Design 600

DSN 600: Design Thinking Studio

Prerequisites: None

Credit Hours: (3)


This online course will introduce students to design thinking, problem seeking, brainstorming, and ideation techniques, creative cognition theories, creative intelligence, and methodologies embedded in the design thinking process.


Detailed Description of Course

Content: Design thinking methodologies are introduced. Individual and collaborative opportunities to ideate, define and develop solutions to complex design problems are presented.  These areas include inspiration; ideation (idea formation) and implementation; definition, desirability, and feasibility of the solution’s considerations in pursuit of developing the design brief. Design thinking methodologies are introduced along with theories relative to creative cognition, and the relevance of intelligence testing. The course will provide opportunities for studies in creative cognition theories, an understanding of creative intelligence and the methodologies imbedded in the design thinking process. Design thinking processes will be explored and applications tested.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This is an online studio course. Students may work in interdisciplinary teams to synthesize information about a design challenge and begin to understand the continuum of innovation as a system of overlapping areas. Studio and problem-based pedagogies along with both individual and collaborative team-built solutions will be necessary.


Goals and Objectives of this Course

To master basic design thinking strategies, the student must:
    1) identify and define relevant aspects of a design problem [goals, objectives, performance criteria];
    2) gather appropriate and necessary information and research findings to solve the problem;
    3) ideate, evaluate, select, and apply information and research findings to design solutions;
    4) synthesize information and generate multiple concepts and/or multiple design responses to programmatic (specific issues outlined in the     design brief) requirements;
    5) demonstrate creative thinking and originality through presentation of a variety of ideas, approaches, and concepts;
    6) engage in problem-seeking;
    7) become adept at the process of brainstorming; and
    8) understand creativity theories in terms of the value of empathy and the elements & principles of design.
    9) identify and demonstrate applicatinos for creative cognition theories;
    10) read, assess and define design thinking strategies and methods of application;
    11) demonstrate the value of empathy relative to a specific problem;
    12) use the elements and principles of design theory in problem solutions;
    13) apply solutions to contemporary issues.


Collaboration

The student will be able to:
    1. apply team work structures and dynamics;
    2. collaborate, build consensus, develop leadership skills and work in teams;
    3. collaborate among and integrate multiple disciplines’ perspectives;
    4. encourage spontaneous interactions among members;
    5. create an "environment" where members can experiment, take risks, and explore the full range of their faculties.


Communication

The student will be able to:
     1. use communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes and audiences;
    2. express ideas clearly in oral, written and graphic formats;
    3. apply design solutions through a variety of mediums;
    4. allow project thinking to grow and trace that growth through the generation of artifacts for review;
    5. write a project brief
    6. process information using convergent/divergent thinking and analysis and synthesis strategies; and
    7. understand design issues in order to define the problem in a manner appropriate to the client’s needs.


Management Strategies

The student will be able to apply:
    1. the elements of design management strategies [business development, financial management, strategic planning, and/or project management];
    2. professional ethics;
    3. market types and client types; and
    4. the utility of “smart” design teams.


Global context

The student will be able to describe:
    1. the influence of globalization and its implications for the practice of design thinking;
    2. sustainability concepts, theories, issues and applications related to design thinking; and
    3. historical precedent to inform design solutions; the major social, political, and physical influences affecting historical changes in art and     design


Research methods

The student must be able to:
    1. use basic observation strategies, methods, and techniques;
    2. apply human behavioral theories; and
    3. apply design theories.


Assessment Measures

May include, but are not limited to, project(s), activities, assignments, design briefs.


Other Course Information

None  

 

Review and Approval


May 9, 2017