DES.2090 Design Thinking for Business
Design Thinking is a problem-solving methodology that can be used to analyze and develop solutions for business, design, and social issues. It is a creative approach that focuses as much effort on understanding and defining the problem(s) and the people that the problem affects as it does on developing solutions. This course will explore Design Thinking's role in small and big business, and in new and existing organizations. It will introduce design thinking applications in management, human resources, marketing, user experience (UX), innovation, and other business roles. Students will develop the mindsets, skills, and techniques used in this creative problem-solving process. With readings, case studies, and guest speakers, students will gain an understanding of how human-centered design and the problem-solving process functions in the real world. Using the skills learned, students will identify problems in their business or workplace and apply Design Thinking to create practical, actionable, ethical, and sustainable solutions.