U101 The Design Thinking Proof Reading and Paper Editing Services

U101 The Design Thinking Proof Reading and Paper Editing Services

Introduction

Design Thinking is defined as a cognitive process where the design concepts are engaged in solving a particular problem (Sköldberg, Woodilla & Çetinkaya, 2013). In this case, the designer must consider the design concept and utilized them in the right to ensure that the solution to the problem identified is the best solution. This unit was divided into three assessment section. The first assessment involved writing a weekly blog to conduct a critical self-analysis and evaluation of the concepts introduced in class and identify the experience of the class in respect with the personal development and development knowledge (Beech, McGill & Brockbank, 2017). This particular assessment assisted me in ensuring that I have understood the concepts that were taught in class and seek clarification as early as possible in a case where I did not understand. The second assessment criteria involved writing a reflective essay where I am supposed to write an analysis of the whole unit and the experience I went through while interacting with the lecturer and my peers. However, the last assessment criteria involve fill-in an online questionnaire about the experience I had throughout the semester together with what my peers experienced. The primary objective of this analysis is to evaluate the skills I have gained at the end of the semester alongside the goals that explained at the beginning of the semester. The analysis of this blog is conducted in the form of weeks to illustrate the skills and experience I gather on a weekly basis and then a conclusion to conclude about the semester's experience.

Design Thinking Unit

Week 2

In week two lecture, our lecturer divided us into various groups. In each group, we were supposed to engage in two activities. In our group, the first activity involved selecting a random topic and design a questionnaire regarding Apple Company and Blackberry Company after analyzing two articles on the two companies. The second activity involved engaging in a discussion of two written materials we, as the group members, asked ourselves several questions. The first question involved asking ourselves why Blackberry Company was down falling while Apple Company was succeeding in the market (Mas, 2018). The second question involved describing the reasons that made Apple lead in the market. The third question we discussed the Business strategies that Apple implemented within the changing technology environment. After thorough discussion, we recognized that the reason that leads to Blackberry Company downfall is that the company ignored the customer requirements (see blog entry no. 1, 01/10/2018). In the next question, we identified that Apple Company turned out to make an internal creation in their technology. Also, we discussed the customer privacy and application developments concerning customer safety issues and how the two companies handled problems of that kind. Lastly, we discussed the market trend and customer needs.

This week’s discussion about the Blackberry Company and the Apple Company resonated with me. The reason behind this is the fact that I realized that innovation is essential for the performance of a company. It is a driving force that causes the companies to change their operations, products and the services they are offering. However, if a company resists those particular changes (Joshi, Saxena, & Tarkas, 2015). It is likely that the company might end up losing its market value. Most importantly, a company that recognizes the change and develop strategies to embrace those changes, the company is likely to be very competitive and enhance its productivity.

Week 3

In week three we deal with Design Mindset. The lecturer divided us into groups where we were supposed to share ideas about design mindset. After each group discussed their views about design mindset our teacher asked each group to present their arguments and perspective about design mindset with others groups (see blog entry no. 2, 02/08/2018). According to our group, we found out that design mindset is a solution to specific problems that are concentrated on drawing upon logic, imaginations, and observations. It is, therefore, the design mindset has a significant role in Design thinking (Grace & Graen, 2014). Analyzing the definition of the term, I understood that I must improve my logic, imagination, and observation levels, in case, I wanted to be excellent in design mindset. Our teacher explained to us that one is required to be persistent and consistent in improving the three skills discussed above to make sure that we did our best in solving problems using design mindset.

In groups, we also began discussing experiences about design mindset where I shared personal experience within my group. After completing my bachelor’s, I started working as a site engineer in a construction company (see blog entry no. 2, 02/08/2018). In this particular place, I learned many things from my officials and workers. One of the most significant experience I gained while working at the site includes learning new techniques which assisted me to change my mindset and think professionally. Most of the people who worked at the site used design mindset to solve specific problems.

