Design Thinking Activity: A Reflective Report

This reflective report presents a critical self analysis and reflection of learning based on the Design Thinking activity. The report highlights the development of knowledge regarding the various aspects of design thinking activity and its impact on the process of managerial decision making, use of tools and techniques along with the identification of issues and determining effective solutions to deal with those problems associated with the innovative solutions. The report also discusses the various components of the design thinking activity and how it can be utilized to foster innovation and creativity in business. The report concludes by stating that the acquisition of knowledge and information based on the design thinking activity can facilitate critical and creative thinking for resolving issues and problems, furthermore keep the processes user centered and ensure business success and longevity.

Running head: DESIGN IT
Design It
Name of student
Name of University
Author note

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Table of Contents
Design It...........................................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Critical self analysis.........................................................................................................................3
Reflection of learning based on the Design thinking activity..........................................................5
Development of knowledge regarding Design Thinking activity....................................................7
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................11

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Introduction
In this assignment, a reflective report will be presented considering my own thinking
about the Design Thinking activity. The weekly blogs and slides are already presented regarding
the various activities related to innovation and creativity managed through the use of various
Design Thinking activities. It will not only allow me to present a critical self analysis, but will
also assist in reflecting the various learning aspects and provide a justified explanation to the
various activities involved during the designing phases. This can beneficial for enhancing my
depth of knowledge and even utilize my skills and expertise to ensure that the knowledge
acquisition, development plan and knowledge designing activities remain successful all
throughout. Not only the design thinking aspects, but also its impact on the process of
managerial decision making, use of tools and techniques along with the identification of issues
and determining effective solutions to deal with those problems associated with the innovative
solutions (Johansson‐Sköldberg, Woodilla & Çetinkaya, 2013). As the topic is based on the
concepts of innovation and sustainable development, so the Design thinking activity is an
important aspect of enabling innovation and for ensuring successful management of business and
at the same time, facilitate knowledge development and analysis of aspects to provide critical
reflective analysis too.
Critical self analysis
From the Design thinking activity, I have understood about the visualizing of certain
business management aspects and innovation related to it. The entrepreneurship concept is
related to the business aspects where the individuals are allowed to gain good scopes and

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opportunities without much focus on controlling the flow of resources while it also involves
turning the idea into business and ensuring that the human resources, financial resources and
budgetary implications are managed well and good. The concept of innovation is related to the
formation of new ideas, concepts and models required to enable innovation and creating a stable
culture to foster new ideas and learn from mistakes. With the learning of concepts related to
entrepreneurship and innovation, I have learned about how to start a new business, manage
proper budget and the human resources properly too for dealing with the business risks and
produce good quality products and services (Goetsch & Davis, 2014). From the idea, I have
also found that the innovation problems and business risks that shall be dealt with to create new
and improved services along with redesigning the existing services.
Based on the model of innovation proposed by Tidd & Bessant (2013), I have understood
about the various components such as the search, select, implement and capture. By assessing the
model, I have seek knowledge regarding the best opportunities to facilitate innovation, need and
ways of enabling innovation, define methods to innovate and capture ideas to gain relevant
benefits from the implementation (Kolko, 2015). The different aspects of innovation including
the incremental innovation, platform innovation, component and discontinuous innovations can
also assist me in designing an effective platform that will promote innovation and utilize the
major technologies and core competencies to foster innovation of business. From the perspective
of innovation, it is understood by me that innovation can be managed by making changes to the
design and functional features of the products, changes to the processes, changes to the position
along with the change in paradigm to ensure that the innovation is successful (Goldschmidt &
Rodgers, 2013). These are the basic ways that foster innovation through improved business

