Tasks and Duties
Objective
The primary goal of this task is to immerse yourself in the world of the end user by applying design thinking principles to conduct empathy-based research. As a Virtual Design Thinking Innovator Intern, you will be required to explore a specific user group and gather insights that form the basis of understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations.
Expected Deliverables
Create a comprehensive DOC file that includes a detailed report on your research findings. The file should contain a methodology section, a summary of interviews, observations, and surveys, and a persona development segment that reflects the cumulative insights gathered during the research process.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Research Planning: Identify a target user group relevant to any publicly available context; set clear research objectives and prepare a research plan outlining methods to gather user insights.
- Data Collection: Conduct user interviews or surveys (using publicly available platforms or simulated data if necessary). Record observations and insights in a structured manner.
- Synthesizing Insights: Analyze collected data to derive key themes and user challenges. Develop at least two detailed user personas representing core user segments.
- Documentation: Structure your DOC file with clear sections including introduction, methodology, findings, user personas, discussion, and conclusions.
Evaluation Criteria
Your submission will be evaluated on the clarity and depth of your research methodology, the relevance and accuracy of the collected data, the creativity and realism in persona creation, and the overall quality and structure of your DOC file. Innovative approaches to user research that demonstrate the application of design thinking are highly encouraged. Ensure the document is well-organized, professionally formatted, and free of grammatical errors.
Objective
The objective of this task is to transition from understanding user needs to generating innovative ideas. As part of the design thinking process, you will explore multiple potential solutions and concepts that address the key challenges identified in previous research efforts. This task emphasizes creativity and critical thinking to develop a robust set of ideas that can lead to viable solutions.
Expected Deliverables
Submit a DOC file containing a well-documented ideation report. Your report should detail brainstorming sessions, idea sketches, and the rationale behind each concept. A clear description of the selected solution, along with an explanation of how it best meets the needs discovered during the empathy phase, should be included.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Brainstorming Session: Conduct an individual ideation session using techniques such as mind mapping, SCAMPER, or the “How Might We?” method. Document every stage of your brainstorming process.
- Idea Refinement: Shortlist ideas based on their feasibility, relevance, and innovation. Provide a detailed reasoning for why these ideas were chosen.
- Concept Description: Develop a detailed description of the final concept. Include visual aids if necessary (hand sketches or diagrams can be scanned and incorporated into the DOC file).
- Documentation: Organize your DOC file into clearly labeled sections such as brainstorming notes, shortlisted ideas, and final concept description. Ensure clarity, logical flow, and professionalism throughout the document.
Evaluation Criteria
Your work will be assessed on the originality, clarity, and comprehensive nature of the ideation process. The evaluation will focus on how effectively the report captures a range of ideas, the soundness of the selection process, and the feasibility of your chosen solution. Creativity, thorough documentation, and the ability to link user insights with conceptual innovation will be key markers for success.
Objective
The goal of this task is to develop a first-level prototype and outline a detailed testing strategy. You are expected to take your final concept from the ideation phase and create a tangible representation or a simulation of your idea. This task bridges the gap between conceptual design and implementation by drafting a plan that includes user testing protocols and feedback mechanisms.
Expected Deliverables
You are required to submit a comprehensive DOC file that encapsulates the prototype design and associated testing strategy. The document must cover prototype sketches, mock-ups, a description of the testing methods, and anticipated outcomes of the tests.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Prototype Creation: Create low-fidelity sketches or mock-ups of your design concept, explaining each key component. These can be hand-drawn, digital illustrations, or a combination thereof.
- Testing Strategy: Design a detailed testing plan. Outline how you would test the prototype with target users, including testing methods (such as A/B testing, usability testing, etc.), key performance indicators, and procedures for collecting feedback.
- Documentation: Construct your DOC file with distinct sections including an introduction, prototype description, mechanism of testing, expected outcomes, and a section detailing the iterative process for refining the prototype based on feedback.
- Timeline and Resources: Include a timeline and list any publicly available tools or resources that can be used to further validate your prototype.
Evaluation Criteria
Your submission will be reviewed for the clarity and feasibility of the prototype design, the thoroughness and innovativeness of your testing strategy, and the overall organization of your submission. The plan should demonstrate an understanding of the iterative process of design thinking, including clear steps for refinement based on user feedback. Insightful and well-supported testing procedures are essential for a successful evaluation.
Objective
The final task requires you to focus on planning the implementation and evaluating the potential impact of your proposed solution. This task emphasizes translating the design concept into actionable steps that can be executed in a real-world scenario while ensuring ongoing evaluation to measure success. You will develop an implementation roadmap along with strategies for monitoring and measuring key outcomes.
Expected Deliverables
Produce a DOC file that fully outlines an implementation plan and an impact evaluation framework. The document must consist of clear sections such as an implementation timeline, resource allocation, risk management, and a detailed evaluation plan, including metrics and feedback loops.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Roadmap Development: Draft a step-by-step implementation plan outlining all necessary actions to bring your solution to market or to fruition. Define clear milestones, deliverables, and a timeline that maps out 30 to 35 hours of work.
- Risk Management and Resources: Identify potential risks and propose mitigation strategies. List any required public resources or tools that may support implementation.
- Impact Evaluation: Develop a detailed evaluation framework to measure the performance and impact of your solution. This must include clear methods for gathering data, analyzing outcomes, and adapting to feedback.
- Documentation: Organize your DOC file with clearly labeled sections such as roadmap, risk analysis, resource planning, and evaluation metrics. Use tables or charts where necessary to support your plan.
Evaluation Criteria
Your work will be assessed on how effectively your roadmap translates the design concept into practical action steps, the thoroughness of the risk and resource analysis, and the innovativeness of the evaluation framework. Attention to detail, clarity in planning, and an iterative approach to impact evaluation will be pivotal in your success. Ensure that your document is comprehensive, logically structured, and professionally presented, reflecting a true application of design thinking in a practical setting.