Design Thinking and Creativity

Albert Einstein once wrote: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Similar ideas serve as the foundation for the field known as Design Thinking. Design Thinking embraces new approaches to problem-solving like Convergent and Divergent Thinking, thinking outside the box, and other innovative approaches to problem-solving. Students in this class will learn the basic principles of design thinking and problem-solving. They will then use these tools and techniques to address problems in their communities or to create new products to allow them to lead more productive lives.

To successfully complete this course, students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection and a working webcam and microphone. This course may also require purchase of texts or other course materials.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.

During the course orientation period, CLI asks students to complete a survey on their availability for live class meetings. Teachers set individual class meeting times based on student responses.