Design It - A Reflective Report on Design Thinking Course

The reflective report is based on the activities and the learning outcomes of the designing course and the manner in which the course has helped in enhancing the knowledge of the designer while operating as per the needs of the customers.

Running head: DESIGN IT
DESIGN IT
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

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Table of Contents
Blogs of 8 weeks..............................................................................................................................2
Reflective report..............................................................................................................................6
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................6
2. Personal development..................................................................................................................7
3. Knowledge development.............................................................................................................9
4. Action plan.................................................................................................................................12
5. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................16

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Blogs of 8 weeks
Week 3
In week3, Dr. Jefferey introduced the different concepts and theories of the design
thinking and the manner in which the methodology might be implemented in order to enhance
the performance of the designer. The lecturer stated that the identification of the concern of the
customers is one of the major steps that are required to be taken by the designer while creating a
design for the enterprise. On the other hand, we were introduced to rationale followed by the
organization for undertaking radical changes.
Through the lectures, we came to understand that the organizations undertake the
innovative approach in order to sustain in diverse situations. The major aspects of change in the
organizational structure are based on the design of the processes aligned with the persona
(objectives) of the same. The lectures relating the design thinking and concepts concluded with
designing a poster as per the understanding of the needs of the entrepreneur.
Week 4
The week 4’s lectures were focused on the identification of the different problems that
might be faced and the manner in which the designers might identify challenges. We were
provided with a scenario relating to “a day at beach” which has helped in enumerating the
different challenges that might be faced by the people. The identification of the challenges
through the utilization of the case study is aimed at assisting the designers in maintaining their
efficacy at work. The lecturer advised us to apply an empathetic approach, which will be focused
on placing the individuals in the position of the customers. It will be helping the designers in

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maintaining the efficacy at work. At first, I believed that the process was too complex for me to
get through. However, the enumeration of the case study and the analysis of the issues have
helped me in regaining my confidence.
Week 5
The identification of the issues will be helping the designers in applying appropriate
frameworks in order to cope with the needs of the client. On the other hand, the enumeration of
the group activities for identifying the issues has helped in enhancing the coordinative
functioning of the designers in a team. Dr. Jefferey introduced the different activities that would
help us in undertaking efficient journey mapping. Journey mapping will be helping the designer
in defining the different tasks as per the priorities. The identification of the varied issues that are
faced by the customers will be helping the designer in suggesting appropriate frameworks as per
the concerns. The activities that were done during the week has helped us in understanding the
manner in which the designer might approach the concerns raised through certain technical steps.
It will be helping the designer in maintaining the efficacy of the functions while operating in
diverse situations.
Week 6
We were introduced to the concept of value network and chain, I feel it will help me to
carry out design thinking tools. The motive is to help us become more innovative by breaking
down the designing process into thinking tools. Proper understanding of the value chain will help
me to identify the resources and competencies of a given organization. A precise demonstration
of adding value was highly insightful into the prospects of market research. What I learnt for the
first time was how to demarcate between primary and supportive activities. I feel after the

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session, I am better able to analyze business models and identify what makes them ideal. The
session has also taught me how to identify profit pools and use them to the fullest within the
value network. The research we were taught is a lot similar to academic research, since it is
driven by theory and focuses on practical outcome.
Week 7
The following week was aimed to designed am ethical research project, using observation
and interviews for analyzing data and test assumptions. This has so far been the most confusing
session for me since I find the quantitative approach to research a little difficult and time-
consuming. However, the collection of primary data through structured interview was both
engaging and interesting. I would prefer group interviews for collecting primary data, as they
save time and provide a wider perspective. I am in full agreement with an organization’s
responsibility to abide by ethical considerations before conducting any research. In this context,
this session has also been the most educational, despite the my doubts on the research
methodology. An ethical approach to research, I think is most effective as it lays off all pressure
from the interviewed and they can comply with the process without any bias or fear.
Week 8
I was totally new to the concept of Rapid Prototyping until now, and I am somewhere in
the middle of getting to know its importance in business. The aim of the process is to transform
the concept into testable and feasible models before investing large amounts, energy and time
into developing the final model. Of the many techniques of prototyping that I learnt,
Storyboarding is the most useful. I have never participated at a prototype testing although I am
looking forward to having an experience and use the benefits of the process. I have come to

