Design Thinking for Managers: Blog Writing and Reflective Report

This report discusses the use of weekly blogs and reflective reports to understand design thinking for managers. It includes a self-analysis of personal strengths and weaknesses, the development of problem-solving skills, and the improvement of ethical considerations. The report also covers topics such as the difference between design thinking and business, the importance of mind mapping, and the significance of prototypes.

Running Head: Design Thinking for Managers
DESIGN THINKING FOR MANAGERS

Design Thinking for Managers 2
Table of Contents
Blog writing.....................................................................................................................................3
Reflective report..............................................................................................................................8
Introduction..................................................................................................................................8
Demonstrate the regular use of a weekly blog.............................................................................8
Self-analysis for understanding personal strength and weakness..............................................10
Ability to devise the action plan for appropriate activities........................................................12
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................12
Self and Peer-Assessment (SPA)...................................................................................................14
Reference list.................................................................................................................................17

Design Thinking for Managers 3
Blog writing
Week 1
 A module regarding the description of design thinking was presented to me this week.
Based on the design thinking module, tasks such as identify an appropriate business
problem, use designing thinking tools to address the potential problems and evaluating
various design thinking literature were given to me.
 I had focused on gathering appropriate data regarding design thinking from secondary
sources. Moreover, I identified some design thinking tools such as User testing and
Typeform. Based on these design thinking tools, I can be capable of developing effective
solutions regarding the potential crisis.
 I have presented the design thinking process based on appropriate design thinking tools.
In this regards, I was capable of identifying the issues which can be solved with the
assistance of problem thinking. I was also able to present the solutions in an effective
manner so the problem is solved quickly.
Week 2
 The difference between design thinking and business was clearly described in this week. I
had understood that businesses are based on rationality, reality and objectivity. On the
other hand, designing is based on subjective experience and socially constructed reality.
 As I had learned some innovation stories regarding design thinking, I was capable of
improving my problem-solving skill. I learned that in order to implement the design
thinking process, I need to evaluate all potential possibilities and apply it for necessary
outcomes. In this regards, I can be able to solve the issues of any business institution and
receive various job opportunities.
 In order to improve the effectiveness of the implemented solution, I have used the design
thinking model. The design thinking model has helped me to measure the effectiveness of
the presented solution. In this regards, the management activities can be developed in an
effective manner.
Week 3

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 In this week, the basic reasoning pattern regarding design thinking was described to me. I
learned that what + how is equal to the desired value. In order to maintain the
effectiveness of design thinking, I need to evaluate what requirements are needed and
how to implement those requirements. Based on this analysis, I can be capable of
developing appropriate and effective solutions.
 The logic reasoning regarding design thinking tools has helped me to evaluate and
understand the effectiveness of design thinking tools. I need to evaluate and understand
‘what’ and ‘how’ after implementing the designing thinking tool. In this regards, I can
identify the potential desired value.
 Philosophies regarding design thinking tools can assist me in understanding the
importance of subjectivism and objectivism in solving problems. Based on these
philosophies, I can be capable of developing my capabilities regarding creative thinking.
Week 4
 In this week, I have clearly understood the difference between problem finding and
problem-solving. I recognise that identifying the potential problem is not enough for
mainlining effective management activities. In order to develop management activities, it
is necessary to develop a solution for the identified problems with the assistance of
design thinking.
 In order to solve the problem, it is necessary to identify it with the help of design thinking
tool. Tools such as swifter are capable of evaluating the situation properly and identifying
potential issues. After finding the problem, the problem-solving matrix is used to develop
potential solutions.
 I was involved in group activities regarding visualising persona. Based on this group
activity, I was capable of visualising the needs and wants. Furthermore, preferences,
dislikes and frustrations regarding the problem can be properly identified based on this
activity. The group activity has helped me to develop my visualisation skills regarding a
problem.
Week 5

