Design Thinking Course: Reflective Report on Knowledge Development

This report is a reflective analysis of a design thinking course, detailing the student's learning journey across ten weeks of blog entries and a final reflective summary. The blogs cover key concepts such as design thinking processes, innovation, problem-solving, and the application of various design thinking tools like brainstorming, journey mapping, and prototyping. The reflective report further discusses personal and knowledge development, highlighting the student's understanding of design thinking's role in business management, research, and ethical considerations. The report concludes with an action plan for future development and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and practical application of design thinking principles. Desklib offers similar solved assignments and resources for students.

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Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

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Table of contents
Blogs of 10 weeks............................................................................................................................3
Reflective report..............................................................................................................................8
Introduction......................................................................................................................................8
Personal development......................................................................................................................9
Knowledge development...............................................................................................................12
Action plan.....................................................................................................................................14
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................17
Reference and bibliography...........................................................................................................18

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Blogs of 10 weeks
Week 1
The week 1 learning highlighted the importance and needs of bringing the innovation by
entrepreneur so that the sustainable position can be maintain in the competitive environment.
The concept of designing process has been highlighted through the week learning. The key
concepts, interrelationship and models have been discussed, which are required in case of
bringing the innovation. By highlighting the diffusion theory, the week emphasized new ideas
which are required for designing the commercial, digital and social innovations. By examining
different methods, which are required for prototyping the ideas, improving the collaboration
regarding working in a team has been discussed. During the learning process, the needs analysis
for innovation in business development has been highlighted depending on which the suggestion
regarding development of digital, social and commercial context has been mentioned. Not only
the designing process but also the process for implementation of Ideas has been mentioned.
Week 2
The week’s learning has shed light on identifying the diversified design thinking process
as well as methods that can play an influential role to help the entrepreneur to design the idea in
proper manner. Understanding the needs and demands of the stakeholders by using empathic
approach the learning objective of this week has been achieved. By exploring the design thinking
process in an innovative manner, so that the comparison between the design and business
approaches. The designing philosophy has been understood through the learning process. On the
other hand, by exploring the critique of design thinking process the tools of design thinking
process have been highlighted. Through the week’s learning, traditional design thinking forms

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have been explored with the innovative manner. Discussing the creative problem solving
approaches in the learning processes the thinking can help to develop a creative designer. By
continuing this the design thinking process can help to improve the problem solving skill that can
help in case of developing career opportunities.
Week 3
The logical reasoning concept has been introduced through the 3rd week’s learning that is
beneficial in case of enhancing business operations and business functions. The triple loop
learning process as well as divergent and convergent thinking procedure have been highlighted
through the week’s learning. Highlighting the importance of creative learning spiral in the design
thinking process for bringing the innovation has been discussed. The purpose of this week was to
understanding the models and theories that can help to analyze the specific nature of the design
thinking process, the ability of a designer has been examined. Through the learning action
research and learning theories have been analyzed, which is required for the process of
developing correlation between the innovation and design thinking process. Each tools of design
thinking process have been highlighted through the learning activities, which are required in case
of understanding the design thinking theories.
Week 4
Not only for solving the problem, but also design thinking tools are important for
identifying the problems that can create challenges in case of bringing the innovation. In the
week’s learning the difference between the problem finding and problem solving skills have
been examined. In the discussion, it has been mentioned that design thinking process plays a
significant role in case of dealing with the problem identification process. Through this week the

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‘Personas’, Spotting the obvious and visualization have been highlighted as the essential tools of
design thinking process for identifying the problem. In this process the wicked problem solving
skills and its importance in design thinking for bringing the innovation has been discussed.
Analysing different forms of problem solving, the designer can be able to take the required step
which can help to enhance the business operations. In the week 4 learning, the different design
thinking approaches have been highlighted which is required to be implemented in case of
identifying the challenges and solve the issues in appropriate manner.
Week 5
The week has introduced journey mapping concept that helps a designer to create the
proper plan to achieve the goals. The week as examined the importance of brainstorming as an
effective design thinking tool that can help to bring the innovation in business operations. It has
been highlighted in this study that depending on the journey mapping concept the overview of
the business situations can be understood. With the active initiative of the entrepreneur by using
the designing thinking tools, the problem solving skills can be improved. Using the effective
design thinking tool like brainstorming the needs of business functioning can be analyzed.
Importance of prototyping, visualization, experimentation beginner’s mindset have been
highlighted through the learning. Effectiveness of these tools in case of maintaining innovation
in business functioning has been highlighted through this week. In case of improving the
problem solving skill development in the business operation, the interaction process has been
identified as an effective way.
Week 6

