Design Thinking Tools: A Reflective Report for MGMT20140 Students

This reflective report discusses design thinking tools within the context of a mechanical engineering masters student's experience in the MGMT20140 Design Thinking course. The report includes a personal assessment of strengths and weaknesses regarding design thinking tools such as visualization, value chain analysis, mind mapping, rapid prototyping, and observation. The student reflects on lessons learned, challenges faced, and the application of these tools in assignments, specifically referencing blog entries and course activities. The report concludes with an action plan outlining steps to improve identified weaknesses, focusing on enhancing visualization skills, simplifying complex ideas, and developing better observation techniques. The student aims to improve their competencies in design thinking to better contribute to innovative solutions in mechanical engineering.

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 1
Reflective Report on Design Thinking Tools
Name
Institution:

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 2
Executive Summary
Design is about solving problems in the society and it is relevant in mechanical engineering,
which is also concerned about implementing projects or products that solve human problems.
The design thinking tools covered in this unit are instructive in making the processes of design
thinking workable. This report is a personal reflection on the design thinking tools learnt in the
unit in regards to the lessons acquired and the areas of weakness identified. These areas include
visualization, mind mapping and observation. Therefore, the resultant action plan proposes ways
in which I can further develop my competencies regarding these design thinking tools.

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 3
Table of Content
Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................2
Table of Content..........................................................................................................................................3
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4
Design Thinking..........................................................................................................................................4
Personal Assessment...................................................................................................................................6
Action Plan..................................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................10
References.................................................................................................................................................12

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 4
Introduction
As a mechanical engineering student doing my masters, I found the unit in design thinking quite
instructive. This is because just like the other types of engineering mechanical engineering is
also about helping people to solve their problems in a sustainable and comprehensive manner.
Notably, mechanical engineering focuses on designing, analyzing, manufacturing and also
maintaining mechanical systems. It is such a broad discipline and is credited for resolving the
problem in almost all industries or rather facets of humanity, including areas such as housing,
transportation, aviation and even in industrial processes. My fascination about mechanical
engineering is what prompted to further my study to this level and I am particularly interested
with developing or helping other to develop innovations using my knowledge in this discipline
since I know that this will go a long way to provide people with solutions that they need.
Therefore, in this reflective report, I take a look at the units covered in the design thinking class
and outline my personal assessment in terms of what I learned in regards to my strengths and
weaknesses. I also outline my action plan, which outlines what I intend to do in order to improve
on the identified areas of weakness regarding design thinking.
Design Thinking
I had no prior knowledge about design thinking until I attended the first class where I was
introduced to the subject. I came to appreciate design thinking as the approach that designers use
in order to in order to solve complex problems and come up with appropriate solutions. This
demands that the mindset of the designer be solution-focused rather than being problem-focused;
the designer’s mindset also needs to the action-oriented in relation to creating the preferred
solution (Knapp, Zeratsky, & Kowitz, 2016). Furthermore, as Plattner, Meinel, & Leifer, (2011)

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 5
claims design thinking relies on imagination, logic, systematic reasoning and initiation in the
process of exploring possibilities of how a particular problem can be resolved to the benefit of
the customer(s).
I also learned that design thinking is an iterative process that is made up of distinct steps. Roberts
et al. (2014) identify these design thinking steps as consisting of the identification of the
problem, this problem needs to be understood through looking for insights and patterns about it,
questioning assumptions and identifying the scope of the problem. This is then followed by the
ideation step that envisions the desired future by exploring the possibilities, co-creating in
diverse teams and making the ideas visible for instance through sketches. The envisioned
solutions are then evaluated before they converted into prototypes that are tested by the end
users. This is then followed by the final step which involves the implementation of the solution
that is considered as the most viable and appropriate.
Through the class activities, I was able to acquaint myself with these processes. For instance, in
the third lesson, the lecturer elaborated the aspects of design thinking (see the blog dates
Saturday 25th August 2018). Watching and learning about the aspects of the design process
triggered the consciousness that I have in some instances applied them unknowingly. I also
established that the process of uncovering the problem, which I found that it was very important
in determining the subsequent steps in the design thinking process: the correct diagnosis of the
process invariably guarantees the appropriate determination of the solution. We also undertook
some of the design thinking aspects. For instance, in our eight lessons, we watched a video on
Rapid Prototyping that talked of disruptive innovation that may hinder good invention (See blog
dated, Tuesday 18, September 2018). Then in our group, we researched and discussed this

