Design Thinking, a powerful problem-solving approach, has gained prominence in the realm of engineering and technology. For B.Tech students at AKTU (Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University), delving into the intricacies of Design Thinking (subject code: KOE077) in the 4th year promises a transformative learning experience. In this article, we explore the significance of Design Thinking in the academic journey, providing insights into the AKTU B.Tech 4th Year Notes on the subject with the subject code KOE077.
Understanding the Role of Design Thinking: Design Thinking is not just a method; it is a mindset that fosters creativity, empathy, and innovation. In the context of B.Tech education, the incorporation of Design Thinking principles equips students with a holistic approach to problem-solving, encouraging them to consider user needs, iterate solutions, and embrace a collaborative mindset.
AKTU B.Tech 4th Year Notes on Design Thinking (KOE077): The notes for the 4th year B.Tech students at AKTU on Design Thinking (subject code: KOE077) are a valuable resource designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of this innovative methodology. These notes cover a range of topics, from the introduction to Design Thinking and its historical context to practical applications in various fields.
Key Topics Covered in the Notes:
- Introduction to Design Thinking:
- Definition and core principles of Design Thinking.
- Differentiating traditional problem-solving from Design Thinking.
- Innovation, Creativity, and Design Mindset:
- The role of innovation and creativity in organizations.
- Cultivating a design mindset and its impact on problem-solving.
- Elements and Principles of Design:
- Understanding fundamental design elements and principles.
- Exploring the 13 Musical Notes for Design Mindset.
- Understanding Humans and Empathy in Design Thinking:
- Recognizing the dual nature of individuals as ‘self’ and physical beings.
- Techniques for empathizing and identifying key user problems.
- Problem Definition, Research, and Idea Generation:
- Defining problem statements and creating personas.
- Techniques for idea generation and evaluating arguments.
- Logical and Scientific Reasoning:
- Differentiating valid and invalid arguments.
- Introduction to logical fallacies, propositional logic, and probability.
- Group Activities and Role Plays:
- Collaborative exercises for evaluating arguments.
- Simulations to apply critical thinking skills in real-world scenarios.
Syllabus
Unit I: Introduction to Design Thinking
- Overview of design thinking
- Comparison of traditional problem-solving and design thinking
- History of design thinking
- Wicked problems
- Role of innovation and creativity in organizations
- Creativity in teams and environments
- Design mindset
- Introduction to elements and principles of design
- 13 Musical Notes for Design Mindset
- Examples of Great Design
- Design approaches across the world
Unit II: Understanding Humans and Design Thinking
- Understanding humans as a combination of ‘I’ (self) and body
- Basic physical needs up to actualization and prosperity
- The gap between desires and actualization
- Understanding culture in family, society, institution, and startup
- Socialization process
- Ethical behavior and its effects on self and society
- Understanding core values and feelings
- Overcoming negative sentiments
- Definite human conduct and universal human goal
- Developing human consciousness in values, policy, and character
- Understanding stakeholders
- Techniques to empathize
- Identifying key user problems
- Empathy tools: Interviews, empathy maps, emotional mapping, immersion and observations, customer journey maps, brainstorming
- Classifying insights after observations and stakeholders
- Do’s & Don’ts for brainstorming
- Individual activity: ‘Moccasin walk’
Unit III: Problem Definition, Research, and Idea Generation
- Defining the problem statement
- Creating personas
- Point of View (POV) statements
- Research techniques: Identifying drivers, information gathering, target groups, samples, and feedback
- Idea generation: Basic design directions, Themes of Thinking, inspirations and references, brainstorming, inclusion
- Sketching and presenting ideas
- Idea evaluation and double diamond approach
- Analyzing – four W’s, 5 why’s, “How Might We”
- Defining the problem using Ice-Cream Sticks, Metaphor & Random Association Technique
- Mind-Map
- Ideation activity games: Six Thinking Hats, million-dollar idea
- Introduction to visual collaboration and brainstorming tools: Mural, JamBoard
Unit IV: Fundamental Concepts of Critical Thinking
- The difference between critical and ordinary thinking
- Characteristics of critical thinkers
- Critical thinking skills: Linking ideas, structuring arguments, recognizing incongruences
- Five pillars of critical thinking
- Argumentation versus rhetoric
- Cognitive bias, tribalism, and politics
- Case study on applying critical thinking in different scenarios
Unit V: Logical and Scientific Reasoning, Argument Evaluation, and Critical Thinking Obstacles
- The argument, claim, and statement
- Identifying premises and conclusion
- Truth and logic conditions
- Valid/invalid arguments, strong/weak arguments
- Deductive argument and argument diagrams
- Logical reasoning and scientific reasoning
- Logical fallacies
- Propositional logic, probability, and judgment
- Obstacles to critical thinking
- Group activity/role plays on evaluating arguments
Explore the world of Design Thinking with succinct, free-typed notes, perfect for B.Tech 4th year (subject code: KOE077) students at AKTU. Designed for quick learning and revision, these concise notes distill essential concepts of innovation and problem-solving. Download now to access a brief yet comprehensive guide, making it easier than ever to grasp the core principles of Design Thinking and enhance your engineering education.