SPDA2030 - Applied Design Thinking class & SPDA2021 Workshop

This highly interactive class introduces the Design Thinking framework to multi-disciplinary students in the Project, Design and Analysis program. A single business problem is explored through the semester for a deep dive into the people, the business strategy and the ability to problem solve throughout many exercises that explore Empathy for the User.

Project - To explore Collective Identity through Storytelling

Cohort 4 students were challenged to understand how storytelling could affect identity of groups, specifically for the Frisco and UNT communities.

Students were led through deep research as well as design thinking exercises and frameworks to develop the right questions to interview subjects in these communities in order to create an understanding of this driving question.

Design Thinking Activities for Storytelling project

In addition to studying the Balanced Scorecard, students decided which Design Thinking Framework activities needed to be explored to help their group create solutions for the midpoint review and final presentations.

Class Activities

Hopes & Fears exercise

In Week 1, students were led through this exercise to explore their challenges and goals for the project.

Competitive Research - Themes

Students teamed up in three groups to compare keyword research and find themes to help them come together for the 2-Minute Readout.

Stakeholder Map exercise

Working in two groups, each tried to understand the challenges and impact of Stakeholders on their project.

UNT Oral History visit

Sara Wilson spoke to our Design Thinking class about the UNT Oral History project and their mission to collect the stories of people who've made a difference.

Empathy Map and themes

Students explored the deeper themes in using the research of storytelling and how people use it to create identity.

Presentation Kickoff

Starting with the kickoff, students practice presenting with future updates to help define the project parameters and demonstrate project progress.

Final Presentations to Faculty

Regular presentations to faculty are used to udpate, to demonstrate the knowledge gained and provide an opportunity to see where students are going with their ideas. Students also get a chance to get focused feedback and practice presenting.

Cohort 4 Final Presentation

Cohort 4 Midpoint Presentation