Project 2 - INNOVATION IN paper by IMPLEMENTING Design thinking

Respond to a team-discovered opportunity (innovation) for a design thinking investigation. The exploration will be conducted in groups as formed at the beginning of the semester. Teams will identify and innovate a paper container design opportunity, conduct design thinking inquiry by empathy, defining (research), ideate, prototype, engage user interaction and receive feedback, test and experiment, iterate, and develop a final proposal. 

So, what does it mean to innovate? 

Your team is to use the tools of design thinking to innovate a new product made of paper. 

Student teams are to work with the instructor to determine the best design inquiry procedures, activities, and process for their unique design investigation. 

Papere Design Projects are to meet the following criteria:

  • Users and Stakeholders are Accessible 
  • The Paper Product Design is Innovative 
    • Feasible (technically possible)
    • Viable (economically possible)
    • Desirable (people desire the experience)
  • You can identify and have access experts to consult and be part of your design team
  •  Multiple iterations (3+ major cycles through the process) are to take place to receive project credit. 
  • The design is to focus on unique paper product, truly new, original and innovative.  

Create an Initial Project Hunt Statement - Due Tuesday, March 28th

Define the what + why “hunt statement” or "intent statement" for your design thinking opportunity. One long sentence of the what you will be doing and why your are doing it. The statement should broad in what,  specific with why. Emphasize human experience and refrain for a know solution or problem.

Example: We will study the use of the UTK library to understand the academic needs of students. 

Example: "Explore the informational needs of education stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of online learning tools." 

Hunt statement TEST: If you know the answer to the problem from the “hunt statement” then you are NOT successful. A successful hunt statement will have multiple outcomes and require design thinking processes for a solution. 

        Remember the statement must be:

  • broad + specific
  • human experience focus 
  • no obvious solutions     

 If you get a good hunt statement, the project will fall into place. Spend the team time to remind and agree on a single hunt statement. 

Create an inquiry plan for your hunt statement based on methods found in the Innovating for People Handbook. Due Tuesday, March 28th

Using the Innovating for People Handbook of Human Centered Design Methods book plan your first steps to investigate the hunt statement. 

1. In an introductory paragraph identify the why - what - of your broad, but specific, design thinking activity. 

2. Identify a minimum of three inquiry methods from the book that will allow you to understand your broad design idea with more insight. (Do not start with survey methods.)

Start with Empathy and direct human interactions.  

3. In a paragraph or two provide the logic and reasoning for selecting the inquiry methods. 

4. Outline a the inquiry procedure for each inquiry method customized for your investigation. 

        - Where are the inquiries taking place

        -Who will be involved in the inquiry (team members and users)

        -How many people will you interact with to create validity and reliability

        -When will you conduct the inquiry (time, day, permission to conduct the inquiry) 

        -Inquiry Interaction Procedures and Script (may include the following per method) 

            - step by step procedures

            - how will you remain objective

            - sample questions

            - script for interacting with users

            - introduction script, thank you script        

Print copies for all team members and the instructor for Tuesday, March 8th at the beginning of class.

Creative Rejuvination - Due APril 4th

Do something you have never done before that you have always wanted to do to increase creative awareness and engage unique human experiences.

On or off campus, in a manner that only involves experiences that do not involve risk that is beyond everyday activities, try something new and meaningful or interesting with at least one other group member. The activity must be something you have NEVER done before and be interesting or meaningful for all participants. 

  • Do not engage in any activity that is unsafe, illegal, or unhealthy.
  • Take a risk, do something you have been apprehensive to engage, but maybe have always been curious to the experience or wanted to do. 
  • The activity is to engage and interact with a new or unfamiliar population group. 
  • Be "all in" and fully immerse yourself in the activity. 
  • Be present in the moment, do not take notes, photographs, or use social media while you are participating. Except if it is required as part of the activity.... 

After the activity take photographs and write reflective brief (1000-1250 words minimum). In the brief cover all of the following aspects of the experience. 

  • What were you doing?
  • What were you thinking?
  • What were you feeling?
  • What did it mean?
  • What did you enjoy or find challenging? 
  • How would you do it again differently?