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 6
phenomenon and used the findings in our Assignment 2 and also made some paperwork on
prototyping.
Personal Assessment
The lessons about design thinking largely included learning about design thinking tools that help
in the identification and resolution of design problems. These design thinking tools came in
handy when I was handling the assignments in this unit. One of these design thinking tools was
visualization. In the first lesson (See blog entry dated Sunday 29th July 2019) we wrote short
sentences of 5 – 6 words in groups of three. In my group, the first person wrote the sentences, I
described the words in image form while the third member was tasked to describe the pictures in
the words. This exercise taught me the power of words to communicate and I was able to see
how the challenges I experience in communication is linked to the poor choice of words since
words are used to create images in the mind of people. Blount, (2010) describes visualization in
design thinking as a tool that is more focused on visual thinking rather than using drawings; it
goes further than just using language or words. It, therefore, unlocks the different parts of the
designer’s brain, allowing them to think non-verbally in a manner that they normally do not do.
When an idea is explained through the use of words it forms mental images, which help in
enhancing understanding if the communicated image is correct. From the lesson, I realized that
visualization is one area of my weakness that I need to develop.
The other design thinking tool that I learned about was the value chain analysis. Martins et al.
(2016) regard the value chain analysis as the interaction between an organization and its critical
partners with the major aim of producing, marketing and distributing new products. The analysis
of the value chain provides ways through which better value is created for the consumers along
the chain; it is also quite helpful in revealing the intention and capabilities of the business

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 7
partners. Orthel & Day (2016) note generated through working backward from the creation of
value for the end-user and then proceeds to add bargaining power and capabilities of the other
major suppliers.
We also covered mind mapping techniques. As Matthews, (2017) notes mind maps are used in
representing how ideas are linked to each other or to the central idea. Therefore, mind maps
generate, structure, classify and visualize ideas to establish insights and patterns that results into
key design criteria. This is achieved by displaying the relevant data and then request people to
cluster them in such a manner that it enables patterns and themes to emerge. In order for mind
mapping to succeed it must be undertaken in teams. Orthel & Day (2016) suggests that mind
mapping is the most effective tool for developing posters that capture the trends and themes in
the collected data, invite the teams of thoughtful designers to conduct a tour of the visual data
and then identify the learning that should inform the new ideas, which will be followed by the
clustering of that learning into themes. Through mind maps, a designer is able to make the
connection between the clusters and the emerging insight.
The value chain analysis and mind mapping tools helped us to conduct an analysis of the
Woolworths case study in regards to developing a supply chain for fresh food produce. This was
followed by the activity where we were required to link 4 dots without lifting the pen off the
paper. The mind mapping exercise helped me appreciate the power of visualization in
communicating the major components of what we learnt and be able to display them in a simple
and clear manner. I noted that mind mapping helps one to think outside the box, which in some
instances calls for defying the conventional ways that things have been looked at or done. I also
realized that I need to upscale my mind mapping skills.

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 8
The other critical design thinking tool that I learnt was rapid prototyping. We watched a video on
Rapid Prototyping, which talked of disruptive innovations that may hinder good inventions (See
Tuesday 18, September 2018). In our groups, we researched and discussed this phenomenon and
used the findings in out Assignment 2 and we made paperwork on prototyping. As Matthews,
(2017) points out, rapid prototyping helps designers to come up with new abstract ideas that are
tangible to potential end-users and partners. Essentially, rapid prototyping involves the use of
experience journeys, user scenarios, business concept illustration and storyboarding. These tools
demand the deep involvement of the key stakeholders such as the suppliers and end-users for the
purpose of providing feedback. Orthel & Day (2016) argue that the main purpose of prototyping
is to minimize the investment in the return on investment. This is evident in the sense that the
cost of a 2-D prototype can be as low as a pencil. Generally, business concept prototypes take the
narrative and visual forms, which include stories and images respectively. They may also include
skits and role-playing. They suggest that designers need to plat with their prototype rather than
defend it; they should let people validate the prototype other than those who created it.
The other design thinking tool that was of interest to me was observation. We covered this
through watching a video by Clayton Christensen titled Poly-technique., which talked about
monitoring product sales. The video elaborated in how the sales of a company can be increased
through monitoring the sales ration and checking on how sales problems can be resolved (See the
blog, dated Tuesday 18, September 2018). We then undertook group work, where we were given
scenarios and were tasked to ask questions so that we could understand others points of view.
We learnt about the observation technique that can be used in collecting information. I found the
observation technique as an interesting way of collecting information. The questionnaire tasks
that we did in our groups were at first quite confusing but with the clarification from the lecturer,