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operations’ efficiency, increased revenue generation, higher productivity along with greater
customer satisfaction and keeping the costs incurred during the management of business
processes under control. Being social and enabling social innovation are integral aspects that
facilitate social changes and can make the businesses fulfill its corporate social responsibilities
too. All these aspects are surprising and the reason is that it can allow me to progress in my
career and become a successful entrepreneur as well (Howlett, 2014).
Reflection of learning based on the Design thinking activity
The learning capability is facilitated by me through the assessment of Design Thinking
activity and Design process associated with the reflection to be provided for the concerned
report. Have been accustomed with the use of designing of applications and even used the
Dweck’s theory, though I was unable to conduct a feasibility study properly. It is important for
me to focus on understanding whether the design process for enabling innovation can be
successful or not by breaking down the design thinking process into multiple aspects like
journey mapping, analysis of value chain, mind mapping, conducting brainstorming sessions,
developing relevant ideas and concepts, making assumptions during the testing phase, rapid
prototyping, creation of more customer and finally launch of learning and development plan, all
managed through proper visualization techniques (Mootee, 2013). As the innovation concept
involves changing the features and functional abilities of the product, the rapid prototyping
model can be done on paper by creating 2D structures while the later rapid prototyping concepts
are understood by me. This has enhanced my strengths in the field of constructing 3D designs
and creating robust systems and products to meet the business standards. Few of the weaknesses
of mine include lack of knowledge about conducting role plays, wire framing and story boarding,

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which often created a lot of complexities in managing the design process for producing the
ultimate product or service through innovation (Seidel & Fixson, 2013). The prototyping
methods are wire framing, paper prototyping, sketching and conducting role playing sessions
could be possible with the assessment of a proper case study to analyze the entire situation in
details. This has made me think like the user of services and even strengthened my skills,
knowledge and expertise regarding the use of suitable prototyping techniques to learn, test, think
of getting investments and obtain inputs along with proper funding and utilization of inventor
syndrome to foster innovation all throughout. It has been a fun while learning about the
prototyping methods and it can also assist in managing the feasibility study to understand the
benefits of innovating products and services through use of proper models and frameworks
(Gasparini, 2015).
One of the major weaknesses faced by me is the lack of experimentation done within the
market place and due to this; I faced barriers related to understanding the marketplace conditions
too. The learning launch planning could assist me I overcoming the barriers faced furthermore
move from the hypothetical concepts to real customers’ behaviors and remain open to feedbacks
provided by the clients to make necessary changes (Carlgren, Rauth & Elmquist , 2015). Few
examples include innovation of Nicorette managed through the learning launch to establish a
smoking cessation initiative with the use of proper media channels via internet. As I have
previously worked as an IT engineer, I am habituated with the use of IT components along with
management of databases, networks and internet connectivity, which can help me to create
channels to deliver the right messages and information to people and make them know about the
initiative undertaken by Pzeifer to reinvigorate Nicorrette (Lammi & Becker, 2013). To

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implement the learning launch activity properly, it is important to maintain tight boundaries
associated with the time, location and goals assessment along with fostering the development of
diverse teams to provide conflict resolution mechanisms. Because of my good interpersonal
skills, I have managed to cope up within a diverse workforce team, which has continuously
prioritized on the customers’ experiences and their expectations. To promote effective learning
launch, it is important to maintain proper values and ethics and make behavioral interpretations
that are required to utilize the design components and prototyping techniques for making prior
assumptions regarding the innovation aspect (Geissdoerfer, Bocken & Hultink, 2016). Not only
do my creativity and innovation skills have improved, but also the ability to manage business
properly with effective designing concepts are known to me.
The learning based on the Design Thinking activity is facilitated with the obtaining of
information from various sources related to the ways by which problems can be dealt with along
with development of skills. This will also assist me in developing creative problem solving
approaches for the creation of value and benefits. It can also enable me to think as a designer,
furthermore assist in developing growth potential and study the various aspects of business such
as the assumptions of reality, rationality, objectivity and even fostering social constructive
approaches for gaining a better answer to the designing methods used in business (Welsh &
Dehler, 2013). The processes involved in the design activity could include analysis and planning
processes where the actions to be undertaken could be identified. This would also make me
capable of maintaining proper values and ethics, furthermore promote better control, flexibility
and stability along with better control over the business and conducting the target market

