Algonquin College
DSN2100
Design Thinking
Course Outline
2020-2021
- Pre-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- Program Support Officer
- Approved by
- Casey Allen, Academic Manager (acting), Technology and Trades
- Approval date
- Monday, August 17, 2020
- Normative hours
- 45.00
- Grading system
- A+ Through F
| Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Programs | Multiple Levels | Multiple Core/Elective |
Course Description
Design Thinking uses a designer mindset to produce business innovations in products and services, with a focus on deep understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Following a holistic innovation process for an area of interest or organization, students build an initial business case and apply design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies to make innovation a sustainable practice.
General Education Theme Area(s)
This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Social and Cultural Understanding
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
| EES 7 | Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| EES 8 | Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (T) |
| EES 9 | Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. (T) |
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Course Learning Outcomes / Elements of Performance
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Explore concepts of design thinking and the creative process.
- Analyse the role that design plays in the innovation process
- EES 7 Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources
2. Define and reframe problems.
- Clarify problems or challenges in meeting the needs of clients
- Identify gaps that must be closed in order to achieve desired outcomes
- EES 7 Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources
3. Gather appropriate data related to the problem or challenge.
- Clarify problems by employing established methods of research and analyzing concepts, perspectives and theories
4. Review multiple data sources to interpret and make meaning of research.
- Make sense of research findings by identifying and analyzing themes, patterns and connections
- Explore the role of empathy in the design thinking process
5. Indentify and work through conceptual blocks in idea generation.
- Generate creative and innovative solutions, indivdually and in teams, through the use of a variety of tools and techniques
6. Develop innovative strategies to apply to ideas, products or services.
- Apply design thinking tools and methods to find solutions that resolve problems or challenges
- EES 8 Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others
- EES 9 Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals
7. Select an appropriate solution to a problem and defend it.
- Apply critical reasoning in order to analyze and defend generated design solutions.
- Prepare and defend a design thinking case study
- EES 8 Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others
8. Apply knowledge of self to enhance creativity and problem solving.
- Apply self-reflection and critical thinking skills to understand oneself as a design thinker
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Discussion Forum (5%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 8
Quiz(zes) (15%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 4, EES 7
Assignment(s) (50%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, CLO 7, CLO 8, EES 7
Team Project (30%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, CLO 7, EES 7
Learning Resources
No text required. All resource material is available within the online course in Brightspace.
Learning Activities
- Online discussions
- Design thinking experiments
- Online articles
- Online videos of industry experts
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- Portfolio
- Project/Assignment
Other Information
Grade Scheme
| Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value | Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value |
| A+ | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A | 85% - 89% | 3.8 |
| A- | 80% - 84% | 3.6 | B+ | 77% - 79% | 3.3 |
| B | 73% - 76% | 3.0 | B- | 70% - 72% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67% - 69% | 2.3 | C | 63% - 66% | 2.0 |
| C- | 60% - 62% | 1.7 | D+ | 57% - 59% | 1.4 |
| D | 53% - 56% | 1.2 | D- | 50% - 52% | 1.0 |
| F | 0% - 49% | 0 | FSP | 0 | 0 |
Course Related Information
Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.
Program Information
0430X09FWO - Early Childhood Education
Privacy Statement
I understand that within my course of study, I may have access to personal information, which may include personal health information (PHI) belonging to clients of Algonquin College’s community partner agencies. Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for the safekeeping of any personal information in my custody, and that I am accountable to the College for my actions in respect of this information. I agree that I will treat all personal information to which I have access as confidential, that I will access only that information which is needed for the purposes of my studies, and that I will not disclose this information, electronically, verbally or otherwise, for any other purpose.
I understand that a breach of this agreement may lead to academic discipline up to and including my removal from the program, and may further expose me to liability for breach of statute, including the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
I understand that within my course of study, I may have access to personal information, which may include personal health information (PHI) belonging to clients of Algonquin College’s community partner agencies. Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for the safekeeping of any personal information in my custody, and that I am accountable to the College for my actions in respect of this information. I agree that I will treat all personal information to which I have access as confidential, that I will access only that information which is needed for the purposes of my studies, and that I will not disclose this information, electronically, verbally or otherwise, for any other purpose.
I understand that a breach of this agreement may lead to academic discipline up to and including my removal from the program, and may further expose me to liability for breach of statute, including the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
3010X09FWO - Fitness and Health Promotion
Privacy Statement
I understand that within my course of study, I may have access to personal information, which may include personal health information (PHI) belonging to clients of Algonquin College’s community partner agencies. Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for the safekeeping of any personal information in my custody, and that I am accountable to the College for my actions in respect of this information. I agree that I will treat all personal information to which I have access as confidential, that I will access only that information which is needed for the purposes of my studies, and that I will not disclose this information, electronically, verbally or otherwise, for any other purpose.
