In this course, students will learn problem-solving skills through active learning and teamwork. Students will focus on real-world issues that are open-ended problems and will examine them from various perspectives using critical thinking to find solutions. This course can be considered a Cornerstone Design course that equips students with foundational competencies leading to the Capstone Design course in subsequent stages. Throughout the semester, students will engage in learning with a design thinking approach that comprises of empathy, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Students will be asked to consider both technology and human (user) aspects when designing solutions. The course discussions will cover topics such as design thinking, design stages, prototyping/mock-ups, creativity, problem solving, collaborative learning, as well as communication and presentation skills. Most of the learning will be conducted through the creation of prototypes that are “works-like.”

• Understand the concept of design thinking for problem-solving and solution development (C2).
• Understand the stages of design in the context of problem-solving (C2).
• Apply the concept of prototyping by creating “works-like” prototypes (C3).

• Design Thinking

  • Introduction to the principles and process of design thinking
  • Applying design thinking to solve complex problems

• Design Stages

  • Exploration of the key stages in the design process:
    • Empathize
    • Define
    • Ideate
    • Prototype
    • Test

• Prototyping/Mockup

  • Techniques for creating prototypes and mockups
  • Iterative testing and feedback integration

• Creativity

  • Methods to enhance creative thinking
  • Tools and techniques for generating innovative ideas

• Problem Solving

  • Identifying, analyzing, and solving problems effectively
  • Approaching challenges with critical and creative thinking

• Collaboration

  • Strategies for effective teamwork
  • Leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve collective goals

• Learning

  • Cultivating a growth mindset
  • Continuous improvement through reflection and feedback

• Communication Skills

  • Developing verbal and written communication abilities
  • Presenting ideas clearly and persuasively

• Gallagher, A., & Thordarson, K. (2020). Design Thinking in Play: An Action Guide for Educators. ASCD.
• Dym, C. L. (2013). Engineering Design: A Project-Based Introduction. John Wiley & Sons.
• Ambrose, G., & Harris, P. (2009). Basics Design 08: Design Thinking. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• IDEO U. (2015). Design Thinking: Understanding the Methods and Tools Used by IDEO. Penguin.