DESIGN THINKING PROJECT ASSIGNMENT

This project assignment guides students step-by-step through the design thinking process - a practical framework for solving real-
world problems by focusing on user needs and creative solution development. You will work in teams to observe, analyze, and empathize
with real users, clearly define customer problems, brainstorm and synthesize ideas, evaluate and select promising concepts, and then build
and test prototypes to deliver value in a showcase setting.
Throughout the project, your team will:
- Explore the real environment and choose approachable, meaningful problems
- Use empathy practices to uncover deep insights and user pain points
- Apply creativity tools for diverse idea generation
- Synthesize and shortlist viable solutions
- Use rational evaluation methods to select the best concepts
- Develop tangible prototypes (from sketches and models to digital demos)
- Prepare and present your solution in a showcase, gathering feedback for improvement
Each stage has specific criteria to ensure your progress stays user-centered, feasible, and impactful. Refer to the instructions provided
as you complete each part of your assignment.
Week Content & Tools Instructions Criteria Submision
I Introduction - DT theoretical concept & process
II Design thinking best practice & Group formation
Town watching activities
III & IV Empathy & define - Design the right thing
1. Problem framing Go out and observe daily life to find problems your - States specific product/service Town watching
-Town watching activities group wants to address. Apply basic observation context template
techniques—focus on behaviors and obvious - Describes issue with
problems. Submit a description using the provided observable details
template. - Problem seen with multiple
users
- Mentions why further empathy
could reveal hidden pain/need
2. Stakeholder Identification Use stakeholder mapping to identify all relevant - Map includes target/ Stakeholder
& Mapping user groups. From there, select a well-defined target connected/ influenced template
- Stakeholder mapping customer (be as specific as possible). Understand stakeholders
the broad picture of other stakeholders who may - Target user group specified
influence or be influenced by your solution. - Relationships between
stakeholders described
3. Empathy - Empathetic observation & research: Gather multi- - Records from multiple Observation
- Observe source data—notes, photos, behaviors. observations/user interviews template
- Engage - Engage by Interview: Confirm assumptions by - Includes user feelings and User value Map
- Immerse asking open questions and listening empathetically; pain-points User persona
dig for hidden insights. - Clear statements of possible emplate
- Immerse by Role-play: Use findings to dramatize insights/unmet needs Customer
pain/gain/insight for deeper understanding. Apply journey
the “5 Whys” method to reveal underlying truths emplate
and non-obvious, deep insights.
- Refer to past student work for inspiration, link.
4. Define problem & - Synthesize all insights found during empathy - User-centered problem User
synthesize Insights work. statement perspective
- Write and refine the problem statement using user - Clearly actionable and template
perspective and reference the 7 user value groups to focused Problem
ensure important values are covered. - Linked to earlier empathy statement
phase findings template
Present report 1 - Empathy & Define: Design the Right Thing
- Content: Document your problem framing, town watching observations, stakeholder mapping, empathy research
(observation/interview), user journey/persona, key insights, and clearly defined user-centered problem statement.
- Requirements: Show thorough field observation, analysis of user pain points, synthesis of insights, and an actionable problem
definition informed by empathy.
- Appendices: Include interview notes, observation photos or sketches, empathy maps, and user journey diagrams if available.
V&VI Ideation & Prototype – Design thing right
5. Ideation Use creativity tools to generate solutions to your - At least 50 ideas brainstormed Ideas sheet
Brainstorming with Prompts refined problem statement. - Ideas reflect prior
Brain-writing (6-3-5) Next, you will synthesize or combine initial ideas insights/pain-points
Synectics into new, more refined concepts. Repeat this step - Some ideas built
SCAMPER several times (iterate) to discover the most suitable upon/combined
idea.
The process involves reviewing the ideas your team
first generated, merging promising elements,
modifying or improving them, and developing fresh
solutions.
6. Ideas selection Summarize and shortlist ideas (suggested: max 5). - Selection tool/method applied Synthesis Idea
Matrix 2x2 This shortlist should represent the most promising, - Criteria for evaluation
practical, or innovative directions—selected from explained
all the concepts previously developed during your - Justification for final picks
ideation sessions.
To make your selection, use clear evaluation
criteria such as feasibility, desirability, and
viability, ensuring each idea fits well with user
needs, project goals, and available resources.
7. Prototype Build a tangible prototype (sketch, model, - Prototype shown (sketch, Prototype/
- Rapid prototype storyboard, role-play, app, etc.) to deliver the right storyboard, model, demo, etc.) Proof of
Paper/sketch value to users for showcase or initial testing. - Focuses on solving prioritized concept
Story boading Choose the right prototype based on what you need pain/need
to test and what resources you have. Start with low- - Can be built/tested by the
fidelity and move to higher-fidelity if needed. Aim group
for clear, tangible, and testable representation of
your solution to get actionable user feedback in the
showcase.
Present report 2 - Ideation & Prototype – Design thing right
- Content: Summarize your creative ideation process (brainstorming, brainwriting, etc.), include at least 30–50 raw ideas, and describe
how you combined ideas into a shortlist (up to 5 concepts). Clearly document your evaluation/selection process and present the rationale
for chosen concepts.
- Requirements: Highlight the creative process, the synthesis of ideas, as well as structured selection using clear criteria (desirability,
feasibility, viability).
- Prototype: Include documentation (sketches, photos, storyboards, models, slides, or demo links) for your primary prototype or proof of
concept, showing how it expresses key value to users.
VII Showcase & Testing
8. Showcase Present your prototype and attract interest from - Prototype shown (sketch, Image of
stakeholders/participants. storyboard, model, demo, etc.) prototype &
Prepare elevator pitch. - Well – prepared and good Elevator pitch
engagement
9. Testing Prepare roles and questions for your showcase test. - Test instructions prepared Testing Form
Collect and record user feedback and new insights. - Feedback/response recorded Feedback
- Follow-up improvement template
points specified
Present report 3 - Showcase & Testing (+ Improvement Plan) -> add in the Final report
- Content: Describe the process and results of showcasing your prototype to users/stakeholders (in class or online). Summarize the user
feedback collected, highlight what worked and what did not, and outline your specific improvement plan.
- Requirements: Show evidence of user engagement, well-documented feedback, and a proactive response plan for how your concept
can be improved or iterated in the next round.
Final Report – Synthesis & Consolidation
- Content: Combine and synthesize your previous reports into a complete story of your project. Highlight the evolution from initial
observations through empathy, ideation, solution selection, prototyping, user testing, and improvement.
- Requirements: The final report must:
- Summarize each stage clearly
- Demonstrate learning and iteration & member contribution
- Present your final solution with rationale and next steps
- Format: Organize in logical sections (with headings, subheadings, and visuals/appendices as needed).