AKTU Design Thinking & Innovation (BMBAI404) Syllabus PDF – MBA (Integrated) 4th Semester

Course Objectives

1. To explain, differentiate, and relate the principles of design thinking with traditional problem-solving approaches, and describe the evolution of design thinking in the context of innovation and creativity.
2. To identify, apply, and interpret tools and techniques for the Empathize and Define phases such as empathy maps, stakeholder maps, 5W+H, storytelling, and trend analysis.
3. To formulate, select, and compare problem statements using ideation methods such as brainstorming, 2x2 matrix, NABC method, and 6-3-5 method.
4. To construct, simulate, and validate prototypes through focused experiments, exploration maps, and MVPs for potential solutions.
5. To conduct, analyze, and evaluate testing techniques like A/B testing and feedback capture grids, and prepare an implementation roadmap and scale-up plan.

UNIT 1 (8 Hrs)

Introduction to design thinking, traditional problem solving versus design thinking, history of design thinking, wicked problems. Innovation and creativity, the role of innovation and creativity in organizations, creativity in teams and their environments. Process of Design Thinking , implementing the process in driving innovation, Mindset for design thinking, Design thinking for product and process innovation, Difference between engineering design and design thinking.

UNIT 2 (8 Hrs.)

Methods and Tools for Empathize and Define phases: Empathize - Methods of Empathize Phase: Ask 5 Why / 5W+H questions, Stakeholder map, Empathy Map, Peer observation, Trend analysis Define - Methods of Define Phase: Storytelling, Critical items diagram, Define success

UNIT 3 (8 Hrs.)

Finalize the problem statement, Methods and Tools for Ideate phase: Ideate - Brainstorming, 2X2 matrix, 6-3-5 method, NABC method;

UNIT 4 (8 Hrs.)

Methods and Tools for Prototype Phase: Prototype - Types of prototypes - Methods of prototyping - Focused experiments, Exploration map, Minimum Viable Product;

UNIT 5 (8 Hrs.)

Methods and Tools for Test Phase: Test - Methods of Testing: Feedback capture grid, A/B testing, Solution Overview - Create a Pitch - Plan for scaling up - Road map for implementation

Suggested Readings

1. Tim Brown, Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation, HarperCollins e-books, 2009.
2. Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, Larry Leifer, The Design Thinking Toolbox, John Wiley & Sons, 2020.
3. Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, Larry Leifer, The Design Thinking Playbook, John Wiley & Sons, 2018.
4. Kristin Fontichiaro, Design Thinking, Cherry Lake Publishing, USA, 2015.
5. Walter Brenner, Falk Uebernickel, Design Thinking for Innovation - Research and Practice, Springer Series, 2016.
6. Gavin Ambrose, Paul Harris, Design Thinking, AVA Publishing, 2010. Course Outcome: After successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Course Outcomes Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy

Course Outcomes