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Carlos Buskey and Alton Henley

In this course, learners will be introduced to the capstone project and learn how to integrate the design thinking process in business problem solving. In addition, learners will develop a prototype and get feedback from peers.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Capstone and Design Thinking
This module introduces you to the capstone project. It also discusses the steps involved in design thinking. Finally, it provides a foundation for analyzing the role of design thinking in solutions development.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills that include problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication that are valuable to students in any industry
Introduces the design thinking process, a valuable skill for students pursuing careers in business, design, and technology

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Reviews summary

Practical design thinking for business is

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical approach to integrating design thinking into Information Systems in business. Students particularly praise the hands-on capstone project, which provides a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and develop a prototype. Many found the structured breakdown of the Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test stages to be clear and actionable, with recent updates reflecting continuous improvement. While the course is broadly seen as beneficial for career development, some suggest a strong foundation in business concepts is helpful, as the pace can be rapid.
Course content has been updated based on feedback.
"It's great to see that the course creators actively incorporate feedback; the latest version is much smoother."
"I took this course again after a year, and the improvements in clarity and examples were very noticeable."
"The updated readings and resources make the course even more valuable than before."
Systematic breakdown of design thinking stages.
"The way the course broke down the Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test stages was incredibly clear and logical."
"I appreciated the structured approach to design thinking; it made a complex process feel manageable."
"The modules on ideation and prototyping were especially insightful, giving me a solid framework to follow."
Directly applicable to careers in Information Systems and business.
"As an IS professional, I found this course directly applicable to how I approach problem-solving in my company."
"This course is a must for anyone looking to bridge the gap between technical skills and business strategy."
"It deepened my understanding of how design thinking drives innovation in a business context."
Apply design thinking to real business problems.
"The capstone project was the highlight for me; I could immediately apply what I learned to a real business scenario."
"I particularly enjoyed developing the prototype and getting peer feedback; it really cemented the concepts."
"This course is truly hands-on, providing practical tools and strategies that I can immediately apply in my role."
Course primarily self-directed with minimal instructor engagement.
"I would have liked more direct instructor feedback or Q&A sessions on the projects."
"The course relied heavily on self-study and peer interaction, which worked, but direct instructor guidance was minimal."
"While the material was good, I sometimes wished for more personalized support from the teaching team."
Quality of peer reviews varies significantly.
"While some peer feedback was incredibly helpful, I sometimes received reviews that lacked depth or constructive criticism."
"I wish there was more guidance on how to provide effective peer feedback, as the quality seemed inconsistent."
"Some peer reviews were insightful, but others felt rushed and didn't offer much value to my prototype."
Moves quickly; benefits from prior business or IS knowledge.
"The course moved at a fairly fast pace, which was great for me but might be challenging for complete beginners in business concepts."
"I felt a solid foundation in general business or IS helped me keep up with the discussions and assignments."
"While comprehensive, it assumes some familiarity with business environments, so newcomers might need extra effort."

