Module Details

Module Code: DESI6032
Title: Design Thinking Approaches
Long Title: Design Thinking Approaches
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2140 - Design Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support the execution of a design thinking approach for the design of services or products. The modules addresses the role of team members, approaches for understanding users, research methods, prototyping, and communication of findings.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand the design thinking methodology using service design tools and techniques
LO2 Apply the skills required for team members in design thinking projects
LO3 Apply approaches for data collection and analysis in the context of a design thinking process
LO4 Create prototypes for new or existing products or services
LO5 Communicate, present and visualise findings from a design thinking project
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Strategy
Use of the design thinking process How design thinking differentiates from alternative problem solving approaches.
Tools and Methodologies
Shadowing users, developing empathy, involving multiple stakeholders, measuring success, co-design and co-creation, learning objectives, reflection as a team, measuring experiences, physical and virtual collaboration spaces.
Research
Defining objectives, addressing assumptions and bias, collecting quality data, user research, data synthesis, data analysis, creating actionable insights, stakeholder mapping, problem definition.
Prototyping
Conceptualising new processes or services, improving existing services, critical analysis of prototypes, iteration, reflection and improvement.
Communicating findings
Analysis of findings, identifying patterns in findings, using visual aids to present findings, telling the story, transferring research findings.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 2 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
A written proposal outlining a product or service to be designed/re-designed.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Prepare a report and present a proposed innovative product or service design/re-design.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Group presentation detailing how the group applied design thinking for the design or re-design of a product or service.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based instruction Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Guided practical workshops focusing on application of design thinking tools and project feedback Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading, research and work based learning Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based instruction Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Guided practical workshops focusing on application of design thinking tools and project feedback Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading, research and work based learning Every Week 4.50 4.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Tim Brown. (2009), Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation, HarperBusiness, [ISBN: 0061766089].
  • Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie. (2011), Designing for Growth: A Design Thinking Tool Kit for Managers, Columbia Business School Publishing, [ISBN: 9780231527965].
  • Jeanne Liedtka, Tim Ogilvie, and Rachel Brozenske. (2014), The Designing for Growth Field Book: A Step-by-Step Project Guide, Columbia Business School Publishing, [ISBN: 9780231537087].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bitner, M.J., Ostrom, A.L. and Morgan, F.N.. (2008), Innovation as a learning process: Embedding design thinking, California Management Review.
  • David Kelley and Tom Kelley. (2015), Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative, Harper Collins, [ISBN: 0008139385].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Roger Martin. (2007), Design and business: why can’t we be friends?, Journal of Business Startegy, 28 (4).
  • Tim Brown. (1984), Design Thinking, Harvard Business Review, June 2008.
  • Tim Brown and Roger L. Martin. (2015), Design for Action, Harvard Business Review, September 2015.
  • Jon Kolko. (2015), Design Thinking Comes of Age, September 2015.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Bitner, M.J., Ostrom, A.L. and Morgan. (2008), Innovation as a learning process: Embedding design thinkingInnovation as a learning process: Embedding design thinking, California Management Review, 28 (4).
  • Kimbell, L.. (2011), Rethinking Design Thinking: Part I., Design and Culture: The Journal of the Design Studies Forum, 3 (3).
  • Liedtka, J.. (2011), Learning to use design thinking tools for successful innovation, Strategy & Leadership, 39 (5).
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 1 Mandatory