Trinity Elective: Design Thinking for Complex Challenges
Why choose this elective?
Have you ever tried to solve a problem, only to realise later that you did not fully understand the people affected by it? This elective introduces you to Design Thinking, a powerful, practical methodology for tackling complex societal challenges in a creative and structured way.
Design Thinking helps you move beyond assumptions. It encourages you to see problems from the perspective of those experiencing them and to develop solutions that are innovative, desirable and meaningful. You will work through an iterative process that focuses on understanding users, reframing problems, challenging assumptions and uncovering opportunities that are not immediately obvious.
By thinking like a designer, you can transform how you approach challenges in your studies, future career and wider society.
What will you learn?
You will develop practical skills that can be applied across disciplines and professions. These include:
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Empathy and user understanding
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Clear problem definition
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Creative idea generation
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Prototype development
You will also explore how creative ideas evolve within a multidisciplinary environment and reflect on your own learning preferences and team behaviours.
What will you do?
This module focuses on building your creative, design and critical thinking skills through a mix of classroom and online activities.
During the elective, you will:
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Build strong skills in empathy, problem definition, idea generation and prototype development
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Explore how Design Thinking can be applied across a wide range of contexts, including your own discipline
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Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
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Evaluate the value of Design Thinking when addressing complex problems
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Communicate the value of proposed solutions clearly and concisely
How is it delivered?
The elective combines independent learning, live sessions and hands-on workshops:
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4 × 2-hour independent learning sessions
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2 × 2-hour live online sessions
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5 × 2-hour in-person workshops
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40 hours of project work
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65 hours of independent study, including online engagement and applied learning
How will you be assessed?
40% – Group Design Thinking Project Presentation
Work in a team to outline perspectives, ideas and actionable recommendations for a challenge that requires creativity and innovation to create new value, with a focus on sustainability. You will present your work in a short oral presentation followed by a Q and A session.
40% – Individual Personal Reflection (1,000 words)
Apply recognised models of reflection to summarise your key learning throughout the module and use SMART goals to plan your next steps.
20% – Individual Essay (500 words)
Examine how product or service creation and innovation contribute to sustainability and progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12).
Who can take this elective?
Any student eligible to take a Trinity Elective may select this module, with the exception of students enrolled in the Undergraduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
If you want to strengthen your creative confidence, work across disciplines and learn a practical approach to solving real-world challenges, this elective offers a valuable and engaging experience.