Design Thinking: Insights to Innovation module (DJ51032)

Design practice has spread itself into wider fields. The value of the process is equally important here in stimulating the innovation of new products and services.

Design Thinking is now being used by designers and non-design professionals as a creative approach for problem-solving. It can unlock creativity and drive forward ingenuity and innovation in business practices.

In this module, you will grow your understanding of Design Thinking to develop new products, services and systems. You will explore the key principles, behaviours and process models. You will also explore a range of design-led methods and tools for human centred innovation.

By applying these process models and methods, you will learn how to develop interventions and solutions that address user needs. You will also learn how these methods positively impact society, business and the environment.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about Design Thinking as a mindset, process, and toolbox
• learn how to approach contemporary issues from human centred perspective. You will learn to apply innovation process models and practical tools and methods.
• cooperate in group-based activities to apply a Design Thinking approach. You will have a view to providing design solutions that have a positive impact on society, business and the environment

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• apply Design Thinking as a creative approach for addressing contemporary societal, business, and environmental challenges
• extend design knowledge, skills and practices though participatory design and co-creative activities.
• apply process models and design-led methods to help rethink problems. They will also help you generate ideas and develop impactful solutions
• communicate and promote design activity professionally to diverse audiences through storytelling, prototyping and visualisation

Assignments / assessment

• Group-based activity and presentation (60%)
  • You will collaborate with your peers in a diverse team. You will visually convey the essence of the final concept and step-by-step Design Thinking process. This will range from defining a problem to implementing a solution.
• 1,500-word piece of journalism (40%)
  • You will conduct an independent interview with a leading expert on participatory design and co-designing. This will consist of in-depth analysis of the information gathered and presentation of source material.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• interactive lectures and workshops
• student-led tutorials
• assigned readings and other multimedia learning materials
• lightning talks by industry professionals
• collaborative group work
• practical sessions