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 Capstone: Design Thinking for IS in Business with these activities:
Read 'Design Thinking for Innovation' by David Kelley and Tom Kelley
Gain insights and best practices for applying design thinking in business problem-solving.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the book's principles can be applied to your capstone project.
  • Discuss the book's ideas with peers or an instructor.
Review the basics of design thinking
Review the fundamental concepts of design thinking to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Design Thinking
Show steps
  • Read through your notes or textbooks from previous design thinking courses.
  • Participate in online forums or discussion groups to engage with other learners.
Explore online tutorials on design thinking tools and techniques
Supplement your understanding of design thinking through guided tutorials on specific tools and techniques.
Show steps
  • Identify specific design thinking tools or techniques you want to learn more about.
  • Search for online tutorials or courses that cover these topics.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete any exercises or assignments.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Conduct user interviews
Practice conducting user interviews to develop empathy and gather insights for your capstone project.
Browse courses on User Research
Show steps
  • Identify a specific problem or challenge.
  • Develop a list of questions to ask users.
  • Recruit and schedule interviews with potential users.
  • Conduct the interviews and record the responses.
Identify a mentor who can provide guidance on your capstone project
Seek guidance from an experienced professional to enhance your project's quality and outcomes.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors within your network or industry.
  • Reach out to them and inquire about their willingness to mentor you.
  • Establish a regular meeting or communication schedule.
Participate in peer feedback sessions
Engage in peer feedback sessions to receive constructive criticism and improve your project's quality.
Show steps
  • Identify a peer or group of peers to provide feedback.
  • Exchange your project materials or prototypes.
  • Provide feedback on each other's work.
  • Incorporate feedback into your own project.
  • Consider seeking feedback from multiple peers or groups.
Develop a prototype for your capstone project
Create a prototype to test and demonstrate the feasibility and usability of your capstone project solution.
Browse courses on Prototyping
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and ideate potential solutions.
  • Select a solution and develop a plan for creating a prototype.
  • Gather necessary materials and resources.
  • Construct the prototype.
  • Test and evaluate the prototype.
Prepare a presentation on your capstone project
Develop a presentation to effectively communicate your capstone project's goals, objectives, and outcomes.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Outline the key points of your project.
  • Gather relevant data and evidence to support your presentation.
  • Create visual aids, such as slides or infographics.
  • Practice delivering your presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Capstone: Design Thinking for IS in Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Design Strategist
A Design Strategist is responsible for developing and executing design strategies. They work with businesses to help them achieve their goals through design. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Design Strategists. This course may help a Design Strategist build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which could increase their success in their role.
Design Researcher
A Design Researcher is responsible for conducting research to inform design decisions. They work with users and stakeholders to gather insights and develop solutions. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Design Researchers. This course may help a Design Researcher build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which could increase their success in their role.
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer is responsible for the user experience of a product or service. They ensure that a product is easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for User Experience Designers as it can help them to better understand the needs of users. This course may help a User Experience Designer build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which could increase their success in their role.
Service Designer
A Service Designer is responsible for the design of services. They work to ensure that services are efficient, effective, and user-friendly. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Service Designers. This course could help a Service Designer to build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which may increase their success in their role.
Interaction Designer
An Interaction Designer is responsible for the design of user interfaces. They work to ensure that user interfaces are intuitive and easy to use. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Interaction Designers. This course may help an Interaction Designer build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which could increase their success in their role.
Information Architect
An Information Architect is responsible for the organization and structure of information. They work to ensure that information is easy to find and use. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Information Architects. This course may help an Information Architect build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which could increase their success in their role.
Customer Experience Designer
A Customer Experience Designer is responsible for the design of customer experiences. They work to ensure that customer experiences are positive and memorable. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Customer Experience Designers. This course may help a Customer Experience Designer build a foundation in the Design Thinking process which could increase their success in their role.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the lifecycle of a product. They oversee a product's development, launch, and marketing. The Design Thinking process is an integral part of product development. This course can help a Product Manager better understand and apply the Design Thinking process which may increase their success in their role.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They work to ensure that systems are efficient, effective, and meet the needs of users. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Systems Analysts. This course could help a Systems Analyst to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in the field.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for the development and execution of marketing campaigns. They work to promote products or services and generate leads. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Marketing Managers. This course could help a Marketing Manager to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in the field.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Project Managers. This course could help a Project Manager to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in the field.
Consultant
A Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses. They work with businesses to help them improve their operations and achieve their goals. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Consultants. This course could help a Consultant to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in the field.
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from developing the product or service to marketing and sales. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Entrepreneurs. This course could help an Entrepreneur to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in their field.
Innovation Manager
An Innovation Manager is responsible for driving innovation within an organization. They work to identify new opportunities and develop new products or services. The Design Thinking process is a valuable tool for Innovation Managers. This course could help an Innovation Manager to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in their field.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst may be responsible for developing solutions to better meet the needs of a business. The Design Thinking process may be used to analyze business issues, develop customer personas, and create improved solutions. This course could help a Business Analyst to better understand and apply the Design Thinking process, thereby increasing their success in the field.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Capstone: Design Thinking for IS in Business.
Provides a practical guide to the Lean Startup methodology, which helps entrepreneurs to test and validate their business ideas quickly and cheaply.

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