Abstract:

This paper presents a case study from a Higher Education New Program Innovation Institute using design thinking at a small, private university in the Mid-Atlantic region, seeking to create a successful path forward in the next steps in higher education post pandemic. Initiated through the efforts of the University Provost this two-day session utilized design thinking (DT) methods in program and market ideation. As designed, this four-part customized process, draws on best practices of design thinking (Cross, 2011, Luma Institute 2015; IDEO 2019; Owen, 2008) to create ideas and an action plan for each of this university’s three colleges as they move into a year of developing their offerings to reflect current student needs both in terms of learning and careers. Using case study research techniques, the paper documents a change-oriented effort to inculcate in higher education a novel process of “Insightful Design Thinking” (IDT) (Nicholas 2020). Using the strength of IDT to gather options, assess, and understand the value of those options, this four part process included:
1) Gather: discuss and gather data while aligning leadership goals,
2) Analyze: examine the low hanging fruit, themes that have surfaced, and data while focusing on student needs,
3) synthesize: ideate many new ideas from the analysis and critical process while seeking to leverage existing successes,
4) Conceptualize: surfacing novel ideas and developing ways to communicate these to teams.
Using both convergent and divergent thought to think pragmatically, creatively, and critically about the future of offerings for students (UK Design Council, 2020). The academic group invited to collaborate here included people from many levels of the university: provost, deans, associate deans, school curriculum chairs, board members, and faculty. This case study presentation in academic innovation and ideation utilizing design thinking, will share lessons of value in today’s higher education environment where innovation is becoming an important survival strategy.

Keywords:

Higher Education Innovation, Design Thinking, Divergent Thinking, Convergent Thinking, Case Study Research.