Methodological tools from the perspective of the Design Thinking process - Two researchers from our institute made their way to the Hasso Plattner Institute for this purpose

11-12 November 2021 | Potsdam

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Kerstin Kurzhals (Professorship in Science-to-Society - Engagement, Innovation & CoCreation) and PhD Candidate Annika Wesbuer M.Sc. joined at the 11^th and 12^th of November the Design Thinking Workshop at the Hasso-Plattner Institute - the HPI Academy, the Centre of Excellence for Innovation & Digital Transformation in Potsdam. The Institute is the world`s leading institute for Design Thinking. Design thinking is a systematic and agile approach to solving complex problems. The focus is placed on the needs and expectations of users in order to create a user-centric innovation. The two researchers from our institute were able to draw on the diverse methods from the development of the publication "CoCreation Toolbox" and how they can further refine them in the sense of Design Thinking.

The workshop extended over three days with different foci. On the first day, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Kerstin Kurzhals and PhD Candidate Annika Wesbuer M.Sc. received an intensive introduction to the process and mindset of Design Thinking through various sessions and exercises. They devoted the main part of the course to a practical project and carried out various phases, such as synthesis, prototyping, testing and iteration themselves, accompanied by a Design Thinking coach. On the last day of the workshop, the methods used in the process were reflected upon. This was done with the help of guiding questions such as: Which method is suitable for which process step?

With prior knowledge from their research with the self-developed and written CoCreation Toolbox the two researchers took the opportunity to consolidate and expand their skills. The workshop helped them to implement their own research in the Design Thinking process. Thus, the participation was a great success and another important step in putting the methodological possibilities to a new touchstone.

With prior knowledge from their research with the self-developed and written CoCreation Toolbox the two researchers took the opportunity to consolidate and expand their skills. The workshop helped them to implement their own research in the Design Thinking process. Thus, the participation was a great success and another important step in putting the methodological possibilities to a new touchstone.