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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/goimb4/design
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
BEFORE YOU BEGIN, AND ASKING "WHAT IS?"
Welcome back! This week, we’ll examine the types of problems that are well-suited for design thinking. We'll recognize what we need to do before we begin a project, and then take a deep dive into the first question in the design thinking process, “What is?” and the concepts of insights and design criteria. You’ll see how asking “What is?” helped improve daily living for adults with autism, their families, and the staff of the Kingwood Trust. Then we’ll look at the Monash University Medical Centre in Australia and how it asked this same question to make patient-centered care a reality. Along the way you’ll learn about two design tools: journey mapping and repertoire.
A MINDSET FOR INNOVATION, AND ASKING "WHAT IF?"
Welcome back! This week, we'll continue our exploration of repertoire and a "mindset for innovation" through two personas we call George and Geoffrey. We'll examine the question "What If?" as a way to think about possibilities. You'll look closely at how brainstorming within the design thinking process helped organizations as different as the Federal Drug Administration and the leaders of a small town of Iveragh, Ireland. This week's tools, storytelling and stakeholder mapping, illustrate ways to gather more information about projects and users.
ASKING "WHAT WOWS?" AND "WHAT WORKS?"
Welcome to our final week! This week we transition from idea generation to testing by examining the intersection of what stakeholders want and what the organization can sustainably offer. We'll consider the role of prototypes as a way to test our assumptions about a solution, and consider what it takes to launch a solution into practice, and see real-life examples of prototyping and testing in social sectors as diverse as healthcare and agriculture. You'll begin to think about your own social sector challenge you could tackle with design thinking. We end this week with some advice and actions for impact.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , 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
Save this course
Save Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Design thinking for impact
Students say this course offers an in-depth look into Design Thinking. Described as engaging, it features case studies and tools that show learners how to solve complex problems in the social sector. Students particularly value the real world examples and opportunities to apply what they've learned to their own projects.
Self-paced format allows learners to study at their own pace
"I have to say that i was skeptical about this experience (my first international e-learning course) but the contents offered are worth a try."
"Thank you for such a lovely course provided by University of Virginia. I have learnt a lot from this course."
"This was my first course. I really enjoyed the way they taut us and the examples given by them were amazing."
Course is relatively short, allowing learners to complete it in a short amount of time
"This was my first course. I really enjoyed the way they taut us and the examples given by them were amazing. the examples provided me with certain guidelines which were very very useful while doing my project work. My experience was really good and I was also motivated. Thank you so much."
"Thank you for such a lovely course provided by University of Virginia. I have learnt a lot from this course."
"The course is very extensive and very elaborately explained. The usage of worked out real life examples added great value for the course."
Includes assignments and quizzes to reinforce learning
"The final assignment helped to integrate it all. One improvement could be to add some summary notes of the process described with tools to be used for easy access/remembering in the future."
"Each week concludes with an auto-graded assessment, and there is also one peer-graded assignment to cap everything off."
"I found the assignment a valuable exercise, it was also obvious that many of peers did not feel the same way."
Modules are well-organized and easy to follow
"This course gives an excellent overview of Design Thinking methodology in the context of social and nonprofit sector."
"I really enjoyed the DT course. Provided in-depth examples and explanation about how the tool is implemented. Highly recommended for those who have a little/no knowledge about the tool."
"That was one of my favorite and enjoyable course so far. Very insightful and well prepared."
Expert instructors provide guidance and insights
"Excellent course, I obtained here the knowledge and tools I was looking for: design thinking, social impact and people as central human design. The mentors in this course are really passionate about the topic and also very good examples are given to understand better all the modules of the syllabus."
"Great course. I really enjoyed the instructors and their passion for the topic. I learned so much about such an important field."
"The course really helped in understanding the process of designing a solution and more importantly focus on redefining the problem! A course for those who want to learn the innovation process."
Thorough exploration of methods, tools, and case studies
"Excellent course! Very well organized and planned, with a very well structured learning path."
"Good overview of design thinking. Good speakers, but the concept of the course with everything in video lectures (and some being more than 10 minutes long) is a bit annoying."
"I feel very motivated and found an amazing passion here learning with the greatest faculty of the greatest university."
Provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of Design Thinking to real-world projects
"The hands-on application of learning is what makes this course very special. Learning how to identify problems, coming up with the most innovative solution and everything in between. All taught through real-life examples from top-notch organisations!"
"The course very extensive and very elaborately explained. The usage of worked out real life examples added great value for the course."
"The information offered is both interesting and simple to comprehend. accompanied by examples and explanations, in order to improve understanding of design thinking's application in the real world."
Features relevant case studies and examples of Design Thinking in action
"This course gave me the opportunity to open my mind to new knowledge about how to improve and understand the world of business"
"Exceptional course, I obtained here the knowledge and tools I was looking for: design thinking, social impact and people as central human design."
"Interesting to take a design thinking course about innovation in the social sector. Good balance of theory and examples from the real world."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Problem-Solving Skills
Show steps
Refresh your problem-solving skills to enhance your ability to apply design thinking principles.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of design thinking by exploring online resources and tutorials.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of course content by organizing and reviewing materials.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of design thinking tools and techniques through practical exercises.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Improve your design thinking skills by seeking feedback from your peers on your ideas and solutions.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of design thinking by analyzing real-world case studies of successful social sector initiatives.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Develop your presentation skills and ability to communicate design thinking concepts effectively.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
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 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.
User Experience Designer
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.
Innovation Consultant
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.
Social Entrepreneur
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Program Manager
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.
Community Organizer
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.
Social Worker
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.
Educator
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.
Researcher
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.
Consultant
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.
Project Manager
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.
Business Analyst
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/goimb4/design
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/goimb4/design
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
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Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Jeanne M. Liedtka
Language
English
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Good to know
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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