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 In relation to designing thinking and problem solving, needs analysis can be one of the
main factors. Based on needs analysis, I am able to determine effective solutions
regarding a particular problem. Therefore, I can be able to take appropriate action in
order to avoid additional loss.
 In this week, I was given a task regarding journey mapping. Journey mapping is able to
describe the activities regarding need analysis. I had developed a journey map in order to
understand the effectiveness of my activities. In addition, with the assistance of this
journey map, I was capable of tracking my development regarding the activities.
 I had also reviewed fifty phrases that decrease creativity. The review had helped me to
evaluate and understand what I should not do while developing an appropriate solution
for a problem. Based on this review, I was capable of avoiding unnecessary future errors.
Week 6
 I had learned that based on design thinking, value chain and value network is highly
important. The value chain can be used as a design thinking tool which may help the
organisation in developing a business relationship with customers. Based on the value
network, I was capable of gathering appropriate knowledge regarding the value chain
process. It will help me to improve the effectiveness of value chain activities.
 I have also learned about the importance of the mind mapping process. Mind mapping
can help me to identify the potential activities regarding the design thinking process.
Based on mind mapping, I can maintain accuracy in group activities. In addition, I can be
capable of completing my task within a particular deadline.
 Finally, I have understood the importance of a positive mind set regarding design
thinking activities. I have learned that beginners need to maintain a positive mind set in
business fields. Based on their positive mind set, they can conduct the mind mapping
activities and develop their business performance properly.
Week 7
 In this week, the importance of ethical consideration regarding design research is
properly described to me. In order to conduct design research, I was capable of

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identifying the proper research approach, data types, data sources and ethics. In the
ethical consideration, I had to maintain the privacy of data, accountability and integrity.
 As I had understood the ethical considerations, I was able to design an ethical research
project. The ethical research project is based on research activities and data analysis. I
have managed to maintain appropriate ethical consideration regarding the design research
and maintain the privacy of data. In this regards, my skills regarding ethics were
developed.
 Finally, I was capable of improving my capabilities regarding data analysis. As I was
focused on conducting primary data collection process, I understood the activities that
require completing primary data collection process.
Week 8
 In this week, a discussion regarding rapid prototyping was conducted. Based on that, I
have developed my skills regarding the development of prototypes. It is necessary to
develop the skills regarding prototypes as it helps in developing management feasibility
in an effective manner. In addition, the principles regarding building a prototype have
also been understood by me. In this regards, I can develop a prototype in a low amount.
 Due to the discussion regarding prototype building, I was capable of understanding the
importance of prototypes. Prototypes help to test a tool or technology so that unnecessary
errors can be mitigated in the future. In addition, prototype technique such as sketching
was also learned by me.
 I have personally participated in a prototype testing process. Based on the prototype
testing, I was capable of identifying the errors in the technologies and take appropriate
action to mitigate it. Even though the test was small, I had learned many things regarding
the usefulness of a prototype.
Week 9
 In this discussion, learning launch was taken into consideration. It is understood that
learning launch is a type of market experiment. In relation to learning launch activities,
the organisation can be capable of understanding the requirements of the customers. It is

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necessary for the business organisation to evaluate and understand the requirements of
customers for avoiding an additional crisis.
 It is understood that proper planning regarding learning launch is taken into
consideration. In the planning process, the organisation would be focusing on describing
the potential activities regarding market research. It will help to conduct the business
activity within a particular deadline.
 In relation to the discussion regarding learning launch, I have able to improve my skills
regarding its execution. It is clearly understood that learning launch can assist me to
gather appropriate knowledge regarding customers’ requirements and take appropriate
action to achieve it.
Week 10
 The discussion in the 10th week was based on design presentation and co-creation. In this
week I have learned about developing an appropriate action plan. The action plan has
helped by to track my activities properly. In addition, based on the activities, I was
capable of evaluating and understanding the potential requirements regarding design
thinking presentation.
 In relation, a task to develop a reflective report was presented to me. The task had helped
me to write my thoughts regarding the design thinking process. In addition, I was capable
of developing my verbal communication skill. Based on the verbal communication skill, I
was able to avoid informal language in the report. Moreover, I was capable of presenting
my thoughts regarding design thinking activities.
 Finally, I had understood the differences between a blog and a reflective report. Based on
my understanding, I can be capable of writing a blog and reflective report properly.