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Importance of value network and value chain have been identified as the important
component in the design thinking process. Through this analysis, the business activities as well
as the development can be introduced in the organization. Research and development process of
design thinking process have been highlighted as the important initiative taken by the
entrepreneur in case of bringing the creativity. Buy highlighting the mind mapping as an
important tool of design thinking, different ways for the smoother business functioning have
been discussed. The mind mapping is also essential in case of enumerating project parameters
that can help to operate the business. Different categories of the activities in the workplace have
been discussed, which are required for creating the value in the workplace. By enabling the
organizational analysis, different activates have been set, which can be beneficial for an
entrepreneur. Identifying the customers’ perspectives, the value has been enhanced, which is
required for decreeing the cost.
Week 7
In the week 7 learning, design thinking has been highlighted as the ethical research
project. By introducing the research approaches such as data sources, data types and ethics, the
designer can be able to understand the business trends. Analyzing the research methodology, the
brief overview of the market can be collected by the designer that can be beneficial in terms of
bringing creativity. Through this process the designer will be able to identify the needs and
demands of the customers. Highlighting the different ethical considerations which are needed to
be maintained during the research project have been discussed so that the designer can operate
the business research project in an authentic manner. In case of enhancing the business
functioning process, it can be beneficial in terms of understanding the development concept.

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Interpretation and systematic collection of data or information can help the designer to clarify the
aim and objectives of the business to the associated people.
Week 8
The concepts regarding the large amount of data ad involvement of the stakeholders in
design thinking process are required. In case of testing the assumption the Prototyping
techniques are needed for the entrepreneur. The week has underlined the suitable operations
through understanding the Prototyping techniques so that sustainable position in the workplace
can be maintained. Implementation of designing aspects using the later and early prototypes, the
solutions against the business challenges can be identified in smoother way. In the week 8
learning proper understanding of rapid prop type by the designer for business development has
been highlighted. Rapid prototyping has been classified into Prototyping techniques and Early
and later prototypes. Significance of using relevant model in case of highlighting the innovative
business practices in the workplace have been mentioned. In this module different relevant
models of business challenges have been highlighted that is required for fulfilling the business
needs.
Week 9
In this week’s learning different factors have been highlighted which are required in case
of safely introducing the designing ideas developed by the entrepreneur. In this module the
planning, executing and reviewing process for developing an idea have been highlighted.
Various approaches which can needed for launching the innovation in the workplace by the
entrepreneur has been highlighted. By experimenting the market place analyzing the
circumstances the entrepreneur gets the case to understand the perspective of the customers.

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Understanding the needs of the customers are required in case of introducing the innovation in
the workplace. Behavioral analysis of the customers by the entrepreneur is needed to successful
business operations. In case of achieving the business perfection, proper implementation of the
business planning is required so that customers can be attracted. By focusing the behavioral
metrics the entrepreneur can be ale to implement the designing process for business functioning.
Week 12
In the week 10 learning the lessons regarding the courses have been conducted. Through
this process the students will get the chance to designing the growth process. On the other hand,
highlighting the growth strategies, the application of design thinking process in the operational
activities have been highlighted. By maintaining the continuous growth process, the designing
for the further operations can be effectively maintained. Through this module the design has
been introduced as aesthetics. By considering the wider range of applicability in the design
thinking process, the students can be able to understand its importance. In this module
importance of using the designing thinking strategy for better implementation and bringing the
business operation has been mentioned. With the initiative of implementing the strategies of
design thinking growth in the workplace, different units of designing process such as
communication. Mindset, process, tool kits and principles and those uses have been mentioned.
Reflective report
Introduction
The term design thinking is being considered as the process in which the company will be
able to deal with the challenges. The process is beneficial in terms of encouraging the people for
bringing innovation and creativity in the internal and human centered processes. Hence, it can

