Module Details

Module Code: CYBR9024
Title: Design Thinking for Unearthing
Long Title: Design Thinking for Unearthing
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 15
Field of Study: 4817 - Cyber Skills
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: In this module, using applied learning methods, participants leverage a specifically designed cybersecurity immersive environment (CIIE). The CIIE is a combination of simulation, software, and stakeholder engagement activities designed to expose the learner to real-world cybersecurity challenges. The module employs the design thinking process, methods, tools, and mindset to identify cybersecurity challenges facing a broad range of industry sectors including, for example, smart manufacturing, fintech, Argi-Tech.   This module will focus on the initial three phases of the design thinking processes: empathy, define, and ideate and at the end of this module learners will have the skills to rapidly identify, rank and prioritize the needs of the cybersecurity stakeholders.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Reflect on the design thinking methodology and evaluate its application for innovation within the cybersecurity domain.
LO2 Apply design thinking methodology, empathy skills and tools to gain insight into the challenges of cyber security users that are responsible for performing the function of cybersecurity via the specially designed Cyber Security Immersive Environment (CIIE).
LO3 Create a research design which is consistent with the university's human research ethics policy framework to review and if necessary seek ethical approval.
LO4 Create and communicate a well-defined problem statement by applying a design thinking approach. The statement is to be based on unmet user needs, insights, and challenges from the Cybersecurity Immersive Environment (CIIE) and recognise opportunities for innovation.
LO5 Select appropriate design thinking methods and tools to generate, select and develop solutions to identified unmet needs and challenges identified in the Cybersecurity Immersive Environment (CIIE).
LO6 Select and leverage design thinking tools to document and communicate user research findings, define the identified problem and potential solutions.
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
Cyber Security Immersive Environment (CIIE)
The aim of CIIE is to allow participants observe, gain empathy, and gather the needs of cybersecurity users that are responsible in performing the function of cybersecurity i.e. those who manage cyber-risk to plan for and protect against cyber-attacks. In Cyber-Innovate, we have designed a custom cybersecurity immersive environment comprising five pillars: “Observe People, Process, Technology via Tabletop exercise”; “Observe People, Process, Technology via SOC software”; “Observe interdisciplinary concerns via Interviews”; “Observe IT/OT/IoT & Digitalisation via Fieldwork”; “Set challenge bringing all components together”. These allow participants to observe real workflows in action and to engage with the function and performance of cybersecurity at key intersection points in People, Process and Technology; Computer Science, Social Science, and Economics; IT, OT and IoT. Within the initial phase of the Cyber Innovate training programme, participants will apply Design Thinking (DT) Empathy, Define and Ideation skills for eight weeks within the Local-CIIE and at the end of this phase will be able to rapidly identify/rank/prioritise the needs of cybersecurity stakeholders.
Introduction to Design Thinking Methodology
Overview of the design thinking methodology and mindsets. Exploration of the application of design thinking in fostering innovation across various domains, including cybersecurity. Empathy methods (contextual interviews, observational studies, immersion methods and fieldwork) and tools. Ethical consideration related to cybersecurity research. Research design and planning.
Empathy Methods
Addressing assumptions and bias, conducting user research, data collection. Application of empathy methods in Local-CIIE.
Ideation Methods and Techniques
Introduction to ideation methods and techniques, Lean UX Canvas, brainstorming, mind-mapping, scenarios, user stories, sketching, storyboarding, journey mapping, how might we questions (HMW), divergent and convergent thinking, customer value proposition. Practical exercises in designing creative and innovative ideas/value propostion for identified cybersecurity challenges.
Problem definition
Data analysis and synthesis, POV statements, how might we questions, design challenges, problem definition, problems statements, identification of unmet user needs, insights, challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Research Ethics
Challenges involving human participants in research. Ethical considerations, responsibilities etc MTU Ethics & Integrity policy and application process. Epigeum certification.
Communicating findings
Documenting and reporting empathy research findings and insights,  Using visual aids (Personas, Empathy Maps) to present findings and ideas (User Stories, Storyboards, Sketches, journey maps), transferring research findings, User research reporting and presentation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Author a reflective journal, that demonstrates a mature understanding of the design thinking approach and its role in identifying opportunities for innovation within the cybersecurity sector.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Develop a written report that summarises and justifies the research design, including the research methodology, the research objectives, empathy methods, and planning. Synthesise the key findings related to the formulated research strategy, empathy methods and design thinking mindset.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Develop a presentation that communicates the research findings highlighting insights, problem definition, empathy and ideation methods employed.
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
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact As part of the orientation participants of Cyber Innovate will receive a one week intensive training covering the core concepts of DT empathy, define and ideation skills. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Participants over an eight week period will be apply their newly acquired DT empathy, define and ideation skills in the Local-CIIE. Every Week 10.00 10
Lab Contact Participants will be supported by the DT leads and support mentor panel. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Directed and Independent learning. Every Week 7.00 7
Total Hours 21.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 21.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact As part of the orientation participants of Cyber Innovate will receive a one week intensive training covering the core concepts of DT empathy, define and ideation skills. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Participants over an eight week period will be apply their newly acquired DT empathy, define and ideation skills in the Local-CIIE. Every Week 10.00 10
Lab Contact Participants will be supported by the DT leads and support mentor panel. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Directed and Independent learning. Every Week 7.00 7
Total Hours 21.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 21.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Tim Brown. (2009), Change by Design, HarperBusiness, p.272, [ISBN: 0061766089].
  • Nigel Cross. (2011), Design Thinking, Berg Publishers, p.175, [ISBN: 1847886361].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Donald A. Norman. The Design of Everyday Things, [ISBN: 0262525674].
  • Bryan Lawson. (2006), How Designers Think, Routledge, p.329, [ISBN: 0750660775].
  • Marc Stickdorn,Jakob Schneider. (2012), This is Service Design Thinking, John Wiley & Sons, p.389, [ISBN: 1118156307].
  • Jeanne Liedtka,Tim Ogilvie. (2011), Designing for Growth, Columbia University Press, p.256, [ISBN: 9780231527965].
  • Michael Lewrick,Patrick Link,Larry Leifer. (2020), The Design Thinking Toolbox, John Wiley & Sons, p.324, [ISBN: 9781119629191].
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
  • Miller, K., & Moultrie, J.. (2013), Understanding the Skills of Design Leaders, Design Management Journal, 8 (1).
Other Resources