scholarly journals Using design thinking to engage autistic students in participatory design of an online toolkit to help with transition into higher education

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Fabri ◽  
Penny C.S. Andrews ◽  
Heta K. Pukki
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Strength Based ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Suitable Framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on engaging young autistic people in the participatory design of the Autism & Uni online toolkit. The purpose of the toolkit is to provide autistic students with information and strategies for dealing with the challenges they may encounter when entering higher education. The study adds to existing research on participatory design by considering the specific needs and contributions of autistic people who are of average or higher intelligence, academically competent and generally articulate, a group that has received limited attention hitherto. Design/methodology/approach – The research used a five-step design thinking approach and engaged multiple stakeholders at different points. The paper covers the whole process, paying particular attention to the final two steps of prototyping and testing. During three participatory design workshops, autistic people acted as co-designers and co-creators. Findings – The workshops were effective in engaging participants in various design activities and rich discussions. Several assumptions about capabilities and preferences of autistic people were challenged. Design thinking proved a suitable framework for involving this group in the creation of solutions that serve their needs. Research limitations/implications – Because of the low number of workshop participants (11), research results may lack generalisability. Also, the workshop format with its focus on group activities may discourage some autistic people to take part. Further work is needed to explore this and to confirm the reported findings. Practical implications – The paper offers practical advice regarding how to involve autistic people in co-design activities. Social implications – The research contributes to a strength-based view of autism, rather than one that focuses on deficits. Originality/value – The paper provides new perspectives on the strengths of autistic people in participatory design settings, with a focus on those autistic people who are of average or higher intelligence and able to communicate effectively.

scholarly journals “The ability to get a job”: student understandings and definitions of employability

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 406-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Gedye ◽  
Emily Beaumont
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sport Science ◽  
Sports Science ◽  
Discipline Area ◽  
Specific Discipline

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore employability in the context of higher education (HE) from the students’ perspective. Limited attention has been paid to student understandings of their own employability in a Sport Science context and Tymon (2011) refers to them as “the missing perspective”. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the findings of a study of Marine Sports Science students (n=63) at a post-1992 HE institution which through the qualitative element of a mixed methods survey explored their changing articulations of their employability as they progressed through their studies. The students surveyed were in receipt of a comprehensive programme of enterprise and employability activities embedded within their programme. Findings Qualitative results showed that Marine Sport Science students’ articulations of employability expanded in vocabulary as the students progressed through their studies. Definitions also shifted from those that centred on what employers want (extrinsic) to what the student had to offer the employer (intrinsic). Originality/value There are very few examples of studies that explore employability from the students’ perspective and this paper adds understanding on this “missing perspective”. It also addresses a specific discipline area; Marine Sport Science, which has yet to feature in any literature on employability.

scholarly journals Laboratorium GeoDesignu – koncepcja przestrzeni do pracy kreatywnej na Kampusie 600-lecia Odnowienia Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego

2020 ◽  
pp. 67-84
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Luc ◽  
Małgorzata Pietrzak ◽  
Katarzyna Rotter-Jarzębińska
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Creative Work ◽  
Similar Function ◽  
Spatial Management ◽  
Interdisciplinary Character ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Planning Space