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Reflective report
Introduction
The present report is based on the reflection of the student. In this report, the demonstration of
regular weekly blogs will be taken into consideration. In addition, a self-analysis will be
presented in this report. The self-analysis will describe the personal strengths and weaknesses of
the student. Finally, an action plan will be developed for evaluating the potential task and its
duration. In this regards, the student capability will be analysed in the reflective reports.
Demonstrate the regular use of a weekly blog
In relation to my blog writing, it is seen I concentrated on gathering proper information with
respect to configuration thinking from auxiliary sources. In addition, I recognized some structure
thinking instruments, for example, User testing and Typeform. In view of these plan thinking
devices, I can be equipped for creating viable arrangements with respect to a potential
emergency. Moreover, I have introduced the plan thinking procedure dependent on suitable
structure thinking apparatuses. In this respects, I am able to distinguish the issues which can be
tackled with the help of issue thinking. I was likewise ready to introduce the arrangements in a
powerful way so the issue is tackled rapidly.
Furthermore, as I have adapted some development stories with respect to design thinking, I was
equipped for improving my critical thinking aptitude. I discovered that so as to execute
configuration suspecting process, I have to assess every single potential probability and apply it
for important results. In this respects, I can have the option to illuminate the issues of any
business foundation and get different openings for work. In request to improve the viability of
actualized arrangement, I have utilized the design thinking model. The design thinking model
has helped me to measure the adequacy of the introduced arrangement. In this respects, the
administration exercises can be created in a compelling way.
Based on my daily activities, I have associated with gathering exercises in regards to visualising
persona. In light of this gathering action, I was fit for imagining the requirements and needs.
Moreover, as influenced by Liedtka (2015), inclinations, abhorrence and dissatisfactions with

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respect to the issue can be appropriately distinguished dependent on this movement. The
gathering action has helped me to build up my perception aptitudes in regards to an issue. On the
other hand, I had additionally investigated fifty expressions that diminishing inventiveness. The
survey had helped me to assess and comprehend what I ought not to do while creating suitable to
answer for an issue. In view of this audit, I was equipped for keeping away from superfluous
future blunders. Finally, I have comprehended the significance of positive outlook in regards to
configuration thinking exercises. I have discovered that amateurs need to keep up a positive
mentality in the business fields. In light of their positive outlook, they can direct the mind
mapping exercises and build up their business execution appropriately (Yeager et al. 2016).
As I had comprehended the moral contemplations, I had the option to structure moral research
venture. The moral research venture depends on the exploration exercises and information
examination. I have figured out how to keep up suitable moral thought in regards to the plan to
explore and kept up protection of information (Carlgren, Rauth & Elmquist, 2016). In this
respects, my aptitudes in regards to morals were created. Furthermore, I was fit for improving
my capacities in regards to information examination. As I was centred on conducting essential
information gathering process, I comprehended the exercises that require finishing essential
information accumulation process.
Due to the discourse with respect to model structure, I was fit for understanding the significance
of models. Models help to test an instrument or innovation with the goal that superfluous
mistakes can be alleviated later on. Furthermore, model system, for example, portraying was
likewise learned by me. I have by and by taking an interest in a model testing process. in light of
the model testing, I was equipped for distinguishing the mistakes in the advances and make the
proper move to moderate it. Despite the fact that the test was little, I had learned numerous
things with respect to the convenience of a model.
It is comprehended that legitimate arranging in regards to learning dispatch is taken in thought.
In the arranging procedure, the association would centre depicting the potential exercises with
respect to the statistical surveying. According to Roberts et al. (2016), it will lead the business
action inside a specific cut off time. In connection with the exchange with respect to learning
dispatch, I have ready to improve my aptitudes in regards to its execution. It is unmistakably