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realize that rapid prototyping has the ability to present a tangible service or product to investors
and customers. It will also help me identify the areas of improvement and locate the flaws. If the
drawbacks of the procedure is taken proper care of, it has all the potential to boost growth.
Week 9
One of the most important modules of the program is launch workshop. The fact that it
focuses on how much the marketer learns than how much he/she sells is extremely significant to
me. The shift of attention to hypothetical to real customer behavior accelerated my enthusiasm
for the learning process. The process is all about taking actions in the real world, learning as I
proceed with the execution of the plan and focusing on behavioral metrics for final outcome.
This gives me ample opportunity to spend a little time thinking about the feedback, being more
receptive to it and refining my idea accordingly. Further, this is a crucial transition from design
thinking to traditional development, from creating to final planning of the business; and that is
why I feel it provides excellent opportunity for growth and maturity. I wish to follow this method
in the future for maximum benefits.
Day 10
The 10th week had the most fun and engaging activities of all the modules. We were
asked to present slides submitted for the 2nd assessment, most of us brought visual aids for
supporting our presentation. It was highly beneficial in the sense that this activity has helped me
identify my personal weaknesses and strengths and the written accounts will help me compare
and contrast them with the learning from the modules, and I can use them to my suitable purpose
for improvement. One of my weaknesses that I have identified so far is my inability to
understand complex research methods and I plan to overcome it by referring to the notes I took

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down while attending the sessions and practice the activities of the modules both in real life and
hypothetically. The final activity has taught me how work in teams and be participative in and
efficient while doing so. It will be highly useful for me in my future endeavors as a professional.
Reflective report
1. Introduction
Innovation is one of the major needs of organizations while operating in diverse markets.
The radical changes that are undertaken by the organizations are based on the designing
capabilities of the same while operating in the diverse markets (Chasanidou, Gasparini & Lee,
2015). The design thinking process is dependent on the impleme4ntation of different strategies
through a thorough understanding of the concerns of the clients. Designing the idea through the
adherence to different steps in the design thinking process will be helping the designers in
maintaining the efficacy of the function s as per the objectives of meting up with the concerns of
the client (Bjögvinsson, Ehn & Hillgren, 2012). The design thinking process involves the
proper utilization of empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing in order to enhance
the proper functioning of the systems. The reflective report is based on the activities and the
learning outcomes of the designing course and the manner in which the course has helped in
enhancing the knowledge of the designer while operating as per the needs of the customers. The
DT techniques help organizations in undertaking an innovative approach of the same through
remodelling of the processes. The efficacy of the design created by the designers is based on the
understanding of the position of the business in the market context.

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The purpose of undertaking the report is to enumerate the different personal and
knowledge development skills that are induced in an individual through the course outset. The
development of personality and the knowledge of the individual designers through the activities
that are outlined by the course have helped in identifying the different strengths and weaknesses
of the designer and thereby improve the same through delineation of an action plan.
2. Personal development
The course enumerated the different activities that might be undertaken by the designer
through the identification of the issues. Müller and Thoring (2012) stated that the identification
of the client’s concern is one of the most important steps that is to be considered by the designer
even before initiating the designing process. The implementation of empathetic approach by the
designers will be helping the same in placing themselves in the position of the customers
(Mintrom & Luetjens, 2016). The course has helped me in understanding the manner in which
interactions with the customers might be undertaken in order to record data for analysis. Suitable
analysis of the issues of the customers will be helping the designer in defining the issues. Liedtka
(2014) stated that the implementation of mind mapping and journey mapping will be helping the
designers in delineating the different tasks that are to be scheduled as per the concerns of the
organization. Proper scheduling of tasks as per the priorities will be helping the designers in
maintaining the efficacy of the systematic approach that is undertaken by the same (Jordan &
Lande, 2016).
The course has helped me in understanding the diverse concerns of the customers. The
activities that are enumerated in the course have exemplified the systematic approach through the
suitable understanding of the concern of the customers. The systematic approach has helped me