I understand that a breach of this agreement may lead to academic discipline up to and including my removal from the program, and may further expose me to liability for breach of statute, including the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
I understand that within my course of study, I may have access to personal information, which may include personal health information (PHI) belonging to clients of Algonquin College’s community partner agencies. Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for the safekeeping of any personal information in my custody, and that I am accountable to the College for my actions in respect of this information. I agree that I will treat all personal information to which I have access as confidential, that I will access only that information which is needed for the purposes of my studies, and that I will not disclose this information, electronically, verbally or otherwise, for any other purpose.
I understand that a breach of this agreement may lead to academic discipline up to and including my removal from the program, and may further expose me to liability for breach of statute, including the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
Department Information
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS COURSE-SPECIFIC:
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Students are responsible for meeting all course deadlines with respect to assignments, projects, and examinations. Assignments are due on the date specified on the course calendar and in the format indicated in assignment descriptions.
All late assignments will be subjected to an immediate 10% penalty. The Student may submit the work within five days of the due date with a 10% penalty per day. After five days the assignment will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be recorded.
In cases of a medical or compassionate issue which prevents the student from submitting an assignment, the facilitator is to be informed at least one day prior to the scheduled date by email and accompanying documentation may be required in order for the assignment to be rescheduled. If the issue prevents contact with the facilitator ahead of time, the student must present documentation as soon as they are able to resume their studies.
All Brightspace quizzes need to be completed in the time frame indicated by the online facilitator and/or in the course. Please note that there are no extensions or rewrites of electronic and/or publisher website quizzes, unless documentation is provided that clearly states that the student was unable to write the quiz in this time frame.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC:
FINAL IN-PERSON EXAMS
Some courses require a final in-person exam, students are responsible for booking their final exams prior to the exam booking deadline. Students are not permitted to write a final exam early unless all assignments have been completed and returned by the facilitator, and with prior permission of the facilitator in consultation with the Academic Manager.
Note: If students are not able to attend the final exam, they must let the Exam Coordinator know prior to the exam by email at OLexams@algonquincollege.com or risk receiving a mark of F (failure) on their exam. Bookings or changes made after the deadline dates cannot be guaranteed.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Students are responsible for meeting all course deadlines with respect to assignments, projects, and examinations. Assignments are due on the date specified on the course calendar and in the format indicated in assignment descriptions.
All late assignments will be subjected to an immediate 10% penalty. The Student may submit the work within five days of the due date with a 10% penalty per day. After five days the assignment will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be recorded.
In cases of a medical or compassionate issue which prevents the student from submitting an assignment, the facilitator is to be informed at least one day prior to the scheduled date by email and accompanying documentation may be required in order for the assignment to be rescheduled. If the issue prevents contact with the facilitator ahead of time, the student must present documentation as soon as they are able to resume their studies.
All Brightspace quizzes need to be completed in the time frame indicated by the online facilitator and/or in the course. Please note that there are no extensions or rewrites of electronic and/or publisher website quizzes, unless documentation is provided that clearly states that the student was unable to write the quiz in this time frame.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC:
FINAL IN-PERSON EXAMS
Some courses require a final in-person exam, students are responsible for booking their final exams prior to the exam booking deadline. Students are not permitted to write a final exam early unless all assignments have been completed and returned by the facilitator, and with prior permission of the facilitator in consultation with the Academic Manager.
Note: If students are not able to attend the final exam, they must let the Exam Coordinator know prior to the exam by email at OLexams@algonquincollege.com or risk receiving a mark of F (failure) on their exam. Bookings or changes made after the deadline dates cannot be guaranteed.
College Related Information
Email
Algonquin College provides all full-time students with an e-mail account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course events. It is your responsibility to ensure that you know how to send and receive e-mail using your Algonquin account and to check it regularly.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning to identify your needs. Ideally, this should be done within the first month of your program, so that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be provided to your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please refer to college policy AA21.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere to these standards as part of the learning process. Academic work submitted by a student is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented by the student is his or her own, unless designated otherwise. The College’s Policies AA18: Academic Dishonesty and Discipline and AA20: Plagiarism seeks to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding the values of academic integrity.
In some courses, online proctoring may be used. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/
Student Course Feedback
It is Algonquin College’s policy to give students the opportunity to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices is disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements – New for 2020-21
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current information at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/
Algonquin College provides all full-time students with an e-mail account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course events. It is your responsibility to ensure that you know how to send and receive e-mail using your Algonquin account and to check it regularly.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning to identify your needs. Ideally, this should be done within the first month of your program, so that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be provided to your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please refer to college policy AA21.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere to these standards as part of the learning process. Academic work submitted by a student is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented by the student is his or her own, unless designated otherwise. The College’s Policies AA18: Academic Dishonesty and Discipline and AA20: Plagiarism seeks to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding the values of academic integrity.
In some courses, online proctoring may be used. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/
Student Course Feedback
It is Algonquin College’s policy to give students the opportunity to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices is disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements – New for 2020-21
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current information at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/