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be said that through the design thinking process business challenges can be mitigated by utilizing
the effective design thinking approaches. In this process, the designers will get the chance to
utilize the definition, empathy, testing and prototyping for the smoother business operation. I
believe it can be beneficial for the designer for understanding the needs and demands of the
stakeholders. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that depending on the design thinking tools
the entrepreneur will be able to develop the innovative ideas so that the business challenges can
be identified in an appropriate manner. The purpose of this report is to highlight the activities in
the course work by using the personal knowledge development skills. Through the report the
identification of different strength and weakness of a person as a designer have been highlighted.
By understanding the skills of the decision making process the designer the needs and demands
of the customers will be analyzed.
Personal development
I strongly believe, from the learning modules I have got the chance to gather the
knowledge regarding the design thinking and its application in the workplace. As per my
understanding the design thinking concept has helped me to develop the sustainable business
management skills, which can help to me in near future. On the other hand, it cannot be denied
that depending on the elements of design thinking I have got to know the importance of research
and development for analyzing the business trend. I believer, it should be the major concern for
the design to understand the clients’ need if an entrepreneur will be able to understand the needs
and demands of the customers it will be beneficial in terms of analyzing the business position. If
a designer will be able to understand the challenges faced by the entrepreneur in case of
developing a business plan, it can help the designer to develop new ideas y identifying the
loopholes.

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Importance of the innovation and creativity in the organization in case of maintaining the
sustainable position the market has been highlighted through the course work (Liedtka, 2015). I
strongly believe that if I will get the chance to assume the needs and demands of the entrepreneur
regarding the business development, I will be able to use my designing skills so that the business
management practices can be developed. On the other hand, I strongly believe that if I will get
the chance to use the design thinking tools and technologies in case of identifying the research
problems, it van help me to introduce the innovation in better manner. Through the course work I
have learned about the convergent and divergent approaches for developing my designing
attributes. I believe, in can of changing the organizational setup, these core functioning
characteristics can help to enhance the proper functioning in the organization. As per my
understanding, it will also help me to understand the needs and demands of the customers.
Another way, by identifying the different issues, it can also be easier for a designer to develop a
plan so that the issues can be mitigated (Gruber et al., 2015).
Empathetic approaches have been established by the course. It cannot be denied that the
empathetic approach can help me in terms of understanding the situation of an entrepreneur by
suggesting the business models (D'Ippolito, 2014). In this process the strength and weakness of
the business can also be identified. I believe, in case of utilizing the empathic approach as the
problem solving tools, the brain storming tool can be beneficial as the design thinking tool.
Through the module I have learned to identify the business challenges regarding the
understanding on the customers need. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that depending on
the course work, I have got the chance to develop the suitable personal mechanism which are
needed for enhance my business operations. I strongly feel the coursework as played and
influential role in case of increasing my ability to understand the business needs as well as the

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issue faced by an entrepreneur, which has helped me to develop an innovative idea to mitigate
the business issues.
During the coursework, the important motivational strategies in the design thinking
process have been clarified to me. By using the brainstorming methods I will be able to apply the
mitigation strategies in case of solving the business issues. I strongly believe, the strategies,
which have been mentioned during the course can be beneficial for the designers to identify and
deal with the challenges. On the other hand, analyzing the position of the organization in the
workplace proper uses of logical reasoning has been highlighted as the important influential part
in design thinking process. By discussing different logical reasoning tools in case of positioning
a business organization, the designer can be bale to enhance the business operations. Through the
module different initiatives of the designers in case of creating the values in business operations
as well as the workplace has been highlighted. In case of maintaining the functional efficiency, it
can be assumed that the Non-linear nature of the design thinking process, can help the designer.
In case of enhancing the efficiency, the design thinking process has helped to the
designer in case of understanding the needs and demands of the customers. It cannot be denied
that various approaches have been highlighted through the course work. After the identification
of the roles and responsibilities of an entrepreneur in the workplace, the function of a designer in
case of mitigating the challenges faced by an entrepreneur have been mentioned. I believe,
through the learning different practices of the designer I case of bringing the organizational
innovation have been discussed. I have learned that understanding the needs and demands of the
customers should be the major concern of designer for bringing the functional efficiency. By
introducing different blogging it has become easier for everyone to understanding the designing
proves in better manner.