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comprehended that learning dispatch can help me to accumulate suitable information in regards
to clients' necessities and make a proper move to accomplish it.
Finally, an errand to build up an intelligent report was introduced to me. The undertaking had
helped me to compose my musings in regards to the structured thinking process (Shapira,
Ketchie & Nehe, 2017). Moreover, I was fit for building up my verbal correspondence ability. In
light of the verbal correspondence aptitude, I had the option to maintain a strategic distance from
the casual language in the report. In addition, I was fit for introducing my musings with respect
to configuration thinking exercises.
Self-analysis for understanding personal strength and weakness
In relation to the activities, I am capable of improving my potential performance regarding
design thinking. As the learning process was highly effective, I was capable of developing my
skill regarding design research. Three strengths have been understood by me in which first
strength is based on problem-solving skill. Before the learning activities, I was not capable of
evaluating and analysing potential problems regarding design thinking. However, it is observed
by me that now I am able to analyse particular issues regarding designing thinking. After
evaluating the particular issues, I am capable of developing an appropriate solution regarding an
issue. According to Geissdoerfer, Bocken & Hultink (2016), it is understood that the capability
of a design thinking tool is needed to be considered. In case the organisation fails to measure the
capability of design thinking tools, the potential issues can expand in an effective manner. As a
result, the potential benefits can be mitigated in the upcoming years.
In addition, the second strength is based on my data analysis skill. I have evaluated the
requirements regarding design research. After identifying the requirements, I have collected
relevant data from the primary source. In addition, I have developed my understanding of
research ethics. I have focused on maintaining accountability and integrity with the team
members. Based on that, I was capable of gathering an appropriate amount of data in future. On
the other hand, it is seen that I have developed my data interpretation skills. As influenced by
Andrews (2015), based on the appropriate data interpretation, I am able to achieve an expected
outcome.

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My third strength is based on my verbal communication. In the learning activities, I had received
proper training for writing a blog and reflective report. The training has helped me to describe
my thoughts and requirements in this research. Moreover, my understanding of design thinking
has been properly described. Finally, I have learned the importance of using formal language
while wiring a blog or reflective report. Based on that, I am capable of communicating with other
members or individuals in the future.
Even though the learning activities have helped me to develop my understanding regarding,
design thinking, I have failed to understand numerous activities. One of my main weaknesses is
based on the incapability of understanding mind map and journey map process. During the
activities, I have been able to properly perform it. However, I had recognised that I was not
capable of conducting the journey map and mind map activities by myself. It had increased
difficulties for me to conduct the task in an effective manner (Elsbach & Stigliani, 2018). In
addition, I have recognised that I failed to introduce an innovative process for improving
management activities. Therefore, the benefits of implemented design thinking solution have
been decreased in an effective manner.
Another weakness I had recognised that I constantly failed to conduct a learning launch
experiment in the market. It is necessary for all the learners to understand the activities of
learning launch. Based on the learning launch activities, trends in the market can be evaluated
and captured effectively (Oxman, 2017). However, as I experiments cannot be understood by
me, I was unable to identify the potential designing thinking trends. Due to this issue, I failed to
provide an innovative idea to develop management activities per year. In addition, I may fail to
improve the potential sales volume of an organisation as market trends were not properly
captured by me.
In relation to the learning activities, it can be stated that the learning activities were not properly
accurate. Even though it has developed me to understand the requirements regarding design
thinking, all the aspects have not been clearly understood by me. The learning activities were not
properly conducted by the trainers which have increased gaps (Nobeoka & Kimura, 2016). On
that note, I have failed to develop my skills regarding management activities. It is necessary for
the service providers to take appropriate action against the learning gaps. In case the gaps
develop, the learning activities will be corrupted in the future.

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Ability to devise the action plan for appropriate activities
The action plan regarding my activities is described in the below table:
Activities Duration
Design research 21 days
Data collection 4 days
Mind map 6 days
Prototype test 10 days
Brainstorming 3 days
Learning launch 7 days
Table 1: Action plan
(Source: Created by author)
The following activities have been selected based on the learning activities. In the beginning, I
have focused on conducting design research. The research had taken 21 days as I had various
tasks such as primary data collection, analysis and other activities. The data collection process
had taken 4 days as I had to personally gather the data from individuals. In addition, I have
focused on mind mapping for 6 days. Even though mind map activities do not require a high
amount of time, still, I had focused on it for 6 days as it was my week subject. The prototype test
regarding the learning activities was conducted in 10 days as the process was complicated.
Brainstorming had less time consuming as I was capable of introducing the innovative business
process. Finally, the learning launch was conducted within 7 days. I have focused on learning
launch experiment as I failed to understand all its aspects.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the student has developed their strength based on the learning activities.
Three qualities have been comprehended by the student in which first quality depends on critical
thinking aptitude. Prior to the learning exercises, the student was not equipped for assessing and
investigating the potential issues with respect to configuration thinking. Nonetheless, it is seen
by the understudy that now they are ready to dissect specific issues with respect to planning
thinking. Subsequent to assessing the specific issues, the understudy might be fit for creating a

