Course content

The course aims at enabling the students to understand, plan and conduct design-driven innovation projects in companies.

The course introduces what design-driven innovation (design thinking) entails. The subject gives students a basic understanding of what design thinking means in practice, and how design thinking differs from other approaches to development and innovation.

The subject highlights the value of continuous user involvement and development, as well as the importance of reconciling user needs, technological possibilities, and profitability. Students get knowledge of the various steps in a design process and gain insight into relevant methods for each step in this.

Topics include:

• The iterative elements of design thinking
• Economic benefits of design thinking
• Various design disciplines
• The design process: double diamond
• Planning and execution of a design process
• Relevant tools for the various steps in the design process
• Methods for user insight and user involvement
• Dissemination and presentation of insights and recommendations

Learning outcome

The students should:

• Have a basic understanding of how tools built on artificial intelligence might be used in design processes
• Develop sustainable solutions through design-driven innovation processes
• Evaluate different solutions for relevant challenges
• Make strategic decisions based on user needs, company goals and feasibility
• Communicate with relevant target groups and stakeholders
• Conduct projects in groups

Knowledge:

Students should understand what characterizes design thinking and the advantages of applying this methodology. They should have in-depth knowledge of the design process, the various steps in it, as well as relevant tools.

Skills:

Students must be able to plan and carry out a double diamond design process. This includes identifying, selecting, and applying relevant tools based on the various steps in the design process, the project's objectives, and the company's situation.

General competence:

Students are expected to be able to put together and work in interdisciplinary teams, conduct workshops and work meetings and present insights and recommendations to relevant target groups.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, guest lectures, discussions, groupwork, presentations

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignment

Course materials

Is provided when the semester starts