Programme Details
Rational
It is Human-Centered – Design Thinking begins from deep empathy and understanding of needs and motivations of people;
It is Collaborative – Several great minds are always stronger when solving a challenge than just one. Design Thinking benefits greatly from the views of multiple perspectives and others’ creativity bolstering your own;
It is Optimistic – Design Thinking is the fundamental belief that we all can create change—no matter how big a problem, how little time or how small a budget. No matter what constraints exist around you, designing can be an enjoyable process;
This 2-day course provides PhD students with the tools and techniques to think differently, see new opportunities, and create innovative solutions with impact.
Syllabus
- Course presentation;
- Introduction to Strategic Innovation;
- The Design Thinking Process Overview: harness the designer mindset: and uncovering unmet challenges;
- Challenge Presentation;
- Group Work (Inspire, Ideate, Implement);
- Presenting your Research Area and Creating Innovation Teams;
- Define the collaboration challenge (business, social or research);
- Value Creation Framework;
- Ideas Presentation + Rapid Prototyping Techniques;
- Prototype Development;
- Final Presentation + feedback
Learning Outcomes
- At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in problem investigation through the application of qualitative research methodologies, culminating in the synthesis of findings to inform innovative solution development;
- Enhance comprehension of user perspectives by delving into their needs, motivations, and behaviours, fostering a comprehensive understanding essential for effective solution design;
- Engage actively in collaborative innovation within multidisciplinary teams, both as a participant and a leader, contributing to the creation of impactful solutions;
- Cultivate advanced skills in creative problem-solving, mastering techniques that promote innovative thinking and enable effective resolution of complex challenges;
- Embrace failure as an integral part of the innovation process, cultivating resilience and adaptability while leveraging setbacks as valuable learning opportunities;
- Integrate Design Thinking methodologies into professional endeavours and research activities, leveraging its human-centered approach to drive meaningful innovation and problem solving.
References
. Designing for Growth: A manager’s design thinking toolkit, by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie.
. Tim Brown, Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation, HarperCollins, 2009
. Design Thinking, Tim Brown, Harvard Business Review, 2008
. Victorino, G., Coelho, P. S., & Henriques, R. (2023). The Value of Design Thinking for PhD Students: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study. Emerging Science Journal, 7, 16-31.