Task Objective

The primary focus of this week is to immerse yourself in the first phase of the Design Thinking process: Empathy and Problem Definition. You will conduct research to understand the needs, pain points, and aspirations of a selected user segment. This task is tailored for Design Thinking course students who are expected to use qualitative research methods and empathy mapping to identify a core problem worth solving.

Expected Deliverables

• A DOC file detailing your research findings and empathy maps.
• A comprehensive problem statement based on your research.
• Annotated interview insights and observations from secondary research using publicly available data.

Key Steps to Complete the Task

1. Research: Use public resources to gather data on your chosen user group. Identify common challenges and needs within the community.
2. Interviews & Observation: Simulate or review available interviews and case studies. Craft at least three sample interview questions.
3. Empathy Mapping: Create an empathy map that outlines what users say, think, feel, and do.
4. Problem Statement: Synthesize your findings into a clear problem statement identifying the user need or challenge.
5. Documentation: Compile the above steps, insights, and visual empathy maps in a DOC file.

Evaluation Criteria

Your submission will be evaluated based on the thoroughness of your research, clarity of the empathy maps, coherence of the problem statement, and the overall organization and presentation of your DOC file. Ensure that your DOC file is well-structured, with appropriate section headings, bullet points, and visual elements where applicable. The final document must reflect a robust understanding of user needs and articulate a well-defined problem ready for ideation.

This task is designed to be completed in approximately 30 to 35 hours, emphasizing deep research and thoughtful analysis. Avoid superficial descriptions by engaging critically with public data sources and synthesizing your insights into a powerful design brief.

Task Objective

This week's task centers on the ideation phase of Design Thinking. Your goal is to generate, document, and refine innovative ideas that address the problem statement developed during Week 1. You are expected to employ creative thinking techniques to develop multiple potential solutions, evaluate them, and organize your thoughts into a coherent strategy document.

Expected Deliverables

• A DOC file containing a detailed ideation process and the final set of selected ideas.
• A brainstorm session report, which includes method descriptions (e.g., mind mapping, SCAMPER, or rapid ideation) and images or sketches if applicable.
• A selection rationale explaining why certain ideas were chosen over others.

Key Steps to Complete the Task

1. Idea Generation: Engage in brainstorming sessions focused on multiple solutions. Use creative techniques to stimulate diverse ideas.
2. Documentation: Record every idea, regardless of its initial feasibility. Clearly document using bullet points and sketches.
3. Evaluation: Critically assess each idea based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with user needs. Use a simple matrix for evaluation.
4. Selection: Narrow down the ideas to a final shortlist, detailing the reasoning behind your choices.
5. Report Preparation: Compile the entire process, supporting visuals, evaluation matrices, and final ideas into a well-organized DOC file.

Evaluation Criteria

Your submission will be judged for creativity, organization, the logic of your idea evaluation, and your ability to narrow down a broad range of ideas into practical and impactful solutions. The DOC file must be well-structured, clearly formatted, and should fully capture your brains-storming process from idea generation to final selection. This task should require 30 to 35 hours of sustained creative and analytical work.

Remember to focus on innovative thinking and present clear, structured documentation that articulates your creative process and critical assessment of potential solutions.

Task Objective

In Week 3, you will translate your refined ideas into tangible prototypes and storyboards. This stage in the Design Thinking process requires you to visualize your concept through rough prototypes and narrative scenarios that highlight key user interactions. This exercise is essential for testing assumptions and user journey mapping, and it is especially relevant for those studying design innovation and design thinking.

Expected Deliverables

• A DOC file containing images or sketches of low-fidelity prototypes.
• A detailed storyboard or scenario narrative explaining the user interaction with the prototype.
• A written explanation of the design choices made during the prototyping process.