GeoDesign Laboratory – a concept of a space for creative work on the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival GeoDesign is a set of techniques and technologies allowing to combine geographic analysis with the design process. It has an interdisciplinary character and is used to create projects of both natural and socio-cultural nature, on the basis of which it is possible to make the most rational decisions. As part of creating a sustainable Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival, and at the same time in response to the prevailing trends in planning space for education and communicating the values of higher education, a concept of creating a geodesign laboratory will be presented. It is designed for the community of the Institute of Geography and Spatial Management of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, and, more broadly, for the Faculty of Geography and Geology of our University. Scientific research confirms the effectiveness of space organized so as to stimulate creativity, encourage teamwork, and give an opportunity to apply methods in the field of geodesign, design thinking and learning by doing. Creating space for design activities is a noticeable trend at modern universities. The publication presents several examples of spaces with a similar function from Poland and abroad. The last part of the article presents a proposal of the appearance and functioning of the designed space for creative work. Zarys treści: GeoDesign to zestaw technik i technologii, które pozwalają na połączenie analiz geograficznych z procesem projektowania. Ma on charakter interdyscyplinarny i służy do tworzenia projektów zarówno o charakterze przyrodniczym, jak i społeczno-kulturowym, na bazie których możliwe jest podejmowanie jak najbardziej racjonalnych decyzji. W ramach tworzenia zrównoważonego kampusu, a jednocześnie w odpowiedzi na panujące trendy w planowaniu przestrzeni do edukacji i komunikowania wartości szkolnictwa wyższego, zostanie zaprezentowana koncepcja utworzenia laboratorium geodesignu. Jest ono projektowane na potrzeby społeczności Instytutu Geografii i Gospodarki Przestrzennej Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego i szerzej – Wydziału Geografii i Geologii naszej Uczelni. Badania naukowe potwierdzają efektywność przestrzeni zorganizowanej tak, aby pobudzała kreatywność, zachęcała do pracy zespołowej, dawała możliwość zastosowania metod z zakresu geodesign, design thinking i learning by doing. Tworzenie przestrzeni do działań projektowych jest zauważalnym trendem na współczesnych uniwersytetach. W publikacji zaprezentowano kilka przykładów przestrzeni o podobnej funkcji z Polski i z zagranicy. W ostatniej części artykułu przedstawiono propozycję wyglądu i sposobu funkcjonowania projektowanej przestrzeni do pracy kreatywnej.

scholarly journals A design-thinking perspective on capability development

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1041-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Beltagui
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Capability Development ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Business ◽  
New Business ◽  
Design Activities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction between new product development (NPD) capabilities and business model innovation (BMI) by studying the adaptation of capabilities in a manufacturing firm as it adopts a service business model. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth case study is used to identify design capabilities and document how these have been developed as the firm has adapted its NPD processes to the needs of its service business model. Findings Design capabilities are proposed as a facilitator of servitization, allowing a manufacturing firm to develop service offerings that build on resources such as knowledge and experience. Conversely, the scope of servitization is restricted by the extent to which these design capabilities can be updated to suit the demands of a new business model. Practical implications Servitization is presented as an imperative for manufacturing firms, yet research has not addressed the implications for NPD nor investigated how BMI affects NPD capabilities. This study shows the need to identify whether current NPD processes help or hinder BMI and proposes how managers can adapt NPD processes to a new business model. Originality/value A three-stage process is identified for adapting NPD processes – as BMI changes the nature of products and services required, existing processes are supplemented by design activities requiring expert knowledge, these are subsequently refined into design methods that can be incorporated into the NPD process, and eventually design tools allow automation and efficiency.

scholarly journals Applying empathy-driven participatory research methods to higher education new degree development

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Bosman ◽  
Abrar Hammoud ◽  
Sandhya Arumugam
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
New Product ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Product Development Processes

Purpose Innovation and entrepreneurship are economic drivers promoting competition and growth among organizations throughout the world, many of which would not exist without well-established new product development processes coupled with intentional and strategic focus on research and development. New product development processes, such as the lean start-up methodology and design thinking, are well-known and thriving as a result of empirically grounded research efforts. Unfortunately, educational institutions and educational researchers, alike, are lagging when it comes to new program/degree development processes. Although the quantity of new degree offerings has increased substantially over the past several decades (in particular for multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary programs), limited research has been conducted to document key procedures associated with the creation of new degree programs. The purpose of this study is to show one approach to how students can be involved within the new program development process. Design/methodology/approach This approach uses participatory research, wherein students act as researchers and actively participate in the data collection and analysis process. Under the umbrella of participatory research, the study uses photovoice, photoelicitation and focus groups for collecting qualitative data. Findings Results suggest that students in one transdisciplinary studies in technology program value the following key attributes: learning style (agency and choice, active hands-on learning and real-world applications) and learning context (technology and design-focused assignments, integration of humanities and self-selected disciplines of interest). Originality/value Recommendations are provided for various higher education benefactors of the user-generated data, including administration, faculty, marketing, recruitment, advisors and the students themselves.

