Course Description
This course provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for design-driven innovation, examining how design functions as a cognitive, cultural, and strategic process within creative, technological, and entrepreneurial contexts. It explores major design theories, philosophies, and creative problem-solving frameworks that inform contemporary design practice across products, services, systems, and experiences.
Students engage with structured ideation methods, visual thinking techniques, and iterative concept development processes to translate complex challenges into meaningful design solutions. The course emphasizes the relationship between research, creativity, and strategic intent, positioning design as a central driver of innovation, user value, and organizational transformation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of key design theories, methodologies, and innovation frameworks
- Explain the cognitive and cultural foundations of creative problem-solving
- Analyze the strategic role of design within organizations and innovation ecosystems
Skills
- Apply structured ideation techniques to generate and evaluate innovative concepts
- Translate research insights into design briefs and conceptual frameworks
- Develop visual representations and concept prototypes to communicate design intent
- Facilitate collaborative design and ideation sessions
Competencies
- Integrate design thinking into complex problem contexts
- Employ creative methodologies in interdisciplinary innovation processes
- Balance conceptual exploration with strategic feasibility
- Critically assess design solutions in relation to user needs and organizational goals
Key Topics Covered
- Design theory and philosophies of creativity
- Design thinking and human-centered innovation frameworks
- Cognitive processes in creative problem-solving
- Problem framing and reframing methodologies
- Divergent and convergent ideation techniques
- Visual thinking and concept communication
- Prototyping and iterative design development
- Design as strategic and organizational capability
- Evaluation of design solutions and innovation impact