Key Steps to Complete the Task

1. Conceptualize the Prototype: Start by identifying the key features and interactions of your design concept.
2. Sketch & Diagram: Create rough sketches or wireframes. These can be hand-drawn and then scanned or digitally created.
3. Develop a Storyboard: Map out a user scenario that explains how a user interacts with your prototype, using visuals and narrative text.
4. Documentation: Assemble your sketches, storyboard, and design rationale in a DOC file. Use captions and annotations effectively.
5. Critical Reflection: Review how your prototype addresses user needs and list potential improvements.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on clarity, creativity, and the effectiveness of your prototype in addressing the problem statement from Week 1. The DOC file must present a logically structured storyboard and clear, annotated prototype sketches. Your explanation should articulate the design decisions, anticipated user interactions, and potential iterations. Attention to detail, readability, and a coherent narrative throughout the DOC file will be key to achieving a high evaluation score. Plan to invest 30 to 35 hours to ensure that your document is complete and reflective of thoughtful design experimentation.

Task Objective

This week, focus on designing a testing strategy and mock user feedback process for your proposed prototype. The aim is to simulate a testing environment where you evaluate the usability and effectiveness of your design solution. The process involves detailing a testing plan, outlining potential user scenarios, and projecting expected outcomes. This task is crucial for students to understand the importance of iterative design and user feedback in the design thinking framework.

Expected Deliverables

• A DOC file that includes a detailed testing plan with clear objectives and methods.
• Simulated user feedback data and analysis.
• A section outlining iterative improvements based on the feedback and testing outcomes.

Key Steps to Complete the Task

1. Develop a Testing Plan: Create a structured plan outlining the testing objectives, methodology (e.g., usability testing, A/B testing), and timeline.
2. Simulate User Testing: Develop a set of user scenarios and predict potential feedback using public data on user interactions. Create sample questionnaires and feedback forms.
3. Data Analysis: Analyze the simulated feedback to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement.
4. Iterative Suggestions: Propose design iterations or adjustments based on the analysis.
5. Documentation: Compile your testing strategy, simulated feedback, analysis, and improvement suggestions into a comprehensive DOC file.

Evaluation Criteria

Your DOC file will be evaluated based on the completeness and clarity of your testing plan, the quality of your simulated feedback analysis, and the logical sequencing of iterative design improvements. Use structured methodology, detailed narrative, and clear formatting to ensure your document effectively communicates your approach to testing and refinement. This task should be executed within 30 to 35 hours, emphasizing simulated practical insights, thorough documentation, and a strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

Task Objective

The final week is dedicated to consolidating your overall design thinking process by conducting a final evaluation and planning for future iterations. This task requires you to critically assess the effectiveness of your design solution, reflect on the feedback received, and propose a detailed iteration strategy that balances innovation with practical implementation. Your work should reflect an advanced understanding of the design process and showcase your analytical and strategic planning skills.

Expected Deliverables

• A comprehensive DOC file that summarizes the entire design thinking journey from empathy mapping to testing.
• An in-depth evaluation of your final design solution, including strengths, weaknesses, and areas for future improvement.
• A clearly articulated iterative strategy with action steps and anticipated outcomes for subsequent improvements.

Key Steps to Complete the Task

1. Overview of the Process: Briefly document the steps you have taken over the past weeks. Highlight key milestones and design decisions.
2. Final Evaluation: Critically evaluate your final design, using criteria such as usability, innovation, and alignment with user needs.
3. Iteration Strategy: Develop a plan for iterating on your design, including a timeline, resources needed, and measurable success metrics. Describe potential challenges and risk mitigation strategies.
4. Documentation: Synthesize all previous tasks, evaluation data, and iterative ideas into a final DOC file. Use sections, tables, and bullet points to organize your content.
5. Reflection: Include a reflective section on lessons learned and how these can inform future projects.

Evaluation Criteria

The final DOC file will be rigorously assessed based on the comprehensive overview of your process, depth of final evaluation, and the feasibility and innovation of the proposed iterative strategy. Emphasis will be placed on clarity, strategic thinking, and the actionable quality of the iteration plan. The document should clearly communicate your full design journey, and each section should be well-organized and insightful. This final task is expected to take 30 to 35 hours of focused work and should serve as a capstone to your virtual internship experience.

Overall, this task requires you to integrate all aspects of your previous work into a coherent and reflective document that demonstrates your readiness to apply design thinking principles in real-world scenarios.