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in developing an insight into the problems that might be faced by the project while implementing
suitable frameworks to the issues identified. The dynamic changes that are planned by the
businesses support the innovative approach of the same to sustain in the competitive markets
(Shapira, Ketchie & Nehe, 2017). Therefore, the designer’s creativity in designing a
proposition for the business is based on an analysis of the value chain of the organization. The
course has helped me in building on my analytical skills, which assisted in identifying the
position of the entrepreneur. On the other hand, the exposition of varied technologies has helped
me in understanding the viability of diverse approaches while operating on the concerns of the
business.
The systematic functioning of the designers is boosted through prototyping where the
designer is required to implement specific frameworks for mitigating the issues. De Souza
(2012) stated that the prototyping phase helps the designer in validating the design through the
utilization of suitable frameworks. Utilization of the divergent and convergent thinking
procedures has helped in enhancing the designing proponents as per the concerns of the business.
On the other hand, the course induced a knowledge of core values that has helped me in
understanding my responsibilities of assisting the needs of the clients through suitable analysis of
their respective positions. The key changes in the systems of the business operations are based on
the design that is followed by the processes (Behm, Culvenor & Dixon, 2014). The
establishment of concrete solution through a review of all the viable solutions will be helping the
designer in undertaking smooth functioning as per the concerns of the clients. The course helped
me in understanding the different responsibilities of the designer while operating on the
innovative approach of the clients. On the other hand, the depiction of the persona and the
manner in which it influences the design has helped me in understanding the concern of the

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clients. I was a bit confused at the initiation of the design thinking course. However, the
implementation of diverse range of DT tools has helped me in simplifying the issues that are
faced by the entrepreneurs. The course has helped me in understanding the innovation needs of
the organizations and thereby identify different challenges that are faced by the same. The course
enumerated different case studies, which has helped me in identifying the different challenges
and thereby adapting myself to different situations. However, through the course, I discovered
that lack of suitable communicability has affected my sense of understanding the issues that are
faced by the entrepreneurs while undertaking radical changes in their business models.
Therefore, the identification of the issues has helped me in creating different innovative
strategies to overcome the challenge and thereby support the organizational functioning through
suitable frameworks. Edman (2012) stated that the suitable identification of the issues helps
the designer in implementing appropriate DT tools. It helps the designer in enhancing the
operations as per the concern of the entrepreneurs.
3. Knowledge development
The course has helped me in enhancing my knowledge of the implementation of different
DT tools as per the identification of the concerns of the organization. Fischer (2015) stated that
the adoption of suitable methodology and prototyping the same is one of the major activities that
lay subsequent to the identification of the issues and their suitable definition. The course has
enhanced the knowledge of utilizing the different tools like brainstorming ideas and
implementing mind mapping tools in order to articulate different viable solutions to the concerns
that are faced by the organization. The proper utilization of the designing tools as per the
identification of the issues has helped me in understanding the propensity of the activities as a

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designer. Beverland, Wilner and Micheli (2015) stated that the delineation of the roles and
responsibilities of the designer will be helping the same in enhancing the operations while
identifying the concerns of the customers. The implementation of an empathetic approach helps
the designers in understanding the issues in a lucid manner. The proper understanding of the
issues helps the designer in maintaining the efficacy of the functions while operating on the
diverse concerns (Koh et al., 2015).
The course has helped me in understanding the nature of empathetic approach and the
manner in which it can be applied in order to understand the concern of the customers. On the
other hand, the course also outlined different issues that might be faced by the designer while
designing the tasks as per the concern of the customers. The appropriateness of the factors that
influence the radical change in the business model and the understanding of the issues that are
faced by the same help the designer in defining the issues moiré dynamically (Kim & Ryu,
2014). Carlgren, Elmquist and Rauth (2014) stated that the aesthetics and communication are
the important aspects that supports the proper functioning of the designers as per the business
concerns. Therefore, the course has helped me in developing suitable communication skills in
order to enhance the operations of the business as per the apprehensions. The adaptive nature of
the designers helps in enhancing the functions of the same in different situations. The courses
helped me in understanding the different situation and thereby adapt myself to the circumstances
that are faced by the organizations. It has helped me in planning the processes as per the
priorities of the business.
Birkeland (2012) stated that the radical changes that are undertaken by the organizations
exhibit the innovative nature, which is supported through the suitable designs and models.
Application of the viable models through brainstorming and mind mapping helps the designers in