How can participatory design inform the design and development of innovative technologies for autistic communities?

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Brosnan ◽  
Sarah Parsons ◽  
Judith Good ◽  
Nicola Yuill
Keyword(s):  
Social Communication ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Educational Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
Autistic People

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon on the opportunities and challenges of engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders during the design, development and evaluation of innovative technologies for people with autism. Autism is defined in part by difficulties in social communication and interaction, and is therefore particularly pertinent when considering the opportunities and challenges of participatory design (PD). Design/methodology/approach – A series of presentations from key researchers and practitioners are reviewed, highlighting contemporary issues about how technologies have been designed to improve educational support using a range of methods and processes for stakeholder involvement. Findings – Involvement per se does not constitute engagement as a design partner. The interdisciplinary nature of PD, combined with the viewpoints of communities beyond academia, need to be integrated in a manner that allows for different perspectives and voices, and for the “trace” of the contribution to be evidenced. The level of evidence required for demonstrating effective support needs to be considered in terms of both the outcomes of projects and the processes for involving stakeholders in PD. Originality/value – This paper offers an up-to-date insight from lead researchers into key debates about the benefits and challenges of PD with autistic people and the broader autism community. Its value lies in raising questions about, and discussing evidence that challenges, some of the assumptions that underpin both PD processes and the needs of the autistic community.

The potential of Lesson Study project as a tool for dealing with dilemmas in university teaching

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelina Calvo ◽  
Gloria María Braga Blanco ◽  
Aquilina Fueyo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Faculties Of Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of Lesson Study (LS) as a tool for dealing with dilemmas in university teaching. Design/methodology/approach This paper is the result of a LS project which was developed over two academic years (2015-2016 and 2016-2017) in the Faculties of Education and Teacher Training at the Universities of Cantabria and Oviedo (Spain). The research asked the question “How can better learning be achieved?” The starting point for the research methodology was the identification and analysis of teaching dilemmas. The whole process was based on the triangulation of perspectives through the collection of data using techniques such as peer observation, focus groups, interviews, and the writing of the Teacher’s final report. The methodology the authors used was inspired by the Student Voice “movement.” Findings The findings show that the potential of LS methodology for professional development in higher education is very promising, enabling teachers to deal with the questions raised by practice collaboratively, broaden their professional knowledge, introduce improvements, and establish new ways of understanding the teaching profession based on a collegial approach. Originality/value LS methodology is beginning to be known in Spain. Developments have only taken place very recently and there are still few experiences within the university context. It is not common practice for teaching in higher education to become a public space for reflection and research breaking from the traditional isolation between teachers and incorporating the voices of students.

scholarly journals DESIGN-BASED APPROACHES TO ENGAGE YOUTH IN THE TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABILITYAbordagens de Design para Engajar os Jovens na Transição para a Sustentabilidade

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-147
Author(s):  
Najla Mouchrek
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Environmental Behavior ◽  
Participatory Approaches ◽  
Context Analysis ◽  
Ethnographic Observation ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Positive Intervention ◽  
Method Approach

This research aims to study how the integration of design thinking and participatory design applied to education experiences can promote engagement in sustainability and pro-environmental behavior among young students. The potential of Design to support the culture of sustainability among youth, bridging the value-action gap in pro-environmental behavior and developing sustainable competencies is investigated. The research uses a multi-method approach. This paper summarizes the findings of the exploratory phase consisting in literature review, context analysis, ethnographic observation and pilot application of Participatory Design activities in undergraduate courses. Preliminary findings show that design-based participatory approaches integrated in educational settings offer excellent opportunities to positive intervention to both engage youth in sustainability and support their development.