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Not only the concept of design thinking, but also the course has highlighted the process
of implementing the designing thinking practices in the workplace. It has been identified that
defining the critical thinking pathway the course has designed the strategies that can help in case
of satisfying the needs of the entrepreneur. On the other hand, it has been identified by me that
innovation should be the major concern for every organization in case of maintaining the
smoother operation. If the designer will be able to introduce the innovative ideas in an effective
manner in the workplace it can be beneficial for the organization to achieve its goals and
objectives.
Knowledge development
In case of utilizing the design thinking tools in an efficient manner the knowledge
regarding the utilization processes required (Filatro, Cavalcanti & Muckenberger, 2017). It has
been identified by men that by understanding various situations and adopting the changes, I have
get to know how to implement the designs in the workplace. It has been identified by me that
depending on the sustainable understanding process the needs and demands of the stakeholders
have been analyzed by me. It cannot be denied that the empathy is important in case of
developing a planning practices so that the issues can be mitigated in an effective manner
(Yeager et al., 2016). By eliminating the various prejudices during the brainstorming practices,
the solutions can be provided to the clients by maintaining their needs and demands. In case of
understanding the decision making process of an entrepreneur, the brainstorming practices play
an influential role.
On the other hand, it is true that depending on the judgmental approach of a designer the
ability of the person to emphasize the concern of the clients can be affected. In the words of
Liedtka (2015), the designing process for a business development can also be affected due to the

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judgmental aptitude off a designer. Through the course I have identified different bias, which
needs to be eliminated for bringing the professional growth as an entrepreneur. On the other
hand, it has been identified by me that if the systematic changes can be accepted by the designer
in an effective manner it can be beneficial for the overall development (Gray & Malins, 2016).
However, it is true that, depending on the analytical skill of the designer, the customer concern
can be identified. Using this skill, the designer can be able to understand the business flows as
well as the required changes for the future development.
During the course work it has been identified that in case of highlighting different issues,
the brainstorming tools can be beneficial. The key changes in an organization can be depended
on the logical reasoning (Turner III, 201). Through this process the designer will get the chance
to identify the issues which are faced by the entrepreneur. I believe, the logical reasoning process
can help me to identify the effective solution against the changes. It has been identified by me
during the learning that there are various strategies in design thinking. If the implementation .of
the strategies can be done in the right manner, it will be beneficial in case of mitigating the
challenges (Bocken, Rana & Short, 2015). These strategies are also beneficial for the designer in
case of analyzing the demands of the clients. I have learned that there are different factors those
ply an influential role in case of bringing the innovation in the organizational structure. Using the
different research approaches the requirement of the stakeholders can be fulfilled by the
designer.
On the other hand, it cannot be denied that proper application of the effective
methodologies in the designing process is very effective. The effective methodology can help the
designer to introduce the innovative business functions that can help to apply the barnstorming
and mind mapping tools in right away (Burns, Freeman & Edwards, 2015). Through the course

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wok, I have analyzed that interaction skill is very important in case of implementing a designing
process. During the course I have developed the communication skill. I have analyzed that after
taking the interview of the clients, it will be easier to understand the issues and challenges faced
by them. Not only the challenges faced by entrepreneur, but also the business situation can be
analyzed in an effective manner. By using the relevant model, suitable design can be developed
which will fit with the clients’ situation.
If the nature of the designer can be adopted in an effective manner, it can help in case of
understanding the circumstances by the designer. During the course, it has been identified by me
that in case of performing the function of the designers’ aspects, various types of weakness can
be identified (Badwan et al., 2018). After the identification of weakness, measurable steps can be
taken so that the business innovation can be introduced in the right way. On the other hand, using
different approaches and tools of design thinking, the designer can be able to develop different
business models for dealing with the challenges faced by the entrepreneur (Nobeoka & Kimura,
2016). It has been identified by me that the key elements of designing have strong relation with
the organizational performance. On the other hand, it is also true that depending on the
prototyping activities the designer can get the ability to bring the innovation in the workplace.
During the course I have learned to deal with different situations that which has helped me in
case of understanding major challenges those can be faced by the designers. I have also learned
that if I will be able to use the mind map and brainstorming tools, it will help to me to deal with
the future challenges.
Action plan
Goals Activities Timeframe Rationale

