Trinity Electives

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TCD
Dublin 2
Ireland

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Design Thinking - TEU00031 - Semester 1

Why Choose this Trinity Elective? 

Solve complex problems like a designer! In a world where challenges are ever-changing, the ability to think critically, collaborate, and innovate is a game-changer. Design Thinking is a dynamic, hands-on methodology that enhances your creativity, cultivates your problem-solving skills, and helps you develop solutions that are not only innovative but also impactful and sustainable. 

By taking this module, you will gain highly valued employability skills, including critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to approach challenges from fresh perspectives. Whether you are interested in business, technology, science, social change or the creative industries, Design Thinking can set you apart in any career path. 

What Will You Learn?

  • Develop key skills in empathy, problem definition, ideation and prototype development.
  • Understand how creative ideas evolve in multidisciplinary environments
  • Gain hands-on experience in tackling real-world problems using the highly impactful Design Thinking iterative approach
  • Learn to articulate and present your innovative solutions concisely, persuasively and in a compelling manner to diverse stakeholders
  • Build transferable skills in the arts of collaboration, critical thinking, creative problem-solving and storytelling

What Will You Do?

This module is interactive, practical and collaborative.

You will:

  1. Master Design Thinking techniques to create impactful solutions
  2. Work in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges
  3. Apply your learning to different fields, outside your own discipline
  4. Evaluate the impact of Design Thinking on problem-solving and innovation
  5. Deliver compelling presentations of your ideas and solutions

How Will It Be Delivered?

Module content will be delivered through a blend of in-person, online and independent learning methods.

  • 22 contact hours (In-person and on-line including group project presentations)
  • 25 hours of individual and group assessment preparation
  • 45 hours of self-directed Independent Learning , Reading and Reflection
  • 8 hours of formative assessment (Online Discussion Boards/Personal Reflective Posts)

*In-person group presentations will take place over the last two days of the module and  each group will be assigned a maximum of 10 minutes for the presentation and Q&A. This assessment component will be in-person, and all students must attend and present.

How Will You Be Assessed?

This module includes three assessment components, of which two are individual and one is a group project, all of which must be passed to pass the overall module.

  • 40% Group Project Presentation – Teams must collaborate to design and present an innovative solution based on the Design Thinking methodology for a sustainability-focused challenge.
  • 40% Individual Reflection (750 words) – Apply structured reflection models to highlight key insights and learnings to your future professional development using SMART goals learned.
  • 20% Individual Essay (500 words) – Analyse the role of innovation and its impact on an assigned Sustainable Development Goal for positive change.

Who Can Take This Module?

Open to all students eligible for a Trinity Elective.

By taking this elective, you will gain a future-proof skillset that encompasses creativity, empathy and problem-solving, making you a valued asset in any professional field. Prepare yourself for a career where innovation, agility and creative problem-solving will be key differentiators in setting you apart.

This module can be followed by the Trinity Elective Entrepreneurial Action in Semester 2, building further on entrepreneurial skills.

Module Descriptor

 

* Please note that assessment methods, assessment weightings and amount of contact hours are subject to change by the module coordinator. You can confirm all assessment details and expected contact hours with the module coordinator upon starting the elective.

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