Exploring the Challenge Faced by University Students

Design thinking tools are critical in managerial endeavors as they allow overcoming certain problem scenarios (Tschimmel, 2012). The current scope of the study relates to analyzing a challenge faced by University students and then implementing steps to overcome the same by use of design thinking tool.   

Problem definition is crucial to arrive at a possible solution to a challenge. In the current scenario, the challenge faced is to obtain higher marks in every subject that is studied and offered by the University. While scoring higher marks is not only dependent upon examinations, it is also dependent upon assessment scores and participation scores. Through analysis of various challenges which can possibly act as hindrances to obtaining of such high marks and designing step by steps strategies that can help to arrive at higher marks, the solution to the problem can be undertaken. 

There are a number of designs thinking tool that is currently available. The list of 10 design thinking tools includes visualization, journey mapping, value chain analysis, mind mapping, rapid concept development, assumption testing, rapid prototyping, customer co-creation, learning launches, decision matrix, functional modeling and storytelling (Brown, 2009). Visualization makes use of images through visual thinking. It allows unlocking various parts of the brain by going beyond languages. With the aid of visualization tool, a drawing was developed which included several components that could help attain higher grades. Pictorial representation for hard work, studiousness and attending classes was developed and linked to the main concept. It allowed assimilation to the main framework to reach success. Journey mapping or experience mapping includes methods for tracing of a customer journey as an interaction with the organization in process of receiving service. Experience mapping is used in identifying customer needs. Analysing the problem with journey mapping tool provides the way or journey in which the desired state of higher grades can be attained. This includes studying hard for examinations, making assignments by detailed research and so on. 

Value chain an analysis includes ways to interact with value chain partners in producing, marketing or distribution of new offering. It includes ways in which higher scores can be attained in examination or scoring high marks for assessments. It will chart out step by step processes, such as attending classes, going to library or undertaking self-study and so on for arriving at desired product, here which is getting high score for a subject. Rapid concept development allows the creation of hypotheses regarding potential new business opportunities. In this type of system thinking a lot of ideas are generated by way of brainstorming sessions. It allows creating various opportunities that can allow in scoring higher grades for examination. Assumption testing allows identification of assumption in underlying attraction to a new business idea. In assumption testing there was assumption related to various activities that could lead to achieving higher grades. In rapid prototyping, an abstract for new ideas, which are tangible to potential partners and customers, is developed. Through rapid prototyping, an abstract idea was assumed that one has attained A+ grades in examination and then it was made tangible with studying 10 hours a day, spending time in library and attending classes. 

Design Thinking Tools for Resolving the Challenge

Customer co-creation provides managers in generating and in developing new business ideas (Plattner, Meinel & Weinberg, 2009). Implementing customer co-creation enabled the team to generate and develop new ideas such as studying extensively for examination, taking assessments in the library, undertaking case study help and so on. Learning launches allow in the testing of new underlying value generating. In order to implement learning launches, a testing was undertaken, such as studying for 10 hours and then attending unit exam. Once favorable numbers has been obtained then the possibility of arriving at overall high grades for the unit was ascertained. Storytelling allows weaving together a story compared to selecting specific points. In implementing storytelling sessions, there was undertaken several success stories of passed out candidates and the way in which they succeeded in their journey. Such stories was taken together to design the problem situation that was being faced in the team. Decision matrix includes creation of rows and columns in matrix so as to systematically identify and analyze performance amongst information and values sets. In order to develop a decision matrix various factors relative to getting higher scores was included in the matrix such as keeping well, being able to perform well during examination, impression on professor and so on. Then the matrix was analysed relative to the decisions on criteria on performing well. Functional modeling is a process for systems engineering. It allows a structured representation of various functions, activities and processes as well as operations that is embedded within systems. A functional model when applied into a subject area reveals that several processes such as studying for 10 hours daily and undertaking guided learning will allow accomplishment of the objective.            

Each tool has their own challenges and benefits that need to be evaluated and then implemented. Every tool allows arriving at an innovative solution, through brainstorming sessions. These various design thinking tools allow the creation of alternatives routes for arriving at a future solution to the problem. Amongst the various design thinking tools that are available or discussed in the current context, we had selected mind mapping tool.

A mind mapping tool allows representation of ideas by linking it to the central idea. As in this case, the central idea is to score higher marks for each subject area. Mind mapping tools allow generating visual structures by classifying patterns and designing criteria’s (D’Antoni,  Zipp, Olson & Cahill, 2010). The power of visualizing communication as the key component for a design thinking tool will allow exploring the related concept to the study.