Week 4

Week 4 activity involved spotting an image called "A DAY AT THE BEACH." According to the lecturer, we were supposed to look at the image, identify an issue with the image and discuss ways through which we would solve the problem we identified mainly by designing a new solution. In this image, several people had different issues that needed design solution. One of the most significant that we recognized involved people who carried their luggage throughout the beach (see blog entry no. 3, 09/08/2018). They were not comfortable with carrying their luggage as they were very heavy. As a group, we started discussing ways through which we would solve the issues. One way is that we needed to develop a method of improving the security in the beach as one of the most significant reasons why these people carried their luggage is due to security issues (Charter & Tischner, 2017). The second solution involved coming up with beach trollies that should make it easier for people to carry their luggage when at the beach. Using trollies will enhance security on the people's wallets, and mobile phones as the people will be walking with them around the beach. In this lesson, I learned how to identify a problem, and more significantly how to solve the issues and ensure that the solution I have recognized is of economic value.

Week 5

Regarding week five activities resonated with me. The reason behind this is the fact that we engaged in three activities including Journey Mapping, Brainstorming, and filling 30 circles. Concerning the three activities, I liked Journey Mapping mostly because I was able to utilize the tool in writing my journey map from India to Australia (Garofalo, 2015). Firstly, after completing my bachelor's degree in India, I wrote PTE and scored 57. This assisted me to apply for Central Queensland University after various consultation from the consultancy after which I got an offer from the university after one week (see blog entry no. 4, 27/08/2018). The offer I got from the university required me to show the university my financials, and when the university accepted the financials, I got my COE. After this incident, I applied for a visa that helped me to book for a ticket to Brisbane where I started my started my studies at the Central Queensland University for master's course in management for engineering. This is my Journey Mapping for my case. In this lecture, I learned a lot on how to use Journey mapping to demonstrate my life's experience. In this case, it is possible to solve complicated problems using the experienced I gained in this particular class.

Week 6

Concerning week six activities, we were told to sit in groups of five members in the workshop (see blog entry no. 5, 05/09/2018). This activity aimed to discuss problem statement. In our group, we discussed issues. In this case, we discussed the damages that are caused mining to the environment (Prno, 2014). We discussed these issues by listing several numbers of companies that deal with mining and the likely damages they could cause to the environment. After this, we then thought about the solutions to the problems that we discovered. Different group members came up with different ideas on how to solve the issues that we had identified. However, we used the brainstorming tool to determine the most viable solution to this problem. In the end, we were able to design a new product that could be useful in reducing the levels of environmental pollutions. This activity assisted me in understanding fundamental ways through which I can select the best solution from a various set of ideas which is very significant for my career development.

Week 7

In week seven, we were involved in several activities in the workshop which include design projects, two activities on observing concept, concept development, and assumption testing. In this case, I conducted an exercise on concept development where I created a recipe for Mexican Nacho' with chicken meat. While preparing the recipe, the ingredients include corn chips, cheese, black beans, Pico de Gallo, tomato salsa, sour cream, and chicken. In the procedure of cooking the Mexican Nacho's, I began preparing Pico de Gallo by cutting tomatoes in small pieces and then mixing the tomatoes with 10 ml of lime juice, 10 grams of coriander, 20 grams of onions, and I tablespoon of salt (see blog entry no. 6, 28/09/2018). After mixing the ingredients, I had to put 15 corn chips in a plate and put some cheese on the chips. Then, I added to set the plate with 15 corn chips in salamander and add some beans, chicken, and tomatoes salsa on to the plate. The next procedure involved garnishing the mixture with Pico de Gallo and sour cream. After this, the chicken is ready to serve. In this activity, I learned that concept development is an essential tool in Design Thinking as it outlines the protocols and procedures to be engaged toward designing a solution to a particular problem.