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proper arrangement with respect to an issue. The subsequent quality depends on information
examination ability of the understudy. The understudy has assessed the prerequisites with respect
to configuration look into. Subsequent to recognizing the necessities, the understudy has
gathered applicable information from the essential source. Furthermore, the understudy has built
up my comprehension with respect to looking into morals. They have concentrated on keeping
up responsibility and respectability with their colleagues.
The third quality of the understudy depends on verbal correspondence. In the learning exercises,
the understudy had gotten legitimate preparing for composing online journal and intelligent
report. The preparation has helped the understudy to depict their considerations and prerequisites
in this examination. In addition, the understudy comprehension of configuration thinking has
been appropriately depicted.

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Self and Peer-Assessment (SPA)
The self and peer-assessment questionnaire for the group is described below:
Q1. How far are you satisfied with the group activities conducted in recent days?
Variables
Total number of
respondents
Frequenc
y
Percentag
e
Highly Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Highly
Dissatisfied
Q2. How far do you agree that the learning activities helped to develop your personal skills?
Variables
Total number of
respondents
Frequenc
y
Percentag
e
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
disagree

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Q3. How far do you agree that design research helped in improving your data analysis skills?
Variables
Total number of
respondents
Frequenc
y
Percentag
e
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
disagree
Q4. How far do you agree that design research helped in improving your understanding of
ethical consideration?
Variables
Total number of
respondents
Frequenc
y
Percentag
e
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree

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Strongly
disagree
Q5. How far are you satisfied with the mind mapping process described in the learning
activities?
Variables
Total number of
respondents
Frequenc
y
Percentag
e
Highly Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Highly
Dissatisfied
Q6. How far are you satisfied with the learning launch process described in the learning
activities?
Variables
Total number of
respondents
Frequenc
y
Percentag
e
Highly Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied

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Highly
Dissatisfied

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Reference list
Andrews, D. (2015). The circular economy, design thinking and education for
sustainability. Local Economy, 30(3), 305-315.
Carlgren, L., Rauth, I., & Elmquist, M. (2016). Framing design thinking: The concept in idea and
enactment. Creativity and Innovation Management, 25(1), 38-57.
Elsbach, K. D., & Stigliani, I. (2018). Design thinking and organizational culture: A review and
framework for future research. Journal of Management, 44(6), 2274-2306.
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.
Liedtka, J. (2015). Perspective: Linking design thinking with innovation outcomes through
cognitive bias reduction. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(6), 925-938.
Nobeoka, K., & Kimura, M. (2016, September). Art Thinking beyond design thinking Mazda
design: Car as art. In 2016 Portland International Conference on Management of
Engineering and Technology (PICMET) (pp. 2499-2514). IEEE.
Oxman, R. (2017). Thinking difference: Theories and models of parametric design
thinking. Design Studies, 52, 4-39.
Roberts, J. P., Fisher, T. R., Trowbridge, M. J., & Bent, C. (2016, March). A design thinking
framework for healthcare management and innovation. In Healthcare (Vol. 4, No. 1, pp.
11-14). Elsevier.
Shapira, H., Ketchie, A., & Nehe, M. (2017). The integration of design thinking and strategic
sustainable development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 277-287.
Yeager, D. S., Romero, C., Paunesku, D., Hulleman, C. S., Schneider, B., Hinojosa, C., ... &
Trott, J. (2016). Using design thinking to improve psychological interventions: The case
of the growth mindset during the transition to high school. Journal of educational
psychology, 108(3), 374.