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enhancing the operations of prototyping. On the other hand, the course has helped me in
implementing suitable logical reasoning. The course enumerated different logical reasoning
procedures in order to enhance the operations of the designer. The proper identification of the
issues that are faced by the entrepreneur and the manner in which they can be mitigated in order
to resolve the issues has helped in enhancing the functions as per the persona of the business
operations (Du, Jing & Liu, 2012).
Venkatesh et al. (2012) stated that the testing phase helps the designer in maintaining the
efficacy of the design as per the needs of the organization. It helps the designer in understanding
the validation of the design and thereby judges the effectiveness of the design as per the
organizational concerns. The test of the models that was proposed by me to the case study issues
during the course has helped me in understanding the different assessment criteria. Approach
plays a major role in the proper functioning of the designers as per the needs of the
organizations. Taura et al. (2012) stated that the approach of the designers to the issues
identified helps in enhancing the functioning of the designers while operating on diverse
concerns. The course has helped me in building an insight on the approach that will be helping
me to devise suitable mechanisms in order to comply with the different issues that are faced by
the businesses.
The identification of the different aspects of change in the organizational context and
analysis of the capabilities of the organization to take up the design is an important concern for
the designer. The assessment of the capabilities of the organization helps the designer in creating
the journey map for the systematic implementation of steps (Köppen & Meinel, 2015).
Delineation of the issues and the identification of different probable methodologies for
supporting the design of the business will be helping the designer in maintaining the efficacy of

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the solution. The core responsibility of the designer is to identify the issues that are faced by the
customers and thereby bring forth modifications in the design propositions.
The course has helped me in understanding the chief skills that are required to be
nourished in me relating to communication and analytics. It will be helping me to develop
insights of the issues faced by the organizations and develop methodologies for assisting the
radical changes. Therefore, the course has helped me in developing an insight on the chief
responsibilities of designers and the manner in which the identification of the issues and the
mitigation of the same can be initiated through the formulation of a design. The designs that are
created by the designers are aimed at improving the organizational situation. The course has
helped me in understanding the different probable steps through which the innovativeness of the
ventures can be boosted through innovative designs.
4. Action plan
Goals Activities Timeframe Rationale
Strengthening
communicability
 Implementation of
different
communication
channels
 Undertaking
spontaneous
interactions with
the clients
4 – 5 months The enhanced
communicability will
be helping the designer
in undertaking
spontaneous
interactions with the
chief customers. It will
be helping the designer
in understanding the

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 Developing soft
skills through
certified course
 Undertaking
conversation with
the colleagues
 Attending different
debates and active
participation in the
same
issues that are faced by
the same and thereby
designing models in
order to mitigate the
issues.
Facilitate the Adaptive
nature
 The exposition of
the designer to
different vulnerable
situations will be
helping the same to
support the
understanding of
the issues
4 - 6 months The adaptive nature of
the designer will be
helping the same in
understanding the
diverse issues and
thereby mitigate the
issues. It will be adding
to the experience of the
designer.
Build on Analytic role  The proper
understanding of
the issues through
communication
5 – 7 months The analytic role of the
designer will be
helping the same in
assessing the current
position of the

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with the customer
 Devising journey
mapping in order to
enhance the
understanding of
eth viable steps
and procedures
 Carefully analyzing
the requirements of
the organization
through
identification of the
core capabilities
and competencies
of the business
organization and
thereby bring forth
different changes as per
the capabilities of the
same. The designing
capabilities of the
designer are based on
the analytical skills of
the same while
operating in the diverse
situations.
5. Conclusion
Therefore, from the above analysis it can be stated that the different steps that are
undertaken by the designers are based on the proficiency in the identification of the issues as per
the concern of the clients. The enumeration of the steps relating to empathize, define, ideate,
prototype, and testing will be helping the designer in undertaking a systematic functioning
approach as per the needs of the customers. Suitable delineation of problems and challenges and