The connective role of improvisation in dealing with uncertainty during invention and design processes

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu MIETTINEN ◽  
Melanie SARANTOU
Keyword(s):  
Performing Arts ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Design Processes ◽  
Art And Design ◽  
Design Activities

This paper explores the role of improvisation in design thinking for product design processes and design research methods. Improvisation is often at the core of practice-based and participatory design, permitting flexibility. The role of improvisation in the performing arts has received considerable academic attention, however its role in design processes has been neglected, because improvisation is often viewed as the second-best solution to design problems. This paper presents a framework for improvisation by surveying existing scholarship. Additionally, field study data collected between 2011 and 2016, primarily in Namibia and Australia, will be used to illustrate how improvisation is applied by practitioners during their art and design activities. The connective function of improvisation allows designers to negotiate, take risks, unmake and remake formations. This function enables the fluidity of design, to move from one moment in a process to the next, allowing designers to negotiate ways of work during uncertainty.

scholarly journals Management design as a strategic lever to add value to corporate reputation competitiveness in higher education institutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soraia Maduro ◽  
Paula O. Fernandes ◽  
Albano Alves
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Corporate Reputation ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Public Higher Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Character

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to aid the convergence of design and management as a strategic lever and innovative tool to improve corporate reputation in higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly in the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal (IPB). Design/methodology/approach SWOT analysis is used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the context of an organization’s internal competencies (identity) and opportunities and threats in an analysis of the organization’s external competitive context (image). Quantitative analysis was used based on questionnaires conducted with IPB community to analyse if differences exist between identity (staff) and image (students) and where there are design structures (website, visual identity, advertising and environment. Corporate character scale developed by Davies et al. (2003, 2004) was used. Findings With the SWOT analysis, it is possible to outline IPB performance strategies that meet a positive reputation. A positive corporate reputation was found in IPB with the study of corporate character scale. It has been realized where there are differences from the point of view of identity and image, and thus, it is possible to indicate ideas of improvement to increase the competitiveness of HEIs. Research limitations/implications The study is restricted to five schools of IPB. It would also be pertinent to broaden the scope of the stakeholders, encompassing the external community of the IPB that is extending the study to the external public, such as parents, companies, suppliers and secondary students. Practical implications HEI competitiveness implies student recruitment and public policies. A positive reputation implies a positive brand image. Design competencies of the public higher education sector can go much further acting at the strategic level, establishing its directives of action in the markets where it operates to reflect its corporate reputation in a positive way in the mind of the consumer. Intangible assets such as identity, image and corporate reputation, appear as very valuable elements, presenting an increasing importance in the management of universities that entered a market context where sustainability requires the adoption of more entrepreneurial management guidelines. Originality value The paper is useful for the professionals and academics in perceiving the importance of use management and strategical tools to identify HEI communication and reputation difficulties for a thorough design thinking that delineates solutions that leverage the competitiveness of service organizations such as HEIs.

A disruptive model for delivering higher education programs within the context of entrepreneurship education

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerrit Anton de Waal ◽  
Alex Maritz
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Deep Level ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Principles Of Design

PurposeThe purpose of this practitioner paper is to explore whether the principles of Design Thinking and the Lean Startup could be employed in developing a disruptive model for delivering educational programs within higher education in a way that attempts to eliminate the multitude of problems facing this industry, while simultaneously adhering to the principles of frugal innovation and meeting relevant sustainability goals.Design/methodology/approachThe authors followed a design thinking approach, employing tools such as empathy mapping, customer journey, value proposition and semi-structured interviews to obtain a deep level of understanding of the problems educators and students within the context of entrepreneurship education are facing. Throughout the process they drew on the practice of emergent inquiry and customer co-creation to help guide decision making.FindingsThe authors successfully derived a conceptual solution in the form of a Minimum Viable Product of which the features were tested against the multitude of user needs and requirements. It was possible to demonstrate how the solution meets all nine of the requirements for frugal innovations while simultaneously adhering to applicable sustainability principles.Practical implicationsThe proposed solution offers a potential opportunity to first-movers in chosen academic disciplines to become leaders in online education.Originality/valueEven in an industry such as higher education there is a dire need for frugality and finding sustainable solutions for educators and students in both developed and developing markets. With this paper the authors succeed in presenting innovative combinations of digital artefacts, platforms and infrastructure to arrive at a novel crowd-sourced solution that is unique in its design.

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