Choosing Mind Mapping as an Effective Tool

The core aim of a design thinking tool is to arrive at an innovative solution related to the area of exploration. This includes covering relevant areas that are connected to the domain (Liedtka, 2011). As in this case, brainstorming could only allow arriving at an innovative solution related to the study. The group while brainstorming ideas has to overcome specific challenges in an impulsive reaction within groups, individual egos, knowledge, perception, mindset, beliefs and so on. An innovative solution will be arrived at by understanding various barriers in the scoring of higher marks. Then  

Design thinking process includes step by step process includes empathizing, defining, ideate, prototype, and test (Sanders, 2008). The first step to designing process includes empathizing. In this step, an empathic understanding relative to the problem that is being solved is arrived at. The specific constraints to the study are analyzed and group members are consulted regarding possible areas of observation for the study. This stage includes observation, engagement and empathizing with group members for understanding their point of view.   

 

Figure 1: Designing Thinking Process

Defining the problem allows the assembling of information. All possible observation is noted and then synthesis for such observation is undertaken. At this stage, the designer in our team helped establish the ideas, their features, functions that can allow scoring higher numbers for the University examination. At the ideate stage, brainstorming, brain write and worst possible ideas are noted down (Stickdorn, Schneider,  Andrews & Lawrence, 2011). We had diagnosed several brainstorming ideas such as studying hard, referring to multiple books, following unit guidelines, scoring a higher number in assessments as possible strategies to arrive at the desired solution. Worst possible ideas included undertaking a self-counseling technique, which was suggested by one of the group members. Other worst possible ideas related to the study were rejected by stimulating further free thinking. A prototype was designed by scaling down of ideas to a reduced version of the specific features. The prototype of the mind mapped ideas were tested such as undertaking study in the library by referring to various books, group study technique. This allowed all members of the group to score higher number in the examination. At the end of the testing prototype, better ideas and best possible solutions were arrived at. Test stage includes evaluation of all ideas that have been generated during the prototyping stage. The five-stage model allows an iterative procedure to allow redefining of the problems in a better manner. It is at this testing stage that final solutions to the desired state can be arriving at. The design thinking process allows step by step processes to connect to the main idea related to the challenge faced. It would also allow in developing those ideas only that could possibly be implemented in the current solution.  

The Design Thinking Process

The core challenge in the design thinking process includes the inability of reaching an innovative solution related to the problem (Brown & Wyatt, 2010). The obstacles in design thinking arise in the inability to resolve problems. Some challenges that might be faced in design thinking arise from individual people, knowledge, ego and perception, mindset or belief patterns. In a group, there might be an impulsive reaction rather than planned brainstorming sessions. Within groups while discussing solutions there might be skill gap, team construction challenges the cultural gap, power structures creating challenges in implementing solutions and so on. A member of the group, we need to maintain continuous interaction and communication with each other such that design thinking can allow innovative thinking. The core aim of implementing the process of design thinking is to generate multiple ideas such that the desired central idea can be reached.    

Conclusion

From the description of the challenge and design thinking tool used a possible solution has been arrived at. Mind mapping tool is one of the most effective design thinking toll in our case. The group has been effectively able to apply design thinking process to arrive at a solution related to the study. Though there have been various challenges faced each one has been tackled in an effective manner through a brainstorming session. 

Reference Lists

Brown, T. (2009). Change by design. Retrieved on 21^st August 2018 from https://bsili.3csn.org/files/2013/06/change-by-design-brown-e.pdf

Brown, T., & Wyatt, J. (2010). Design thinking for social innovation. Development Outreach, 12(1), 29-43. Retrieved on 21^st August 2018 from https://www.idmais.org/pubs/KatjaTschimmel/2012/actas_internacionais%20c%F3pia/2012.4.ISPIM.KatjaTschimmel1.pdf

Liedtka, J. (2011). Learning to use design thinking tools for successful innovation. Strategy & Leadership, 39(5), 13-19. Retrieved on 8^th September 2018 from https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/10878571111161480

Plattner, H., Meinel, C., & Weinberg, U. (2009). Design thinking. Landsberg am Lech: Mi-Fachverlag. Retrieved on 6^th September 2018 from https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-642-13757-0

Sanders, L. (2008). ON MODELING An evolving map of design practice and design research. interactions, 15(6), 13-17. Retrieved on 1^st September 2018 from https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1409043

D’Antoni, A. V., Zipp, G. P., Olson, V. G., & Cahill, T. F. (2010). Does the mind map learning strategy facilitate information retrieval and critical thinking in medical students?. BMC medical education, 10(1), 61. Retrieved on 6^th September 2018 from https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6920-10-61

Stickdorn, M., Schneider, J., Andrews, K., & Lawrence, A. (2011). This is service design thinking: Basics, tools, cases(Vol. 1). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved on 7^th September 2018 from https://tcyh73tpr06.storage.googleapis.com/QjAwQkFWSlc4WQ==06.pdf

Tschimmel, K. (2012). Design Thinking as an effective Toolkit for Innovation. In ISPIM Conference Proceedings (p. 1). The International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM). Retrieved on 3^rd September 2018 from https://www.idmais.org/pubs/KatjaTschimmel/2012/actas_internacionais%20c%F3pia/2012.4.ISPIM.KatjaTschimmel1.pdf