Course content

This course introduces fundamental knowledge in complex problem-solving in design through the use of Human-Centered Design (HCD) for the innovation of new products and services. HCD is a problem-solving approach that places real people at the center of the development process. This method ensures that products and services are tailored to the needs, preferences, and pain points of the users. The goal is to create solutions that resonate with users by keeping their wants and challenges in mind throughout every phase of the design process, from ideation to product testing.

The course will include basics in design methods, focusing on critical thinking and complex problem-solving, and it combines theoretical learning with project work. This implies that the course participants apply the lecture learning directly to real-life problem-solving, creating impact-based design and learning to be design innovators and changemakers.

Key methods covered during the course include, but are not limited to, contextual inquiry, user interviews, affinity mapping, personas and scenarios, ideation, concept development, prototyping, and testing. The course focuses on impact-based design and the innovation of new products and services. It is embedded in the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDG) by focusing on improving health and well-being and the sustainable development of inclusive and sustainable services, fostering innovation.

Learning outcome

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge:

• Discover opportunities by viewing challenges and situations with a human-centered mindset and by framing the "right" problem that needs to be solved.

• Connect with end users and stakeholders in the field to identify problems and co-create solutions.

• Understand methods related to the HCD process, including ethnographic analysis, problem framing, affinity mapping, concept development, prototype development, and testing.

• Embrace an experimental attitude to iteratively discover and test what is valuable, feasible, and viable.

• Work effectively in teams, peer critiquing, and peer learning.

Skills:

• Apply the HCD process to solve complex problems and innovate new solutions such as digital products and services.

• Use design methods and toolkits effectively.

• Develop software skills in digital prototyping and visualization tools such as Figma and Miro.

General Qualifications:

• Have practical experience with HCD, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and innovation.

Learning methods and activities

The pedagogy for the course is project-based learning. It is highly interactive, includes personalized mentoring, encourages peer learning, group work, and hands-on experience in solving real-life complex design problems.

• One main project will give students practical experience with the main themes, related to, but not limited to: strategic areas at NTNU, ID and SDGs

• Regular lectures will present the theory and methods that can be directly applied to the project.

• Regular personalized mentoring and peer reviewing will guide product development.

• Mandatory lecture seminars - The course literature will be discussed in student-driven literature seminars. This facilitates reverse learning and flipped classrooms.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory attendance

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

TPD4100 Design 1 - Introduction

TPD4102 Design 2 - Composition.

Required previous knowledge

• The subject is open for students enrolled in the Industrial Design program.
• International exchange students (Limited seats)

Course materials

• "The Design of Everyday Things (Revised and expanded edition)", D. Norman, 2013.
• "Universal Methods of Design" B. Marting & B Hanington, 2012, Rockport.
• Further literature will be announced at the start of the course.

Credit reductions