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Design Thinking for the Greater Good

Innovation in the Social Sector

Jeanne M. Liedtka

Do you work for a nonprofit or in the social sector? Are you struggling to solve the problems and meet the needs of the people you serve? Come learn more about how design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem solving, can help you truly understand an issue, generate ideas worth testing and iterate to find solutions that make a real difference. Through global stories from areas as diverse as government, health care, and education, we’ll show you the tools, techniques and mindset needed to use design thinking to uncover new and creative solutions in the social sector.

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Do you work for a nonprofit or in the social sector? Are you struggling to solve the problems and meet the needs of the people you serve? Come learn more about how design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem solving, can help you truly understand an issue, generate ideas worth testing and iterate to find solutions that make a real difference. Through global stories from areas as diverse as government, health care, and education, we’ll show you the tools, techniques and mindset needed to use design thinking to uncover new and creative solutions in the social sector.

The development of this course was supported by the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. For more about the Batten Institute, see:

http://www.darden.virginia.edu/batten-institute/

@BattenInstitute

@DesignatDarden

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What's inside

Syllabus

DESIGN THINKING FUNDAMENTALS
Welcome to the first week of Design Thinking in the Social Sector! This week, we provide an overview of design thinking: what it is, why it is different, and why we need it in these uncertain times, especially in complex organizations. We’ll examine the four simple questions at the heart of the design thinking methodology, and illustrate that approach with a visit to the Kingwood Institute in the UK. We’ll conclude this module by giving you a chance to hear from some other experts – Angela Meyer on the visualization tool and Dan Pink on six abilities that matter most.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops empathy for clients and leadership for change in the non-profit and social sector
Examines innovative solutions and creative thinking in complex organizational settings
Strengthens core abilities in the design thinking process, which is highly relevant to business innovation
Requires no prerequisites, which makes it accessible to beginners
Led by instructors who are recognized for their expertise in design thinking and human-centered problem solving
Emphasizes real-world applications and provides examples from various social sectors

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Reviews summary

Design thinking for social sector innovation

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation specifically tailored for the social sector. Students appreciate the practical tools and frameworks introduced, finding them highly applicable to real-world challenges. The course utilizes inspiring case studies from various social impact areas, which many found engaging and illustrative of the design thinking process. It is frequently described as an excellent introduction for those new to design thinking, particularly highlighting its relevance to nonprofit and government work. Some reviewers noted it might be too basic for those already familiar with design thinking concepts.
Real-world examples are engaging.
"The case studies from different social sectors were really inspiring and helped illustrate the concepts."
"I enjoyed learning about how design thinking was applied in real organizations like Kingwood Trust and Monash University."
"Seeing diverse examples made the potential of design thinking feel more tangible."
Introduces useful, applicable tools.
"I learned about several practical tools like journey mapping and brainstorming that I can immediately use in my work."
"The frameworks provided give a clear path to applying design thinking step-by-step."
"I found the introduction to prototyping and testing very helpful and practical."
Provides a clear and effective introduction.
"As someone new to design thinking, this course gave me a fantastic overview and made the concepts easy to grasp."
"It's a great starting point for understanding the fundamentals and mindset of design thinking."
"The modules are well-structured and build upon each other, making the introduction very accessible."
Content and examples are highly relevant.
"This course was incredibly relevant to my work in the nonprofit sector. The examples resonated deeply."
"I found the focus on the social sector refreshing and very helpful in applying design thinking principles to real problems."
"The course does a great job of showing how design thinking can be specifically used for greater good and social impact."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"For someone already familiar with design thinking, this course might feel a bit too introductory."
"I was hoping for more advanced techniques or deeper dives into certain stages."
"While good for beginners, those with prior knowledge might not find much new material."

