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Module DESIGN THINKING AND THE ART OF INNOVATION

Module code: PD162
Credits: 7.5
Semester: 2
Department: DESIGN INNOVATION
International: Yes
Overview Overview
 

This is an elective module that takes an applied and practical approach to creativity and design. The principles of creative problem solving and design thinking are put into action in a series of short and long projects that develop individual and team working skills to solve problems. Creativity is inherent in everyone and working together in an inspiring studio space your individuality and particular subject expertise can be expressed to solve a range of problems. The most creative teams are those with a range of skills and different backgounds. As an elective module it attracts a rich diversity of subject knowledge and culture.

When Design Thinking is applied to a brief it offers a structure and approach to developing novel, exciting and powerful new ideas – as well as being a problem-solving toolkit. It builds in an understanding of human behaviour into the design of things, products, services, businesses and experiences. Creative and entrepreneurial problem solving skills are now sought after skills in business and industry. Most organizations, whether public or private sector, seek to grow and develop their business and this involves designing a better version of their organization than they have already – or designing a super customer or user experience or even a better business model. Designing, in this context, is a way of thinking that focuses on action; empathises with the user and builds quick, fast protypes and tests ideas early and often. You don’t need to be good at drawing or have experience of CAD.

The Department of Jobs, Trade, Enterprise & Innovation have singled out design thinking as an approach to innovation for which the demand in industry far outstrips the supply of qualified and talented graduates. Many leading organisations, such as SAP, Dell, GSK and some in the public sector, like Coillte, have developed and delivered their own courses for building capability in design thinking. Employers organisations are encouraging universities to offer courses in this area as they believe having these skills will give students a considerable edge in the workplace.

Open Learning Outcomes
 
Open Teaching & Learning methods
 
Open Assessment
 
Open Autumn Supplementals/Resits
 
Open Timetable
 
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