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segmentation along with the analysis of behaviors of customers regarding the purchase of
products and services (Dweck, 2013).
Development of knowledge regarding Design Thinking activity
I have obtained sufficient knowledge and information related to the Design Thinking
activity by conducting the REAL launch, which could be beneficial for managing successful
business activities and increase the revenue generation capability too. The knowledge and
information obtained according to the Design Thinking activity include the objectivity,
rationality and predictability of various actions undertaken and furthermore make an analysis of
various methods and processes associated with the designing activity (Fook, 2016). This could
assist me to perform my roles and responsibilities as an efficient marketer and ensure that the
segmentation of target market is done properly along with the assessment of behaviors and needs
of people while making purchases of pr0ducts and services. By understanding the design
thinking activity, I would be able to be creative and experiment with various things for predicting
the varying behaviors and changing needs of clients, furthermore present data analytically and
manage proper hypothetical planning approach to management of innovation. From my
perceptive, the deign process might be complex, though it should be considered that the design
process should be broken down into multiple components and design tools for innovating and
bringing creativity all throughout (Moon, 2013). My personal development could be possible
with the acquisition f knowledge and information based on the DT process, which includes
discovering, defining, designing and delivering the most effective solution.

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There were few areas of weaknesses, which often created complexities for me to manage
the business functions properly and thus to improve the attentiveness, I watched the values and
interpreted those, furthermore made sure to consider the problems as opportunities rather than
considering those as limitations or constraints. By listening attentively to what the higher
authorities speak, I would be more willing to learn and prioritize on the present reality and not
just the future. This could not only make them accept the views and opinions of other team
members, but would also allow me to share and exchange my ideas with others to foster
collaborative working. One of the major barriers faced by me has been the development posters,
which I was not much habituated with (Boud, Keogh & Walker, 2013). The design thinking
activity should assist me in understanding the messages to be delivered, maintain proper page
layout, use proper visual aids, add the right colors and fonts, sequencing and provide references.
The knowledge and information have been developed with the design thinking activity through
and it can facilitate critical and creative thinking for resolving issues and problems, furthermore
keep the processes user centered. This will surely assist me in developing a systematic approach
and ensure that the problems are resolved with much ease and effectiveness along with
maintenance of flexibility and innovation perspectives such as visualization, testing, prototyping
methods and brainstorming sessions (Baldwin, 2016). As an entrepreneur, it could also help in
assessing the needs of the customers and underpin the technological aspects for meeting the
business requirements and ensure business success and longevity.

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Figure: Action Plan (Rayna & Striukova, 2016)
The action plan provided an insight about how the empathize, i.e., to understand the
audiences is essential, define the approaches to construct a view, gather ideas through
brainstorming sessions, develop a prototyping method and test the results based on the feedbacks
to identify any changes or improvements to be made. All these are based on the acquisition of
knowledge and it can be obtained by assessing the four major components of design thinking
activity including the connecting, creating, collaborating and converting. The connecting
approach of design thinking activity can combine the analytical and creative approaches for
resolving issues in business and at the same time, understanding the needs of clients and their
behaviors regarding purchases too. The create aspect enables creation of prototypes and
transforming the ideas and concepts into something more tangible to ensure technological
efficiency while undertaking the project. The collaborating approach, as the name suggests, has
managed connection between the internal and external individuals to conduct brainstorming
sessions along with sharing and exchange of information and messages for identifying the areas

