DSGN 490: Research - Design - Build
Quarter Offered
Fall : Section 1 meets Monday 6:30-9:30pm; Section 2 meets Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm (Ford Design Studio 1.230) ; Greg Holderfield & Martha Cotton
Fall : RDB Lab: Section 1 meets Wednesday 8:30-11:30am (Ford Design Studio 1.230); Section 2 meets Wednesday 1:30-4:30pm (ITW 1.350); The RDB lab dates are 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16 and 11/30 ; Greg Holderfield & Martha Cotton
Prerequisites
This course can only accommodate MMM students.
Description
Innovation is hard to achieve, and often requires innovative approaches and tools.
Research Design Build (RDB) introduces and empowers future business leaders with a differentiated approach - which is human centered and desirability lead. The approach is supported with a creative set of design thinking methods that enhance their problem-solving toolkit.
A hands-on studio class, the course is structured as a dynamic "workshop" practicum. Students are challenged to address real business problems though the utilization of design thinking methods - which helps them more deeply understand context, frame meaningful opportunities, ideate unique solutions, iterate holistic concepts, and build a better case for their innovation offering. The course has an industry challenge partner who brings multiple opportunities to be addressed.
The course will be offered via 2 sections in a smaller more intimate studio setting, allowing for hands-on coaching and feedback.
Key Learning Takeaways
- Approach problem solving with a desirability first mindset
- Use ethnographic research methods to elicit rich information from research subjects
- Derive useful insights from observations
- Structure frameworks for use in making inductive leaps and developing resonant ideas
- Quickly and effectively brainstorm ideas, narrow options and select compelling propositions
- Rapidly prototype potential solutions to learn and push ideas forward
- Shape stories that illustrate user scenarios, solutions and the value they offer
- Develop compelling presentations that communicate clearly and visually support the story you want to tell
- Apply these skills to a real business challenge
Key Tactical Tools
- In-field ethnography discussion structures
- Interview facilitation skills
- Research insights framework structures
- Culture of critique understanding
- Rapid visualization through sketching
- Rapid prototyping skills
- Efficient iteration tactics
- Effective brainstorming strategies
- Communication design strategies
- Storyboarding “arcs” for use in building conviction for ideas/solutions
- Compelling business model structures for new value propositions
- Notable deliverable “formats” to bring attention to ideas