What Are the Assets of Design Alchemy?

Abstract

The assets of Design Alchemy represent the wide range of factors that impact on and influence design practice, and are considered as a positive energy, providing both support and guidance for the design alchemist . In many ways the assets provide similar information to that generated by the traditional analysis phase of instructional design; however, the difference lies both in positioning and influence. With respect to position, the assets are considered to inform practice, but the practice of course design can be completed without defining the assets; consequently the assets are considered as the third of the Design Alchemy trinity. Nevertheless, it is recommended that new or inexperienced designers understand the nature of the assets and their impact on a course before commencing the formal design practice. In terms of influence, the assets define the parameters of the course (e.g. delivery mode) and therefore impact on certain decisions; however, the primary task of course design can be completed independently of defining the impact of the different assets on the design. For example, a course can be specified in terms of knowledge application, outcomes, assessment, activities and resources before a detailed specification of the activities, based on information from the assets, is required. In this chapter the essential characteristics of six classes of assets are introduced and explained: people, standards, programs, technology, process and evidence. When assets are integrated with the pedagogy and practice of Design Alchemy, the emerging course manifests a powerful design that is not only educationally effective but also flexible, maintainable and sustainable.