| Course ID: | IDEA 4000/6000. 3 hours. |
| Course Title: | Innovation Catalyst and Design |
Course
Description: | This course exposes students of any background, interest, and passion to the practice of innovation. Drawing from interdisciplinary methods and tools from fields like design, engineering, the arts, social sciences, and business, this course is designed to immerse students into the concepts of cross-disciplinary, team-based project work as well as enhance core skills required to implement innovation and problem-solving. Specific topics will include theoretical frameworks for innovation and problem-solving, process models for understanding and addressing business or organizational challenges, and strategies/tactics for implementing innovative solutions. The course places a heavy emphasis on consultative approaches and experiential learning through site visits, case studies, or invited speakers. |
| Oasis Title: | Innovation Catalyst and Design |
Semester Course
Offered: | Offered fall semester every year. |
| Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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| Course Objectives: | As a result of taking this class, students will:
• Identify frameworks and process models for innovation and problem-solving;
• Apply formal innovation methods for solving problems in cross-disciplinary settings to address challenges in business or organizational settings;
• Enhance value proposition design skills;
• Expand competencies in project management, market research, business analysis, and product development strategy. |
| Topical Outline: | Week 1: Course Introduction and Design Sprint
- Team-Building Activity
- Training Session: Working in Cross-Disciplinary Teams
- Value Proposition Design, 1.1 – Customer Profile
- Value Proposition Design Skills Pre-Assessment
Week 2: The Geography of Design Thinking and Innovation
- Value Proposition Design, 1.2 – Value Map
- Value Proposition Design, 1.3 – Fit
- Change by Design, Chapters 1-2
- Introducing the Case Study Concept
Week 3: Frameworks for Innovation (Part 1)
- Guest Speaker (TBA)
- Value Proposition Design, 2.1-2.4 (Prototyping Possibilities, Starting Points, Understanding Customers, Making Choices)
- Change by Design, Chapters 3-4
Week 4: Frameworks for Innovation (Part 2)
- INNOVATION CASE STUDY
- Value Proposition Design, 2.5-2.6 (Finding the Right Business Model, Designing in Established Organizations)
- Change by Design, Chapters 5-6
Week 5: Innovation Field Study
- Experiential Visit (ex. Chick-Fil-A Innovation Center)
- Instructor Provides an Overview of Final Project Assignment
Week 6: Innovation Field Study
- Experiential Visit (ex. UGA Innovation Gateway)
Week 7: The Innovation Process (Part 1):
- DESIGN CHALLENGE #1
- Students Review and Discuss Case Study #1
- Students Receive Final Project Assignments
- Value Proposition Design, 3.1-3.4 (What to Test, Testing Step-by-Step, Experiment Library, Bringing It All Together)
Week 8: The Innovation Process (Part 2):
- Guest Speaker (TBA)
- Value Proposition Design, 4 (Create Alignment, Measure and Monitor, Improve Relentlessly, Reinvent Yourself Constantly, Taobao: Reinventing eCommerce)
Week 9: Operationalizing Innovation – Taking it to Scale
- DESIGN CHALLENGE #2
- Guest Speaker (TBA)
- Change by Design, Chapters 7-9
Week 10: Catalyst Implementation Challenge - Canvas
- Project Management Competency Emphasis
Week 11: Catalyst Implementation Challenge – Design/Test
- Market Research Competency Emphasis
Week 12: Catalyst Implementation Challenge - Evolve
- Business Analytics Competency Emphasis
Week 13: Catalyst Implementation Challenges – Wrap Up
- Mini-Pitches and Peer Evaluations
Week 14: Catalyst Challenge Presentations
- CATALYST CHALLENGE PROJECT
Week 15: Project AAR and Evolution
- INNOVATION FIELD STUDY REFLECTION
- INNOVATOR INTERVIEW PRESENTATION
- Change by Design, Chapters 10-11
- Value Proposition Design Skills Post-Assessment |