MODULE 4. Intro to Design Thinking (A design thinking toolbox)

This module will give students a basic understanding of the Business Design Thinking process, principles and primary tools. This course will be focused on hands-on and ‘Learning-by-Doing’ by using tools such as Stakeholder Mapping, Customer Journey Mapping and Prototyping. This module is designed as step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of Design Thinking leading to the final solution and pitch at the end of international team project activities. Skills covered in this module: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, innovation, communication and public speaking.

INTRODUCTION

RELEVANT READING MATERIAL

Double diamond scheme and how to use it

STEP 1. EMPATHIZING

RELEVANT VIDEO MATERIAL

The Design Thinking Process

In-Depth Interviews

RELEVANT READING MATERIAL

“The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015)
1. Define the problem – p. 31-33.
2. Get ready for an interview – p. 36-43.
3. Tips for better understanding your target group – p. 44-52, 65.

Exercises

  • To understand better how your case holder’s company works, fill in the “Business model canvas”, where you can find all the main points and questions about an organization in one place.
  • Have interviews with your mentor in the company and any other people involved (workers, clients, visitors, etc.). Fill the canvas with this information after each interview. Save your notes and add information to the ”Business model canvas” after each step.
  • Define the main target group (“client” or “user”). The main target group are the people you are creating the solution for.
  • Collect first-hand information from the client concerning the challenge (interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, etc.).
  • Conduct media analysis of good practice examples in the field – find competitors or similar field companies to get to know different solutions.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

  1. “The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015) p. 9 – 25.
  2. Knapp, J., Zeratsky, J., & Kowitz, B. (2016). Sprint: How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days. Simon and Schuster.

STEP 2. DEFINING

Relevant video material

Design Thinking: Define (Produced by: Mindful Marks DAN Innovation Council)

How Might We Statements (Produced by: Mindful Marks DAN Innovation Council)

Methods: Affinity Mapping (Produced by: Mindful Marks DAN Innovation Council)

Methods: Affinity mapping (Produced by: Mindful Marks DAN Innovation Council)

Relevant reading material

“The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015)
1. Finances flow – p. 67-69.
2. How to process and share your interview data – p. 77-87, 89-93.
3. How to use “Business model canvas” – p. 123-125.

Exercises

  • Definition of the problem (narrow). Redefine your given case question into the shape “How might we” (look at the video) question or even form a few questions and choose to work on one of them.
  • Fill in the Persona canvas, which is meant to be used as the deepest exploration of your target group.
  • Value Proposition canvas.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

“The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015) p. 71-73.

STEP 3. IDEATING

Relevant Video material

Design Thinking: Ideate (Produced by: Mindful Marks)

Methods: workshop for ideation idea (Produced by: AJ&Smart)

Relevant reading material

“The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015)
Brainstorm and finding solutions – p. 94-111.

Exercises

  • Brainstorming.
  • Selection of ”the” idea”.

STEP 4. PROTOTYPING

RELEVANT Video material

Design Thinking: Prototype (Produced by: Mindful Marks)

ReLEVANT REading material

“The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015)
Different prototyping ideas – p. 113-121.

Exercises

  • Developing the selected idea.
  • Creating its prototype.

STEP 5. TESTING

Relevant Video material

Design Thinking: Test (Produced by: Mindful Marks)

ReLEVANT REading material

“The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design” (IDEO.org / Design Kit; 2015)
1. Getting feedback about your prototype – p. 126-127.
2. Testing your prototype – p. 133-157.

Exercises

  • Testing prototype with the representatives of the main target group (“clients”).
  • Collecting feedback and improving the prototype.
  • Preparation for the final presentation.