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363-1065-00L 5 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-MTEC , D-BAUG , D-ARCH , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-GESS , D-ITET , D-HEST
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Design Thinking: Human-Centred Solutions to Real World Challenges

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Stefano Brusoni
Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stefano Brusoni, Dr. Alan Cabello Llamas, Linda Cabello
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:32

Abstract

The goal of this course is to engage students in a multidisciplinary collaboration to tackle real world problems. Following a design thinking approach, students will work in teams to solve a set of design challenges that are organized as a one-week, a three-week, and a final six-week project in collaboration with an external project partner.Information and application:http://sparklabs.ch/

Objective

During the course, students will learn about different design thinking methods and tools. This will enable them to: - Generate deep insights through the systematic observation and interaction of key stakeholders (empathy). - Engage in collaborative ideation with a multidisciplinary team. - Rapidly prototype and iteratively test ideas and concepts by using various materials and techniques.

Content

The purpose of this course is to equip the students with methods and tools to tackle a broad range of problems. Following a Design Thinking approach, the students will learn how to observe and interact with key stakeholders in order to develop an in-depth understanding of what is truly important and emotionally meaningful to the people at the center of a problem. Based on these insights, the students ideate on possible solutions and immediately validated them through quick iterations of prototyping and testing using different tools and materials. The students will work in multidisciplinary teams on a set of challenges that are organized as a one-week, a three-week, and a final six-week project with an external project partner. In this course, the students will learn about the different Design Thinking methods and tools that are needed to generate deep insights, to engage in collaborative ideation, rapid prototyping and iterative testing. Design Thinking is a deeply human process that taps into the creative abilities we all have, but that get often overlooked by more conventional problem solving practices. It relies on our ability to be intuitive, to recognize patterns, to construct ideas that are emotionally meaningful as well as functional, and to express ourselves through means beyond words or symbols. Design Thinking provides an integrated way by incorporating tools, processes and techniques from design, engineering, the humanities and social sciences to identify, define and address diverse challenges. This integration leads to a highly productive collaboration between different disciplines. For more information and the application visit: http://sparklabs.ch/

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
29.09.2020

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Design Thinking: Human-Centred Solutions to Real World Challenges
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 5 h weekly

Offered In