Looking Forward to RDB

Current student Gabby Fong shares what she's most excited about as she prepares for one of the most impactful courses in the MBA + MS Design Innovation (MMM) program.

Gabby Fong (MMM '26) spent seven years on active duty in the US Navy leading teams of sailors aboard ships and in the intelligence community. The experience taught her about the value of teamwork, so when she researched business school options, she knew she wanted a program that emphasized collaboration.

She found that in Northwestern's MBA + MS Design Innovation (MMM) program — a dual-degree program between Northwestern Engineering and the Kellogg School of Management.

Fong recently completed her first quarter in the program. 

"My favorite part of the MMM experience so far has been the close relationships I've developed with my classmates through taking courses, doing homework together, and spending time getting to know each other outside of class," she said. "I think those relationships will be an extremely helpful foundation as we prepare for RDB and other parts of the MMM curriculum." 

RDB, otherwise known as Research - Design - Build, is a fall-quarter class where students apply design thinking concepts to a problem faced by an industry partner. Alumni routinely mention the course as one of the most impactful opportunities during their time in MMM.

Fong recently participated in a two-part RDB workshop led by MMM co-director Greg Holderfield, who also teaches the course. She knew RDB would be a chance for hands-on learning and practical work experience with a client, but after going through the workshop, Fong is even more excited about the opportunity.

"I really enjoyed learning about the fundamentals of design thinking, including the emphasis on empathy and seeking to understand people and their challenges first before moving into action," Fong said. "This really hinges on the 'build with' concept rather than 'building for.'"

Fong also appreciated the emphasis placed on iteration in the workshop. She came into the program believing the best solutions come from lots of thought, trial and error, and refinement.

The workshop reinforced that belief.

Holderfield did not tell workshop participants who the RDB industry partner is for the upcoming quarter, other than it is a Fortune 500 company.

Fong is excited to find out who the client is — but more significantly, she's looking forward to learning from the experience.

"I think RDB will help set the foundation for the rest of the MMM program," she said. "Not only will this experience help ground us in the key aspects of human-centered design, but I think it will further solidify our cohort's relationships with one another, which will help us learn from each other and collaborate together in the future."

She also expects the class to be key to her long-term professional goals, which include owning and operating a small business.

"I believe the core tenets of human-centered design will be critical in helping me successfully operate and innovate as a small business owner," she said. "I also believe human-centered design principles will help improve my capabilities as a leader by equipping me with new frameworks for problem solving." 

For now, her focus is on getting ready for the course, learning from her classmates, and creating impact.

"I'm most excited to begin learning and applying design thinking principles to a real-world problem," Fong said. "The hands-on nature of MMM is what really sold me on the program and its uniqueness. I'm excited to grow and challenge myself to utilize design thinking to affect positive change and outcomes."