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鈥檚 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鈥� 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鈥檚 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 鈥渟mart鈥� 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