DSGN 490: Research - Design - Build
Quarter Offered
Fall : Section 1 meets Monday 6:30-9:30pm; Section 2 meets Thursday 6:30-9:30pm, Ford Design Studio, 1.230 ; Greg Holderfield and Martha Cotton
Description
This is a dynamic hands-on studio class, structured as a "workshop" practicum, and as such will focus on design research and design thinking methods with a strong focus on innovation built on in-context user needs. The first 5 weeks are intended to rapidly introduce key methods and apply them in a series of design sprints. In the remaining 5The class 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 design thinking mindset
- Use tangible prototypes and examples 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 client challenge in the Chicago community
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