will be notified of the success of your application and begin the onboarding process into the program.

How many hours will it take to complete the program?

The program contains 5 modules run over a total of 15 weeks, excluding the final graduation. The program requires approximately 10 hours per module for a total of 150 hours.

Is this an individual or a collective program? How much time will be spent with others?

The program is designed to cultivate community. You will enter the program as an individual, but throughout the program you will work alongside others and partake in the community. Whilst the process of developing your ideas is collaborative, fuelled by the principle of ‘working out loud’, you will ultimately be working on an individual project.

What is the nature of the assignments?

Each module has an assignment that serves as a stage gate to the subsequent module. The assignments are designed to help participants ‘work out loud’ and capture their learnings with speed and rigour. Assignments may require participants to engage individuals from outside of the program. 

Am I required to attend all course workshops?

Yes. As a minimum, if you are unable to attend because of other commitments, we will require adequate notice to ensure that you are able to catch up on the material. Failure to attend workshops without adequate notice may result in the inability to continue the program, with the exception of emergencies and health situations. 

Will I get to engage with the faculty?

Yes. Faculty members will be involved in leading the course workshops, mentoring, and will be available throughout the program via the online community platform.

Can I do this at my own pace?

No, the program is designed for participants to move through as a collective. Whilst we understand that static content offers flexibility, it comes with the loss of engagement, interaction and momentum.

Will I need to travel anywhere throughout the program?

Due to the constraints of COVID, the pilot program is being delivered online. The graduation ceremony may take place in a physical location, which will be advised once the program has commenced. It is recommended that you attend the graduation ceremony in person (if this is still the case at the time) however we will also support digital attendance.

What platforms will be used to enable program participation?

Engagement throughout the program is supported by the use of various digital tools and platforms. For example, ongoing participation will be supported via Slack, assignments will be uploaded to Medium and workshops will be delivered via Zoom. Various other platforms may also be used throughout the program.

What do I receive when I graduate?

Graduates will be awarded a certificate of completion. Graduates will also be invited to join the DPF alumni network.

Are faculty members paid?

Yes, faculty members are paid.

What does that mean that this year is a pilot program?

As a pilot, the program this year may look different to subsequent programs. The inaugural program is designed to be a rapid and immersive experience that will be delivered completely online. Future programs may require a higher number of course hours, travel and physical attendance at scheduled activities. Participants of the inaugural program should be considered co-authors to the program as their feedback and experiences will help inform future programs.

What happens after the program is completed?

Once participants have successfully completed the program they will graduate as a Design Pioneer Fellow. This means that they will be invited to become a part of the DPF alumni network of fellows and have the opportunity to be involved in future programs as a mentor or contributor to program content.