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Design Thinking: Human-Centred Solutions to Real World Challenges
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:49:07
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
- Signup End
- 05.10.2021
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.
From FS22 in the spring semester.
|
No time listed | 5 h weekly |
Offered In
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Design, Computation, Product Development & Manufacturing (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC Monday, 20.09.2021, 14.00 - 15.15 h, HG E 1.1 (tbc))
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Electives (The entire course programs of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are open to the students to individual selection.)
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Electives (The entire course programs of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are open to the students to individual selection.)
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Electives (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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