Week 9

Week 8 involved coming up with a launching idea where the group members were supposed to describe ideas about a product that we had to launch. In our group, we decided to develop an application that would give services to our customers by helping them to order spare parts online easily at any time. We also agreed that we would launch our product in Melbourne and connect all suburbs to test the efficiency of the services we ought to have offered to the customers to enhance customer satisfaction through customer reaction and feedback (see blog entry no. 7, 30/09/2018). Obtaining good reviews will assist us to globalize the service. However, to convince people to use our services, we were required to advertise our products on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and print media. Launching the product required capital budgeting of $950000 to cover for a warehouse and advertisement costs. This activity assisted me in understanding better ways through which I can identify an issue and provide a solution to the problems by launching a product (Steen, 2015).

Week 10

Week 11 activities resonated with me. This is because we were required to make a presentation on how to implement design thinking. In this case, we selected a topic on inequalities in the Australian education sector which contributes to poor educational performance in the young people. Using design thinking techniques, we can define the problem identified and come up with different ideas on how to solve the issue using design tools such as visualization, journey mapping, mind mapping, rapid concept development, and brainstorming among others (Curedale, 2018). However, the presentation involved just developing a concept paper determining that it was possible to solve the issue. However, in future, we can deal with the problem in details providing a solution (see blog entry no. 8, 3/10/2018).

Unit Experience Summary

Following all the weekly reflection on the activities that I went through and the experience that I got in every week. It is evident that there is a lot of experience that I gained in this case. Design Thinking is a concept that I can now comfortably use in my future to solve issues ranging from social, economic and personal issues. The class gave me an experience where I was able to identify problems, analyze and evaluate the problems to come up with a solution that not only solved the problem but also provided the best economical solution. This has significantly led to the improved personal development and career development.

Working with Design thinking tools such as visualization, brainstorming, mind map, journey map, and rapid concept develop among others improved my skills of dealing with issues at hand ensuring that I provide an efficient and effective solution. While going through the class, I was able to identify that I have excellent design skills, problem identification skills but when dealing with the issues is not easy for me. In this case, I will design a six-month action plan that is aimed at enhancing the skills.

Action Plan

Conclusion

In conclusion, the weekly blog post reflections demonstrate that I was able to meet the goals and objectives outlined at the beginning of the semester. At the moment I can use to apply design methodologies for prototyping my ideas as well as developing my ideas using design thinking techniques that I have learned within the semester. Also, I have been able to develop a six-month action plan to assist me in improving areas that I identified while going through the unit such as improving my problem solving and identification skills, improving concept development skills, improve product launching skills, as well as innovative skills. Also, I could collaborate with class members in groups to achieve specific goals as given by the teacher.

References

1. Sköldberg, U., Woodilla, J., & Çetinkaya, M. (2013). Design thinking: past, present and possible futures. Creativity and innovation management, 22(2), 121-146.
2. Beech, N., McGill, I., & Brockbank, A. (2017). Reflective learning in practice. In Reflective learning in practice (pp. 30-40). Routledge.
3. Mas, S. (2018). Definition and analysis of the market for the Apple Watch. GRIN Verlag.
4. Joshi, S., Saxena, S., & Tarkas, J. (2015). Analysis of the Innovative Strategies for Value Creation in the Smartphone Market: A Case Study Approach Using Blue Ocean Framework. SAMVAD, 8.
5. Grace, M., & Graen, G. B. (Eds.). (2014). Millennial spring: Designing the future of organizations. IAP.
6. Charter, M., & Tischner, U. (Eds.). (2017). Sustainable solutions: developing products and services for the future. Routledge.
7. Garofalo, F. (2015). It’s all about the Journey… from Brainstorming to Canvas, from Map to App.
8.Prno, J. (2014). Establishing a social licence to operate amidst complexity: issues and opportunities for mining industry (Doctoral dissertation, Thesis Department of Geography and Develop Environmental Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Geography, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada).
9. Steen, R. (2015). A risk assessment approach to support the launching of new products, services or processes.
10. Curedale, R. (2018). Design Thinking: Process & Methods Guide. Design Community College Incorporated.