DES 1101W:
Introduction to Design Thinking
COURSE DESCRIPTION
DES 1101w serves as an introductory exploration of the foundational processes, theories, and methods that form the basis of design thinking and practice. The course is structured into three segments: the design process, design theories, and the social & cultural implications of design. It delves into the examination of human interactions with natural, social, and designed environments, emphasizing the impact of purposeful design on the quality of these interactions. Students gain insights into how design outcomes, whether successful or unsuccessful, are shaped by social, cultural, and historical factors. The curriculum encourages students of design thinking to critically assess both the processes and outcomes of design engagement. Throughout the course, students actively apply and test design thinking concepts through hands-on participation in small-group design projects, tailored to reinforce the core content of the course.
Institution
College of Design University of Minnesota
Role
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Year
2022
Throughout the course, students will:
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Engage in detailed analysis of and critical thinking about current design production across different design disciplines.
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Engage the “big ideas” that are shaping design thinking today through critical assessment and hands-on discovery.
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Develop the ability to observe, describe, analyze and interpret visual and spatial design production.
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Examine the role that design production and design thinking plays in shaping the larger society and culture of which it is part.
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Develop understanding
DESIGN PROCESS
Students learn how designers identify, define and solve problems.
Writing Assignment #1
The flawed object
Students need to find a flawed object and propose a redesign solution.
"As a designer, you have examined the object and think it can be improved upon. Now you have been asked to examine the object, analyze it, and submit a short preliminary report. Because you are a designer, you understandthe importance of observing closely when describing the object, identifying its flaw, and proposing a solution to the flaw (Assignment 1 outline)."
Team Assignment #1
The To-go Coffee Cup
The purpose of the project is to give students the opportunity to work with a design process model to solve a design problem. Students will work in teams. The goal is to make a “to-go” coffee container that functions better than a conventional coffee-to-go cup in terms of portability.
Each team will choose to work with either the Koberg and Bagnall Design Process Model or the IDEO d-school Design Process Model. They will create a minimum of ten rough prototypes, one finished prototype, and a 12-minute presentation.
DESIGN THEORIES
Proxemics theory, Placement Theory, Biophilic Design, Communication theory, Biomimicry theory
Team Project #2
Redesign Magrath library
Students need to use two assigned design theories (Proxemics theory, Placement Theory, Biophilic Design, Communication theory, and Biomimicry theory) to create a redesign concept for the lower level of Magrath library.
Writing Assignment #2
Memorable Place
For the "Memorable Place" assignment, students are tasked with exploring their personal connection to a chosen location. The assignment involves providing a detailed and vivid description of the chosen place, followed by an explanation of why it holds special significance for students. The analytical aspect comes into play as students step back and assess their space using two theories discussed in the Segment 2 lectures. It's crucial to address each theory separately rather than combining them.
Student: Zoe Meyer
A Room of My Own
Student: Alisia J Palms
The Memorable Chippewa Falls Riverfront Park
Student: Maya M. Lopez