Design Thinking for Engineers

Issued by Penn State College of Engineering

Design thinking, also known as human-centered design, is an innovative approach to problem solving. Design thinking practitioners gain empathy and understanding for their customers and key stakeholders which leads to insights and opportunities for innovation. This becomes the platform for ideation, prototyping, and testing. Earners of this badge are able to apply multiple design thinking methods to problem solving scenarios.

Type Learning
Level Foundational
Time Hours
Cost Free

Skills

Earning Criteria

Prior to the live workshop, earners watch videos related to design thinking and complete a survey demonstrating their knowledge of information presented.
During a 2-hour interactive live workshop run by an engineer with a career in product design relying heavily on design thinking, earners are exposed to multiple methods of design thinking, including double diamond and alternate worlds. Earners have experience doing design thinking collaboratively using the Mural application.
Following the live workshop, earners complete a design thinking challenge using an experience method. They also describe the importance of design thinking and how it will impact mechanical engineers.