ADVANCED DESIGN THINKING FOR TRANSFORMATION

DS 341

Learn design thinking techniques to enhance creative analysis and problem solving. Directly apply those techniques to a variety of human centered design challenges. Innovate, prototype, and test designs that address real-word problems with real-world constraints and the limitations of technology. Projects range from ways to improve everyday situations to community issues.

DS 650

Culminates design education through real-world challenges. Develops critical thinking, creativity, innovation for effective solutions. Emphasizes collaborative teamwork within multidisciplinary groups. Guides portfolio development, underscoring growth and versatility as a designer. Topics include defining problems through research, conceptualizing solutions, designing prototypes and interfaces, conducting user testing, and implementing designs.

DS/GENBUS 240

Design thinking is an iterative problem-solving process geared toward producing innovative solutions for complex and persistent problems in various fields and organizations. Its process, culture, and value system from both design and business point of views will be covered: Empathetic understanding of the end users, problem definition rooted in systems thinking, ideation with a strong emphasis on creativity, visualization and prototyping, testing rooted in a set of research methods, and finally, the importance of iteration in bringing about innovative solutions. The path from project to market will also be explored, with an understanding of how one might balance desirability, feasibility and viability.

DS 123

Design is a key component of our daily lives and can profoundly affect all people. But how? And to what end? What does design mean and what can it do for us? Interrogate those questions by looking broadly at the place of design in everyday life, and how design intersects with society, economics, politics, the environment, and culture. Study the form, function, and philosophy of design, from what we wear on our bodies to how we move through the world. Ground discussions in close observation and analysis of previous design solutions, leading to innovative approaches to the roles, and responsibilities, of design for the future.

INTER-HE 940

Begin the collaborative design thinking process by exploring current state, empathizing with users, and defining opportunity areas for design. Specifically - find and frame a challenge, break it down to get started, conduct ethnographic and inspiration research, synthesize research findings into themes, insights and opportunities, visualize opportunities with frameworks and concepts, and compile evidence for desirability, feasibility and viability. Practice behaviors of design thinking - ethics, critique, and storytelling.