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Experiencing Design

Deepening Your Design Thinking Practice

Jeanne M. Liedtka, Karen Hold, and Jessica Eldridge

How do we unlock the transformational power of design thinking? To do this, we must understand that this power lies not in what it encourages us to do, but in who it encourages us to become. We become design thinkers by experiencing design.

In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, we will guide you through six key phases of the design journey - Immersion, Sensemaking, Alignment, Emergence, Imagining, and Learning in Action. For each of these phases, you will explore how design thinking done well impacts innovators by inviting them to bring their authentic selves into the innovation conversation. You will examine key behaviors that bridge the gap from beginner to competency, and deepen the skills that will allow you to achieve design thinking's transformational promise. You will also hear from industry leaders from all over the world who will share valuable lessons and personal stories about how experiencing design has shaped their exciting careers.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the importance of bringing your authentic self into the process of innovation.

Provides a comprehensive study of the six key phases of the design thinking journey: Immersion, Sensemaking, Alignment, Emergence, Imagining, and Learning in Action.

Develops key behaviors and skills that bridge the gap between beginner and competency in design thinking.

Taught by instructors Jeanne M. Liedtka, Karen Hold, and Jessica Eldridge, who are recognized for their work in design thinking.

Examines how design thinking impacts innovators by inviting them to bring their authentic selves into the innovation conversation.

Features industry leaders from around the world who share valuable lessons and personal stories about how experiencing design has shaped their exciting careers.

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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 Experiencing Design: Deepening Your Design Thinking Practice with these activities:

Explore design thinking methodologies online

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Expand knowledge and skills by accessing online resources and expert guidance.

Browse courses on Ideation Techniques

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Identify reputable online platforms or instructors
Select tutorials that align with course content and personal interests
Follow tutorials, complete exercises, and apply concepts to personal projects

Network with professionals in the design thinking community

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Expand professional connections, learn about industry trends, and seek potential collaborations.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify and attend networking events related to design thinking
Prepare an elevator pitch and professional profile
Engage in conversations, share knowledge, and build relationships
Follow up with promising connections after the event

Join a design thinking study group

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Enhance understanding through collaboration, feedback, and sharing of diverse perspectives.

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Find or create a group of peers interested in design thinking
Establish meeting times and communication channels
Discuss course materials, case studies, and personal experiences
Provide feedback and support to group members

Four other activities

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Create a resource compilation on design thinking best practices

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Deepen understanding of design thinking principles and methodologies by researching and curating relevant materials.

Browse courses on Best Practices

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Research and identify reputable sources on design thinking best practices
Organize and categorize materials into a coherent and user-friendly format
Share the compilation with peers, colleagues, or the broader design community

Develop a personal design thinking project

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Refine design thinking skills and deepen understanding by applying it to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Design Sprints

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Identify a challenge or opportunity to address
Define the scope of the project
Gather insights and research the problem
Develop and test potential solutions
Implement and evaluate the solution

Mentor junior designers or students

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Solidify understanding and enhance communication skills by sharing knowledge and supporting others.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify opportunities to mentor or teach design thinking to others
Prepare materials and resources to support mentees
Meet regularly with mentees, provide guidance, and answer questions
Reflect on the mentoring experience and identify areas for improvement

Create a design thinking portfolio

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Demonstrate design thinking capabilities and reflect on learning through a curated collection of work.

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Gather and select design thinking projects, case studies, and other relevant materials
Create a professional and visually appealing portfolio
Showcase the design process, outcomes, and impact of each project
Share the portfolio with potential employers or clients

Career center

Learners who complete Experiencing Design: Deepening Your Design Thinking Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Visual Designer

Visual Designers are responsible for the visual appearance of products. This course will help aspiring Visual Designers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create visually appealing products. The course will also help Visual Designers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Designer

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of products. This course will help aspiring UX Designers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create user experiences that are both usable and enjoyable. The course will also help UX Designers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers are responsible for designing and developing products that meet the needs of users. This course will help aspiring Product Designers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop innovative products. The course will also help Product Designers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers are responsible for designing and developing the user interface for products. This course will help aspiring Interaction Designers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop user interfaces that are both usable and enjoyable. The course will also help Interaction Designers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers are responsible for the design of products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course will help aspiring Industrial Designers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop products that meet the needs of users. The course will also help Industrial Designers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Service Designer

Service Designers are responsible for designing and developing services that meet the needs of users. This course will help aspiring Service Designers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop services that are both usable and enjoyable. The course will also help Service Designers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Service Designer

Design Researcher

Design Researchers are responsible for conducting research to understand the needs of users. This course will help aspiring Design Researchers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research that is both valid and reliable. The course will also help Design Researchers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Researcher

Design Manager

Design Managers are responsible for leading and managing design teams, ensuring that the team's work aligns with the company's strategic goals. This course may be useful for aspiring Design Managers, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage a design team effectively. The course will also help Design Managers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Manager

Innovation Consultant

Innovation Consultants are responsible for helping organizations to develop and implement innovative products and services. This course may be useful for aspiring Innovation Consultants, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to help organizations to innovate effectively. The course will also help Innovation Consultants understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Consultant

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning and managing projects. This course may be useful for aspiring Project Managers, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to plan and manage projects effectively. The course will also help Project Managers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. This course may be useful for aspiring Sales Managers, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage a sales team effectively. The course will also help Sales Managers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. This course may be useful for aspiring Business Analysts, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. The course will also help Business Analysts understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting and running their own businesses. This course may be useful for aspiring Entrepreneurs, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to start and run a successful business. The course will also help Entrepreneurs understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for aspiring Marketing Managers, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns. The course will also help Marketing Managers understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. This course may be useful for aspiring Systems Analysts, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and design computer systems effectively. The course will also help Systems Analysts understand the transformational power of design thinking and how to use it to drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 16 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 Experiencing Design: Deepening Your Design Thinking Practice.

Innovation by Design

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Provides a comprehensive overview of design thinking, including the principles, methods, and tools. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about the design thinking process and how to apply it to innovation.

Experiencing Design

Deepening Your Design Thinking Practice

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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