A Team-based Project Using Design Thinking to Creatively Problem-Solve

Design Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration

A large majority of employers indicate that competencies such as teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communication, and professionalism are essential; however, a significantly lower number of employers consider new graduates proficient in these areas (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2017). In this session, I present a class project that addresses many of these aforementioned competency gaps. Taking on the role of a consulting team, students learn how to use the Design Thinking process to develop an Economic Experience for a struggling company that is facing commoditization pressure in a challenging marketplace.