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thereby formulating different mitigation strategies through prototyping will be helping the
organization in maintaining the efficacy of the functions of the designer while operating as per
the concern of the customers. The reflective report enumerates the different factors relating to the
knowledge development and personal development of the individual while attending the course
on design thinking. The reflection report will be helping the individuals in maintaining the
efficacy of the functions while operating in the diverse scenario. The key objective of the report
is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the individual as per the core values and the
responsibilities of the designers. The identification of the strengths and weaknesses will be
helping the designers in formulating relevant frameworks in order to mitigate the issues that are
faced by the entrepreneurs. On the other hand, the report also focuses on the creation of an action
plan, which will be helping the same in enhancing the efficacy of the functions of the individual.
Therefore, the purpose of undertaking the reflective report is to evaluate the different criteria and
thereby align the same as per the capabilities of the individual in order to maximize the efficacy
at work.

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References
Behm, M., Culvenor, J., & Dixon, G. (2014). Development of safe design thinking among
engineering students. Safety science, 63, 1-7.
Beverland, M. B., Wilner, S. J., & Micheli, P. (2015). Reconciling the tension between
consistency and relevance: design thinking as a mechanism for brand
ambidexterity. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(5), 589-609.
Birkeland, J. (2012). Design blindness in sustainable development: from closed to open systems
design thinking. Journal of urban design, 17(2), 163-187.
Bjögvinsson, E., Ehn, P., & Hillgren, P. A. (2012). Design things and design thinking:
Contemporary participatory design challenges. Design Issues, 28(3), 101-116.
Carlgren, L., Elmquist, M., & Rauth, I. (2014). Design thinking: Exploring values and effects
from an innovation capability perspective. The Design Journal, 17(3), 403-423.
Chasanidou, D., Gasparini, A. A., & Lee, E. (2015, August). Design thinking methods and tools
for innovation. In International Conference of Design, User Experience, and
Usability (pp. 12-23). Springer, Cham.
de Souza, C. B. (2012). Contrasting paradigms of design thinking: The building thermal
simulation tool user vs. the building designer. Automation in Construction, 22, 112-122.
Du, J., Jing, S., & Liu, J. (2012). Creating shared design thinking process for collaborative
design. Journal of network and Computer Applications, 35(1), 111-120.

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Edman, K. W. (2012, September). Exploring overlaps and differences in service dominant logic
and design thinking. In Conference Proceedings ServDes. 2009; DeThinking Service;
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Linköping University Electronic Press.
Fischer, M. (2015). Design it! Solving sustainability problems by applying design
thinking. GAIA-Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society, 24(3), 174-178.
Jordan, S., & Lande, M. (2016). Additive innovation in design thinking and
making. International Journal of Engineering Education, 32(3), 1438-1444.
Kim, J., & Ryu, H. (2014). A design thinking rationality framework: Framing and solving design
problems in early concept generation. Human–Computer Interaction, 29(5-6), 516-553.
Koh, J. H. L., Chai, C. S., Wong, B., & Hong, H. Y. (2015). Design thinking and 21st century
skills. In Design Thinking for Education (pp. 33-46). Springer, Singapore.
Köppen, E., & Meinel, C. (2015). Empathy via design thinking: creation of sense and
knowledge. In Design thinking research(pp. 15-28). Springer, Cham.
Liedtka, J. (2014). Innovative ways companies are using design thinking. Strategy &
Leadership, 42(2), 40-45.
Mintrom, M., & Luetjens, J. (2016). Design thinking in policymaking processes: Opportunities
and challenges. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 75(3), 391-402.
Müller, R. M., & Thoring, K. (2012). Design thinking vs. lean startup: A comparison of two
user-driven innovation strategies. Leading through design, 151.

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Shapira, H., Ketchie, A., & Nehe, M. (2017). The integration of design thinking and strategic
sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 277-287.
Taura, T., Yamamoto, E., Fasiha, M. Y. N., Goka, M., Mukai, F., Nagai, Y., & Nakashima, H.
(2012). Constructive simulation of creative concept generation process in design: a
research method for difficult-to-observe design-thinking processes. Journal of
Engineering Design, 23(4), 297-321.
Venkatesh, A., Digerfeldt-Månsson, T., Brunel, F. F., & Chen, S. (2012). Design orientation: a
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