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 9
I was able to understand the other people’s viewpoint about the issues at hand. However, the
exercise helped me appreciate that I need to further develop my observation skills.
Action Plan
The learning activities in the design thinking lessons helped me to appreciate the areas of
strength and weaknesses regarding my mastery of the design thinking tools. Subsequently, the
development of my action plan is informed by the identification of the areas that I considered as
requiring further development in regards to design thinking. Therefore, some of the key
weaknesses that I pointed out include the following:
• I have a challenge in using the visualization tool in terms of visual thinking, where I can
come up with words that appropriately provide the images of message or ideas that I intend to
communicate.
• I have a challenge in developing concepts through linking abstract ideas into a simplified
concrete idea that can be understood by any person. This has a lot to do with how I collaborate
with other in coming up with simplified solutions for complex problems.
• I also have the challenge of making an observation about a particular issue. I am easily
distracted and I often do not pause long enough to delve into the meaning of appearances so that
I can accurately perceive what lies beneath it. I have also not cultivated an inquisitive mind that
will help me to ask the right questions that will help me to get the right answers.
Therefore, based on these distinct personal weaknesses that I have pointed out I have laid out my
action plan to involve the following components. Notably, this action plan is aimed at helping
me to overcome these identified areas of weakness. The action plan is based on the SMART
methodology used in developing achievable goals. As Theobald, (2013) recommends, goals need

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 10
to be SMART, which means they should be Specific, Measurable, Realistic and achievable
within a specified Timeline. Based on this insight, I devised my action plan as follows:
• In order to improve on my visualization skills, I will buy 10 books that I have identified as
essential in that regard and endeavor to study them in the course of the next six weeks.
• I will also watch TedTalk and other YouTube tutorial in order to improve my skills in
observation. From the videos, I will make notes for my future reference and action points on
what I need to do to further this skill. I will watch at least 2 videos per week for the next two
months.
• I will improvise two creative thinking activities and invite members of my class to serve as
team members to help me come up with a design solution that we can present to the class. This
will help me to come up with teamwork skills that are required is the effective use of the mind
mapping tool.
• I will also source for workshops and conferences that I can attend in the next six months
where I can learn more about design think and also get to interact with the practitioners in the
design field.
Conclusion
The activities covered in this report have helped me to establish the relevance of design thinking
tool in solving design problems. The activities have specifically indicated how design thinking
can be applied in looking at the real-life problem and based on them come up with a number of
solution out of which the most appropriate can be selected and fully implemented. More
importantly, the activities helped me appreciate that design thinking is not just a reserve for
designers; that it can be applied in almost all fields including mechanical engineering. I also

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 11
learned that the understanding of the problem is key in developing its resolution by following the
stipulated design thinking steps. The activities were, therefore, quite instructive in helping me to
understand the tools of design thinking, but it also helped me to point out my strength and
weaknesses in regards to this subject. Through the action plan that I have developed, I intend to
further develop my competencies about design thinking, particularly because they will enable me
to become a better designer.

DESIGN THINKING REFLECTIVE REPORT 12
References
Blount, J. (2010). People Buy You: The Real Secret to what Matters Most in Business. Hoboken,
N.J. : John Wiley.
Knapp, J., Zeratsky, J., & Kowitz, B. (2016). Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New
Ideas in Just Five Days. Simon and Schuster .
Martins, A. R., Signori, G. G., Capellari, M. R., Sotille, S. S., & Kalil, F. (2016). Use of Design
Thinking as Ideas Prototyping Experience in Higher Education. Future Studies Research
Journal, 8(1), 208 – 223.
Matthews, J. (2017). Design and Design Thinking in Business and Management. Journal of
Learning Design, 10(1), 41 - 54.
Orthel, B. D., & Day, J. K. (2016). Processing Beyond Drawing: A Case Study Exploring
Ideation for Teaching Design . SAGE, 1 - 16 .
Plattner, H., Meinel, C., & Leifer, L. (2011). Design Thinking: Understand – Improve – Apply.
Alemania : Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Roberts, J. P., Fisher, T. R., Trowbridge, M. J., & Bent, C. (2016). A design thinking framework
for healthcare management and Innovation. Healthcare , 4, 11 -14.
Theobald, T. (2013). Develop Your Presentation Skills. London : Kogan Page.