Module Content

This module introduces Design Thinking: an ideology which utilises stages of design with the purpose of enabling the development of innovative solutions to design-related problems and beyond, while always centring around the user needs. 

This module is designed to provide learners with the foundations of Design Thinking by providing weekly hands-on sessions on a number of topics related to Design Thinking. The syllabus covers how design principles are embedded everywhere: from traditional computer interfaces, visual and audio communication (digital and print), services, and tangible objects. 

• Motivation and historical foundations of Design Thinking. 

• Why and when to use Design Thinking? 

• How does Design Thinking support Innovation? 

• Skills for 21^st Century Competitiveness. 

• UX Skills. 

• Tools for Design Thinking. 

• Servitisation. 

• The Design Thinking process, covering and comparing its various innovation variations. 

• Challenges and opportunities for Design Thinking. 

• Thinking Styles (Abductive, Deductive, Inductive, Critical, Design, etc.) 

• Design Thinking and UX. 

• Prototyping using common industry tools such as Proto.io, Figma, and Adobe XD. 

• Evaluation of computer interface products covering a range of mediums (mobile, wearable, extended reality, etc.) and a range of aspects (user experience, decision fatigue, etc.) 

• Current and future trends. 

• Design Thinking in context: Case Studies from popular products/services/companies created using the methodology. 

Teaching Methods

This module offers a generally practical approach to learning the context of and application of Design Thinking. Students will attend lectures, seminars and labs in preparation for practical coursework. They will undertake a series of formatively assessed practical exercises, applying methods explored in lectures and lab-based demonstrations. Their learning will be supported by access to on-line materials (including lecture notes, handouts, and e-books) and by simulating real-world scenarios. 

Students will attend short lectures that will identify and place in context key aspects of the topics. Less formal seminars will provide an opportunity for Q&A and group discussions. Supported lab sessions will provide opportunities for practical experimentation and work towards formatively assessed tasks. The teaching team will actively aim to include industry experts to give short talks, organise visits to local companies and industry events that would provide hands-on experience from Design Thinking practitioners. 

In addition to individual exercises and one piece of individual assessed coursework, to encourage communication and help underpin the multidisciplinary nature of the module, students will also work in small groups for gaining hands-on practical experience via simulation. All learners will be expected to create and give short presentations explaining their challenges, methods and approaches to the research and development of Design Thinking solutions. 

Assignment briefs will be designed to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application of relevant methods. 

A final exam with critical questions will assess the individual learner’s understanding of the foundations, and their application to unseen problems in an effective way. 

Assessment Methods

1. Project/ Coursework: Weight 60%. 2000 words project report + 10 minutes presentation. This method assesses Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.
2. Exam: Weight 40%. This method assesses Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4.

To pass this module you must achieve a mark of 50% or above, aggregated across all the assessments.