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that need changes or have been left unexplored (Rayna & Striukova, 2016). The conversion
means transforming the ideas and concepts related to the prototyping into market scopes and
opportunities for delivering value and benefits to the customers. This will not only align the
strategies with the business goals, but can also maintain technological feasibility to ensure
customer value creation and launching a project in the test market too. All these major aspects
have contributed to the development of knowledge based on the design thinking activity,
furthermore allowed me to experience various aspects of lifelike value chain creation for
Woolworths, preventing unethical behaviors within organization and even establishing goo
communication with others while working as a team (Jin, Li & Gao, 2013). The interviews
conducted with the managers of organizations have improved my skills of practice interviewing,
which can not only assist in managing the ongoing design thinking activity properly, but will
also facilitate critical thinking for innovation and creativity all throughout. Knowledge and
learning aspects are promoted easily s I have understood about the Dweck’s theory and it will
allow me to progress in personal and professional career with much convenience. The
visualization of various business aspects and learning to create posters and knowing about the
prototyping methods can also establish a sense of positive skills and knowledge required to
promote effective learning and design activities effectively (Liedtka & Ogilvie, 2011).
Conclusion
From the report, it could be understood that own thinking was developed regarding the
Design Thinking activity and most of the facts were related to the innovation and creativity. The
topic illustrated about how the design thinking activity and its related aspects could assist me to
progress on my career, furthermore could make me present myself as a successful entrepreneur

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and manage business successfully too. The critical self analysis would define the various aspects
of innovation that should help me in manage value creation while the reflection of learning based
on the Design Thinking activity could allow me to frame the prototypes and manage the design
process to manage consistency of product creation and managing the feasibility too. There were
various weaknesses, that should be overcome with the utilization f my strengths and this would
contribute to assessment of behaviors of clients regarding their purchasing habits in business,
furthermore develop optimum level of knowledge and information to create an action plan as
well. I also understood about the ways of developing posters and manage visualization of data
and information, which could also improve the skills, knowledge and expertise in dealing with
the business issues that might be faced.

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References
Baldwin, M. (2016). Social work, critical reflection and the learning organization. Routledge.
Boud, D., Keogh, R., & Walker, D. (2013). Reflection: Turning experience into learning.
Routledge.
Carlgren, L., Rauth, I., & Elmquist, M. (2016). Framing design thinking: The concept in idea and
enactment. Creativity and Innovation Management, 25(1), 38-57.
Dweck, C. S. (2013). Self-theories: Their role in motivation, personality, and development.
Psychology press.
Fook, J. (2016). Critical reflection and organizational learning and change: A case study. In
Social work, critical reflection and the learning organization (pp. 67-84). Routledge.
Gasparini, A. (2015, February). Perspective and use of empathy in design thinking. In ACHI, The
Eight International Conference on Advances in Computer-Human Interactions (pp. 49-
54).
Geissdoerfer, M., Bocken, N. M., & Hultink, E. J. (2016). Design thinking to enhance the
sustainable business modelling process–A workshop based on a value mapping process.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 135, 1218-1232.
Goetsch, D. L., & Davis, S. B. (2014). Quality management for organizational excellence. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: pearson.
Goldschmidt, G., & Rodgers, P. A. (2013). The design thinking approaches of three different
groups of designers based on self-reports. Design Studies, 34(4), 454-471.
Howlett, M. (2014). From the ‘old’to the ‘new’policy design: design thinking beyond markets
and collaborative governance. Policy Sciences, 47(3), 187-207.

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Jin, G. Q., Li, W. D., & Gao, L. (2013). An adaptive process planning approach of rapid
prototyping and manufacturing. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing,
29(1), 23-38.
Johansson‐Sköldberg, U., Woodilla, J., & Çetinkaya, M. (2013). Design thinking: past, present
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Kolko, J. (2015). Design thinking comes of age.
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Liedtka, J. & Ogilvie, T. (2011) Designing for Growth: A Design Tool Kit for Managers
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Mootee, I. (2013). Design thinking for strategic innovation: What they can't teach you at
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is changing business model innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change,
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Welsh, M. A., & Dehler, G. E. (2013). Combining critical reflection and design thinking to
develop integrative learners. Journal of Management Education, 37(6), 771-802.

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