Using Design to Generate Innovative Business Solutions from Coursera

This rigorous online course shows you how to use design to generate innovative business solutions. It starts by focusing on alternative design methodologies, including the non-negotiable essentials: design thinking methodology and jobs to be done. It then delves into strategies for choosing the right business model. This includes exploring value-creating and sustainable business models. After covering these foundational concepts, the course examines design tools that can be used to develop the business model in market by creating shared value and tips to manage the conversion funnel. The course concludes by looking at digital dynamics and providing insider tips to promote success.

To succeed in this specialization, you should be a professional with at least two to three years of experience in an organizational setting. Experience in a design role or working with designers is helpful.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Examine design thinking methodologies and essentials

- Choose a business model to maximize opportunity and manage shifts

- Assess challenges in the design process

- Develop solutions to design challenges and problems

What's inside

Syllabus

Alternative Design Methodologies

In this week, you will explore design thinking and insight gaps. You'll start to think about what bias is and how to manage it in the design process. We'll outline the five stages of design thinking, and you'll gain insight into testing with a prototype. Finally, we'll consider why people hire and fire products or services as you discuss the relationship between design methodologies and the jobs to be done model.

Choosing a Business Model to Take Your Solution to Market

In this week, you'll learn more about business models. We'll look at the difference between incremental change or radical innovation and the purpose of each. We'll look at specific examples of successful business model shifts and focus on the relationship between business models and product experience. You will learn about the three pillars of sustainable business models as well. You'll do this through an exploration of six types of business models. Finally, we'll discuss recommendations of business model shifts given a company's context.

Design Tools to Evolve Your Business Model in Market

In this week, you'll learn about the three types of fit: problem-solution fit, product-market fit, and commercial fit. You'll gain insight into how shared value is applied in the market, as well as discuss how business model selection impacts the creation of shared value. We'll introduce you to the concept of the conversion funnel, and share how this is applied through the design process. Finally, you'll learn about using heuristic analysis to identify problems and opportunities on the conversion funnel.

Pain Points and Success

In this week, we'll explore the neuroscience behind cognitive load and user benefit. You'll look at the role of technology and consider how some companies and industries leverage cognitive load and increase user benefit well, and what happens if they're unable to do that. We'll explore analyses and perspectives on growth hacking. You'll recognize how to balance fast track delivery and innovation concurrently. Finally, we'll provide a few helpful tips for implementing design practices.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops design thinking and business modeling skills relevant to the industry

Looks at innovative business solutions for the design industry

Provides foundational business concepts and tools for designers

Instructors have experience in the design field

Clear course objectives and learning outcomes

Provides tips for managing the conversion funnel

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Using Design to Generate Innovative Business Solutions with these activities:

Connect with Professionals in the Field

Show steps

Build relationships with professionals in the field to gain insights, learn about industry trends, and explore career opportunities.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Attend industry events and conferences
Join professional organizations
Reach out to individuals on LinkedIn

Reference 'Design Thinking' by Tim Brown

Show steps

Refresh foundational knowledge for the course by reading this introduction to design thinking.

View Templars in America: The Secret Legacy of... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase the book
Read the book
Complete the quiz at the end of each chapter

Form a Study Group

Show steps

Engage with classmates to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning journey.

Browse courses on Collaboration

Show steps

Identify classmates with similar interests
Schedule regular study sessions
Collaborate on assignments and projects

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Review UX and UX Design Best Practices

Show steps

Enhance knowledge of user experience and design principles to create user-centric solutions.

Browse courses on User Experience

Show steps

Study online tutorials on UX design
Read articles and blogs about UX best practices

Read 'Competing Against Luck' by Clayton Christensen

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of business models and their importance in achieving market success by referencing this book.

View Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase the book
Read the book
Summarize key concepts and their applications to business model development and execution.

Design a Business Model Canvas

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience in developing a business model for a new product or service.

Browse courses on Business Model

Show steps

Identify the customer segment
Define the value proposition
Describe the channels
Specify the revenue streams
Outline the cost structure

Attend a Design Thinking Workshop

Show steps

Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn and apply design thinking principles in a collaborative environment.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

Show steps

Research and identify design thinking workshops
Register for and attend a workshop
Apply the learnings to your own projects

Conduct a Problem-Solving Sprint

Show steps

Apply the Design Thinking methodology to a real-world problem to develop innovative solutions?

Browse courses on Design Thinking

Show steps

Define the problem statement
Generate ideas
Prototype solutions
Test and iterate

Career center

Learners who complete Using Design to Generate Innovative Business Solutions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Designer

Business Designers are responsible for understanding the needs of businesses and their customers. They use design thinking methodologies to develop innovative solutions that meet those needs, which makes this course a perfect fit. The course will teach you how to use design thinking to generate innovative business solutions, which will be essential for your success as a Business Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Designer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop innovative products, which will be essential for your success as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work with designers, copywriters, and other marketing professionals to create marketing materials that reach target customers. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop innovative marketing campaigns, which will be essential for your success as a Marketing Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers are responsible for designing the user experience of products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and other UX professionals to create products that are easy to use and enjoyable.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Service Designer

Service Designers are responsible for designing the experience of services. They work with engineers, designers, and other service professionals to create services that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop innovative services, which will be essential for your success as a Service Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Service Designer

Innovation Manager

Innovation Managers are responsible for leading innovation initiatives within organizations. They work with engineers, designers, and other professionals to develop new products, services, and processes. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to generate innovative ideas, which will be essential for your success as an Innovation Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Manager

Design Researcher

Design Researchers are responsible for conducting research to inform the design of products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and other researchers to identify user needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will teach you how to use research methods to gather insights about users, which will be essential for your success as a Design Researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Researcher

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and systems. They work with engineers, designers, and other professionals to identify opportunities for improvement. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to analyze business processes, which will be essential for your success as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Design Strategist

Design Strategists are responsible for developing design strategies for organizations. They work with engineers, designers, and other professionals to create design solutions that align with the organization's goals. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop design strategies, which will be essential for your success as a Design Strategist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Strategist

Creative Director

Creative Directors are responsible for leading creative teams and developing creative concepts. They work with engineers, designers, and other creative professionals to create products and services that are visually appealing and effective. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop creative concepts, which will be essential for your success as a Creative Director.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Brand Manager

Brand Managers are responsible for developing and managing the brand of an organization. They work with engineers, designers, and other marketing professionals to create brand strategies and marketing campaigns. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop brand strategies, which will be essential for your success as a Brand Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager

Product Development Manager

Product Development Managers are responsible for overseeing the development of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and other product development professionals to bring products to market. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop innovative products, which will be essential for your success as a Product Development Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Development Manager

Marketing Consultant

Marketing Consultants are responsible for providing marketing advice to businesses. They work with clients to develop marketing strategies and campaigns. This course will teach you how to use design thinking to develop marketing strategies, which will be essential for your success as a Marketing Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Consultant

UX Researcher

UX Researchers are responsible for conducting research to inform the design of products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and other UX professionals to identify user needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course will teach you how to use research methods to gather insights about users.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Researcher

Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers are responsible for designing the user experience of products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and other UX professionals to create products that are easy to use and enjoyable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer