Course Outline:

Module 1: Empathize – Understanding Users Deeply

• Introduction to Design Thinking and its applications

• Conducting user research: interviews, observations, empathy maps

• Identifying user needs, behaviors, and pain points

• Case Study/Project: Interview real users and create empathy maps

Module 2: Define – Framing the Right Problem

• Synthesizing insights from user research

• Creating user personas and journey maps

• Crafting problem statements and "How Might We..." questions

• Case Study/Project: Define a design challenge based on real user needs

Module 3: Ideate – Generating Innovative Solutions

• Brainstorming techniques (e.g., SCAMPER, Crazy 8s, Mind Mapping)

• Divergent and convergent thinking

• Selecting promising ideas using prioritization matrices

• Case Study/Project: Facilitate an ideation session and shortlist solution concepts

Module 4: Prototype – Bringing Ideas to Life

• Rapid prototyping techniques (paper, digital, role-play, mock-ups)

• Tools for visualizing ideas (e.g., Figma, Miro, Canva)

• Importance of "failing fast" and learning early

• Case Study/Project: Build low-fidelity prototypes for two key ideas

Module 5: Test – Gathering Feedback and Iterating

• Designing feedback sessions with users and stakeholders

• Learning from failures and unexpected insights

• Iterating and refining based on evidence

• Capstone Project: Test prototypes, gather feedback, and present a refined final solution