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To develop the
interaction
 By
developing
the
questionnaire
the
interaction
with the
stakeholders
can be started
 Interaction
with the
clients can be
done
 empathetic
approach can
be utilized for
understanding
the issues
 Issues can be
recorded
3- 5 months Using the interaction
skills, the designer
can be able to
understand the needs
and demands of the
customers. It can also
be beneficial in terms
of understanding the
strategies which can
be beneficial in terms
of maintaining the
business functioning.
To develop efficient
mind mapping
 Using the
mind map the
2- 7 months The mind map play
an influential role in

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issues can be
identified in
the right
manner.
 After the
identification
of issues
effective
solutions are
being
identified.
 Using the
prototyping
the solution
can be
identified
 After
identification
of the
solution
against the
challenge the
case of helping the
designer for
understanding the
various tasks, which
are needed to be dealt
by the designer. By
using innovative
approaches as well as
the potential mind
mapping technology
the designer can get
the chance to
maintain the
operational
efficiency, which can
help in bringing the
success by reducing
cost.

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scope can be
defined
To develop the skill
of adoption
 After
identifying
the
challenges
faced by the
entrepreneur
effective
framework
has been
developed.
 Learn how to
deal with the
challenges
8- 12 months Using the adaptive
nature a designer can
get the chance to
manage the difficult
situation faced by the
entrepreneur. On the
other hand, using the
adaptive skill, the
designer also gets the
ability to ensure the
effective operations
so that needs and
demands of the
clients can be solved
in an innovative way.
Conclusion
In the above study, it has been identified that the concept of design thinking has higher
level of contribution in case of bringing the innovation in business operation. In the other words,
it can be said that the design thinking is needed for mitigating the changes faced by entrepreneur.

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In the above reflection, different design thinking tools such as barnstorming and mind mapping
have been highlighted. On the other hand, the importance of prototyping methodology in case of
identifying the challenges have been highlighted. Depending on the reflection of personal
development and knowledge development characteristics, the entire course work can help to
enhance the function that can help a designer in future.

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Reference and bibliography
Badwan, B., Bothara, R., Latijnhouwers, M., Smithies, A., & Sandars, J. (2018). The importance
of design thinking in medical education. Medical teacher, 40(4), 425-426.
Bocken, N. M. P., Rana, P., & Short, S. W. (2015). Value mapping for sustainable business
thinking. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering, 32(1), 67-81.
Burns, A., Freeman, D., & Edwards, E. (2015). Theorizing and studying the language‐teaching
mind: Mapping research on language teacher cognition. The Modern Language
Journal, 99(3), 585-601.
D'Ippolito, B. (2014). The importance of design for firms' competitiveness: a review of the
literature. Technovation, forhcoming.
D'Ippolito, B. (2014). The importance of design for firms' competitiveness: a review of the
literature. Technovation, forhcoming.
Filatro, A., Cavalcanti, C. C., & Muckenberger, E. (2017). Design Thinking and Online
Education.
Gray, C., & Malins, J. (2016). Visualizing research: A guide to the research process in art and
design. Routledge.
Gruber, M., De Leon, N., George, G., & Thompson, P. (2015). Managing by design.
Hernández-Ramírez, R. (2018). Design thinking, bullshit, and what thinking about design can do
about it.

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Koh, J. H. L., Chai, C. S., Wong, B., & Hong, H. Y. (2015). Critical Perspectives on Design and
Design Thinking. In Design Thinking for Education (pp. 17-31). Springer, Singapore.
Kolko, J. (2015). Design thinking comes of age.
Liedtka, J. (2015). Perspective: Linking design thinking with innovation outcomes through
cognitive bias reduction. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(6), 925-938.
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 Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), 2016
Portland International Conference on (pp. 2499-2514). IEEE.
Turner III, D. E. (2017). A case study in Design Thinking applied through Aviation Mission
Support Tactical Advancements for the Next Generation (TANG) (Doctoral dissertation,
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School).
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.

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