IA20080 Design Thinking for Innovation

Academic Year 2022/2023

OVERVIEW

This module introduces the learner to the essentials of Design Thinking. Over the course of the module, the learner will be introduced to the key theories and concepts of Design Thinking and then work in a team to address a real-world challenge.

This module will present students with a real-world challenge and solutions in solving a problem. Experts will be available for interview, and students will be expected to interview members of the public/their community as relevant. This is will take place in the form of an Innovation Design Sprint over course of the module. This will involve students working in teams, following the Design Thinking process and presenting potential solutions in the form of a pitch.

Over the course of the module, participants will be introduced to the five stages of Design Thinking through experiential learning activities, talks with guest speakers and team-based activities. While working in multi-disciplinary teams, participants will use the Empathy phase before moving on to the next stages of Design Thinking (Define, Ideate, Prototype & Test) to develop an insightful understanding of a real-world challenge before prototyping and presenting a creative solution.

Design Thinking is a user-centric creative problem-solving process which is increasingly applied across public and private sectors to solve real-world challenges. It is a proven and repeatable approach that can be used to gain real-world insights and then to identify new opportunities, solve problems, and develop innovative solutions using an iterative process.

This module is suitable for students from any discipline. It is suitable both for those with little or no prior experience of Design Thinking, as well as those who know the basics but want to apply the process in a real-world setting. There is no requirement to have any experience in Design Thinking to participate in this module.

Our team of Facilitation and Entrepreneurial Specialists will introduce the students to the processes and tools that will enable the students to gain key insights and develop new ideas of value.


SCHEDULE & MODE OF DELIVERY

This module runs once in Trimester 2

Spring Trimester - in-person - March 20th to 24th inclusive

Format: In-person workshops - 09:30 - 16:30 each day

You must be available to attend and participate 9.30am - 4.30pm every day of the module and complete any pre-module tasks and post-module deliverables.


UCD INNOVATION ACADEMY

At the UCD Innovation Academy, we are Educator Practitioners with extensive real-world experience as academics, business and social entrepreneurs, tech thinkers, creative professionals and design thinking practitioners.

Our teaching is grounded in academic rigour. Our focus is on ‘learning by doing’ in a real-world context. Classes include a combination of individual and team tasks and activities, along with discussions, presentations and reflection.

Enrolment on an Innovation Academy module means a commitment to active participation and engagement, which necessitates attendance at all scheduled classes.


Notes:
Class Size: We limit our class size to 36 students or less. We require a minimum of 16 participants to ensure enough people for teamwork and a dynamic classroom environment. On very rare occasions, if fewer than 16 registered students register, we will offer students the opportunity to join another class.

COVID-19: Our courses will be run in accordance with good practice, University and Government guidelines around COVID-19. This module is intended to be taught in-person but we may switch to an online format in light of updated guidelines or circumstances.


www.innovationacademy.ie


Please visit module IA20190 Design Thinking (Online) for online options in January (Autumn Trimester) and March (Spring Trimester).

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, learners should have the ability to:

• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the five stages of the Design Thinking Process
• Develop the ability to evaluate the relevance of Design Thinking and its benefits for both personal; and professional purposes.
• Gain an understanding of foundational skills of creativity, teamwork and communication necessary for the successful application of the design thinking process
• Demonstrate the application of the five design thinking stages in the context of a real-world challenge
• Recognise the value of feedback to enhance problem solving, using feedback iteratively to improve solutions.
• Develop skills in communication, teamwork and presentation.

Indicative Module Content:

Students will be introduced to the Design Thinking Framework with key concepts and models shared through readings, video content and slides. Students will be brought through a Design Sprint in a team environment to solve a real world issue.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

15

Practical

5

Specified Learning Activities

40

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Online Learning

20

Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The Innovation Academy take a learning by doing approach, combining individual, group and often team activities, tasks and projects including presentations, discussions and reflection:

• Active/task-based learning
• Peer and Group work
• Reflective Learning
• Enquiry & Problem-based learning
• Student Presentations
• Case Study Learning

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
IA20190 - Design Thinking (OL), IA40420 - Design Thinking


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Students will create a creative report based on their work with their Design Thinking teams. This deliverable is due after the module ends. Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

20

Presentation: Team Project Presentation Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

20

Assignment: Reflection Report Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

20

Attendance: This module requires active participation and engagement, which necessitates attendance at ALL scheduled classes (80% attendance is required to pass this component) . Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Facilitators will give verbal feedback on classroom-based continuous assessment activities such as presentations, presentation materials and other deliverables. Students will also give and receive peer-feedback. Individual feedback from facilitators will be given to students upon specific request.

Lewrick, m., Link, P., Leifer,L. (2018) The Design Thinking Playbook, Wiley, New Jersey
Name Role
Ms Jacinta Owens Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dorcas Réamonn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Anh Nguyen Quoc Tutor