Unit Design: Tools and Methods for Innovation
Unit Design: Tools and Methods for Innovation
Design and delivery of a postgraduate unit for the MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Delivered as part of my role as Senior Lecturer in Design Thinking at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Bristol (UK).
Project summary
Unit: Tools and Methods for Innovation: Design and Systems Thinking; 20 credits, 1 semseter
Purpose: This unit explores how systems are often interconnected (systems thinking) while taking a human-centred approach (design thinking). 'Frame creation', is used to pull these ideas together into a logical strategy for action as we work to create innovative solutions.
Learners: Home and international students studying on the one-year MSc for Innovation and Entrepreneurship who are interested in learning that is directly applied to real working scenarios as they work towards future careers in entrepreneurship, designers or continue on to further education or academic research.
Format: Blended learning, Project-based learning, Team-based learning
Asynchronous learning on Blackboard
Team-based learning facilitated in Mural
Synchronous learning combined in-person/online workshops in MS Teams
Collaborative, Team-Based Project
Students put what they learn directly into practice as they work in teams to tackle a design challenge over the course of the unit.
Using Mural as a collaborative workspace, asynchronous work completed by individuals is brought into the team space for peer-to-peer learning.
Program Integration
This unit collaborates closely with a second unit called In the Wild (ITW), where students learn about and conduct the user research to inform the project. The project and teams are shared between the units, allowing students to see one project from different perspectives.
Authentic assessment
Assessment is designed to balance individual learning with team project delivery. The team delivers a client-facing report and presentation while individuals submit two blog posts: a reflection on key lessons learned and a deep dive into a specific tool or method.
“I believe that this unit although challenging, it was necessary and very relevant to my evolution as an academic researcher. It helped me view the world in a different way and question the briefs integrity to create unique solutions.”
Student feedback
Project links and media
Team Collaborative Workspace
A Mural board bringing individual work into the team space (Demo board)
Tools and methods
New tools and methods introduced each week to help guide the project and build a strong foundation.