Design Thinking Part I: Insights to Inspiration

Course Overview

Creative solutions for the future begin with thoughtful insights into the present. This introduction to the design thinking process asks you to identify a human-centered problem to solve and begin as designers do - with the here-and-now needs, desires and behaviors of those who need innovation the most.

You'll craft and carry out a research plan that answers the question "What is?" and follow a guided process of gathering and identifying important insights about the needs and wants of others. You'll use this information to identify the attributes of an ideal solution and hear stories of design thinking at work to inspire ideas for moving your organization forward.

ACCELERATE YOUR SKILLS

• Approach real-world problems from the point of view of your target audience, no matter how different your perspectives typically are
• Discover the business and social challenges most likely to yield fruitful ideas
• Develop an action plan for research and gather feedback for your unique challenges
• Identify important insights into the needs and wants of others using human-centered and customer-centric tools like journey mapping

Course Format

This program is conducted entirely online over the course of five weeks. Each week, participants should expect to spend approximately five to eight hours viewing instructional videos and completing field work, readings, assignments and peer evaluations. This course uses the text  The Designing for Growth Field Book: A Step by Step Project Guide. An electronic version is available at a 50% discount through Columbia University Press, coupon code D4GFB-DTIPS.

For the course to be completely successful, participants should maintain respectful communication with the faculty and fellow participants and comply with all applicable rules, instructions, requirements and terms of service.  

Takeaways

You'll walk away from Design Thinking Part I: Insights to Inspiration with:

• The ability to work better with fewer resources by leading a lean research process that sparks creative innovation
• A toolbox of skills to systematically research key markets and pinpoint the territories with highest potential for innovation
• First-hand knowledge and practical application examples from veteran designers
• A deeper understanding of how exactly to identify, map out and research business and social situations
• Stronger creative muscles to help you solve work and life challenges

Participants

Designed for managers who want to explore the principles of design thinking and how a human-centered approach to innovation can transform their organization, this course will benefit organizational leaders from the public and private sectors, including those in finance, engineering, technology and administration, as well as healthcare, education and social nonprofit causes.