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 Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector with these activities:
Problem-Solving Skills
Refresh your problem-solving skills to enhance your ability to apply design thinking principles.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Review fundamental problem-solving techniques.
  • Practice solving a variety of problems using different approaches.
  • Seek feedback on your problem-solving process and improve accordingly.
Online Design Thinking Resources
Enhance your knowledge of design thinking by exploring online resources and tutorials.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify online resources or tutorials related to design thinking.
  • Review the resources or tutorials and take notes on key concepts and tools.
  • Apply what you learn to your own design thinking project or idea.
Course Materials Compilation
Solidify your understanding of course content by organizing and reviewing materials.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
  • Organize and compile the materials in a logical and accessible way.
  • Regularly review the compiled materials to reinforce your learning.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Design Thinking Tool Practice
Reinforce your understanding of design thinking tools and techniques through practical exercises.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Review the different design thinking tools and techniques covered in the course.
  • Select a specific tool or technique to practice.
  • Apply the tool or technique to a small-scale challenge or problem.
  • Reflect on your experience and how it enhances your understanding of the tool or technique.
Design Thinking Peer Feedback
Improve your design thinking skills by seeking feedback from your peers on your ideas and solutions.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Pair up with a peer who is also taking the course.
  • Share your design thinking project or idea with your peer.
  • Provide feedback to your peer on their solution, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Listen attentively to the feedback provided by your peer.
Design Thinking Case Study Analysis
Enhance your understanding of design thinking by analyzing real-world case studies of successful social sector initiatives.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Select a design thinking case study that interests you.
  • Read and analyze the case study thoroughly.
  • Identify the key design thinking principles and techniques used.
  • Discuss the challenges and successes of the initiative.
  • Reflect on how the case study can inform your own design thinking practice.
Design Thinking Challenge
Engage in a practical design thinking project to apply the concepts learned in the course and solve real-world problems in the social sector.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify a social sector challenge or problem that you are passionate about.
  • Define the problem statement clearly.
  • Brainstorm and generate ideas for potential solutions.
  • Develop a prototype or mock-up of your proposed solution.
  • Test your solution with stakeholders and gather feedback.
Design Thinking Pitch
Develop your presentation skills and ability to communicate design thinking concepts effectively.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Prepare a design thinking presentation that showcases your project or a hypothetical solution.
  • Practice your presentation thoroughly.
  • Present your design thinking solution to a group of peers or professionals.
  • Gather feedback and reflect on your presentation skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products, often working closely with a team of engineers, designers, and marketers. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the needs of your customers, develop innovative solutions, and bring products to market successfully. This course will help you build a foundation in design thinking, which is a human-centered approach to problem solving that can be applied to any industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers (UX Designers) focus on the interaction between users and products, ensuring that products are easy to use and enjoyable. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the user experience design process, conduct user research, and create prototypes and mockups of new products. This course will help prepare you for a career as a UX Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Innovation Consultant
Innovation Consultants help organizations develop and implement new ideas and strategies. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the innovation process, identify and evaluate new opportunities, and develop and implement innovative solutions. This course will help prepare you for a career as an Innovation Consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Consultant
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofits, develop and implement effective strategies, and manage staff and resources. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in working for a nonprofit organization that focuses on social good.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs are individuals who use their business skills to solve social problems. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the challenges and opportunities of social entrepreneurship, develop and implement innovative solutions, and build a sustainable business. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in starting your own social enterprise.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies, and make recommendations to policymakers. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the policymaking process, conduct research, and communicate your findings effectively. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in a career in public policy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the program management lifecycle, develop and implement effective programs, and manage budgets and resources. This course will help you prepare for a career as a Program Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work to build and strengthen communities, often by organizing residents to address local issues. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the principles of community organizing, develop and implement community-based initiatives, and advocate for social change. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in a career in community development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the principles of social work, develop and implement effective interventions, and work with diverse populations. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in a career in social work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Educator
Educators teach students in schools, colleges, and universities. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the principles of education, develop and implement effective lesson plans, and manage a classroom. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in a career in education.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educator
Researcher
Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge and understanding in a particular field. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the research process, design and conduct research studies, and analyze and interpret data. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in a career in research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the principles of consulting, develop and deliver effective presentations, and manage client relationships. This course will help you prepare for a career as a Consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the project management lifecycle, develop and implement project plans, and manage risks and resources. This course will help you prepare for a career as a Project Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes and operations. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the principles of business analysis, develop and implement solutions to business problems, and communicate your findings effectively. This course will help prepare you for a career as a Business Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns to promote products and services. The skills you learn in this course will help you understand the principles of marketing, develop and implement effective marketing strategies, and measure the results of your marketing campaigns. This course will help you prepare for a career as a Marketing Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector.
Cover image
Experiencing Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of design thinking, with a focus on its application in the social sector. It covers the key principles and tools of design thinking, and provides case studies of successful social innovation projects.
Experiencing Design: The Innovator's Journey
Hardcover
$$
Experiencing Design: The Innovator's Journey
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Explores the challenges that established companies face in innovating. It provides a framework for understanding the different types of innovation, and offers strategies for overcoming the Innovator's Dilemma.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Value Proposition Design
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to developing a value proposition for your product or service. It covers the key elements of a value proposition, and provides tools and templates for creating your own.
Value Proposition Design
Paperback
Check
Value Proposition Design
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management
Save
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It covers the key principles of the Lean Startup methodology, and provides tools and techniques for testing your ideas quickly and cheaply.
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management: The...
Paperback
$$
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management: The...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Penguin Readers Level 6: Sprint (ELT Graded Reader)
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to running a design sprint. A design sprint five-day process for solving problems and testing new ideas. It great way to get started with design thinking.
Penguin Readers Level 6: Sprint (ELT Graded Reader)
Paperback
Check
Penguin Readers Level 6: Sprint (ELT Graded Reader)
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
DiPiro's Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic...
Save
Provides a practical guide to using design thinking in the classroom. It covers the key principles and tools of design thinking, and provides examples of how to use it in different subject areas.
DiPiro's Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic...
Hardcover
$$$$
DiPiro's Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Change Management, Vol. 2...
Save
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at how design thinking is being used to solve some of the world's biggest problems. It features case studies of successful design thinking projects from a variety of industries.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Change Management, Vol. 2...
Paperback
$$
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Change Management, Vol. 2...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Reshaping Engineering Education
Save
Provides a new way of thinking about business. It argues that businesses should be designed like products, with the customer at the center. It provides a framework for designing businesses that are both profitable and sustainable.
Reshaping Engineering Education: Addressing Complex...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Creative Confidence
Save
Provides a practical guide to developing your creativity. It covers the key principles of creativity, and provides exercises and activities to help you improve your creative skills.
Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative...
Hardcover
$$
The Art of Explanation [Hardcover], Think Yourself...
Paperback
$$$
The Ten Faces of Innovation, Creative Confidence,...
Paperback
$$$
Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Why Startups Fail
Save
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation process at IDEO, one of the world's leading design firms. It provides insights into how IDEO generates new ideas, and how it turns those ideas into successful products and services.
Why Startups Fail: A New Roadmap for...
Hardcover
$$
Why Startups Fail: A New Roadmap for...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Jeanne M. Liedtka
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops empathy for clients and leadership for change in the non-profit and social sector
Examines innovative solutions and creative thinking in complex organizational settings
Strengthens core abilities in the design thinking process, which is highly relevant to business innovation
Requires no prerequisites, which makes it accessible to beginners
Led by instructors who are recognized for their expertise in design thinking and human-centered problem solving
Emphasizes real-world applications and provides examples from various social sectors
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