Module Details

Module Code: DESI8017
Title: Design Thinking for Services
Long Title: Design Thinking for Services
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2140 - Design Studies
Module Delivered in: 3 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 presentation of findings.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate 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 services
LO5 Synthesise, 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 along with service design. How design thinking differentiates from alternative development 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.
Research
Defining objectives, presenting your assumptions, collecting quality data, organising and synthesising data, 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.
Synthesising 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 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
A written proposal outlining a service to be designed/re-designed and how the design thinking process will be implemented.
Create a sequenced project plan based on a design thinking approach.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 80
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Service design/re-design project incorporating research, prototype development, and analysis of findings.
Learner is to submit documentation to demonstrates:
Selection of appropriate design tools for distinct phases of a design project.
Rational for tool selection.
Practical plans for implementing the tools.
Insights discovered from implementation.
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 Workshop 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 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Workshop Every Second Week 1.00 2
Lecturer Supervised Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading, Research, and work based learning Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Stickdorn, M., Schneider, J.. (2012), This is Service Design Thinking: Basics, Tools, Cases, BIS Publishers, [ISBN: 1118156307].
  • Downe L.. (2020), Good Services: How to Design Services That Work, BIS Publishers, [ISBN: 9063695438].
Supplementary 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].
  • Stickdorn M.. (2016), This is Service Design Doing: Applying Service Design Thinking in the Real World, 1st. O’Reilly, [ISBN: 1491927186].
  • Martin R.L.. (2009), Design of Business: Why Design Thinking is the Next Competitive Advantage, Harvard Business Review Press, [ISBN: 9781422177808].
  • Flowers E., Miller M.E.. (2022), Your Guide to Blueprinting the Practical Way, Independently published, [ISBN: 9798844640353].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Bitner, M.J., Ostrom, A.L. and Morgan, F.N.. (2008), Innovation as a learning process: Embedding design thinking., California Management Review, 50 (3).
  • Battarbee, K., Fulton Suri, J., & Gibbs Howard, S.. (2014), Empathy on the Edge: scaling and sustaining a human-centred approach in the evolving practice of design., IDEO,
    http://www.ideo.com/images/uploads/news/ pdfs/Empathy_on_the_Edge.pdf
  • Buchanan, R.. (2007), Introduction: Design and Organizational Change, Design Issues, 24(1).
  • Design Council; Technology Strategy Board UK.. (2013), Design for Public Good, Annual Review of Policy Design.
  • Gloppen, J.. (2009), Service Design Leadership, ServDes 2009: First Nordic Conference: Service Design and Service Innovation. Oslo, Norway..
  • Junginger, S.. (2014), Design Legacies: Why service designers are not able to embed design in the organization., ServDes 2014, Fourth Service Design and Innovation Conference. Lancaster, U.K..
  • 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 in novation, Strategy & Leadership, 39(5).
  • Miller, K., & Moultrie, J.. (2013), Understanding the Skills of Design Leaders, Design Management Journal, 8(1).
  • Yee, J., White, H. and Lennon, L. (2015), Valuing Design: mapping design impact and value in six public and 3rd sector projects., UK Arts and Humanities Research Council,
    http://valuingdesign.org/ValuingDesign_R eport_2015.pdf
Other Resources
  • http://www.servicedesignbooks.org/isbn/0 06097625X, Understanding Comics.
  • https://www.youtube.com/servicedesignsho w, Service Design Show.
  • https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/design, Gov UK Service Manual.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BDEIS_8 Certificate in Designing Innovative Services 1 Mandatory
CR_HUXSE_9 Master of Arts in User Experience and Service Design 1 Mandatory
CR_HUXSR_9 Master of Science in User Experience and Service Design 1 Mandatory