B.E. (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) Design Thinking Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026

Module 0: Prerequisite

• No perquisites

Module I: Introduction to Design Thinking 05 hours

• Introduction to Design Thinking: Definition, Comparison of Design Thinking and traditional problem-solving approach, Need for Design Thinking approach, Key tenets of Design Thinking, 5 stages of Design Thinking (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) Self-learning Topics: Design thinking case studies from various domains https://www.design-thinking-association.org/explore-design-thinking-topics/external-links/design-thinking-case-study-index

Module II: Empathy 05 hours

• Empathy: Foundation of empathy, Purpose of empathy, Observation for empathy, User observation technique, Creation of empathy map Self-learning Topics: Creation of empathy maps https://www.interactiondesign.org/literature/topics/empathy-mapping

Module III: Define 05 hours

• Define: Significance of defining a problem, Rules of prioritizing problem solving, Conditions for robust problem framing, Problem statement and POV Self-learning Topics: Creating a Persona – A step-by-step guide with tips and examples https://uxpressia.com/blog/how-to-create-persona-guide-examples

Module IV: Ideate 05 hours

• Ideate: What is ideation? Need for ideation, Ideation techniques, Guidelines for ideation: Multi-disciplinary approach, Imitating with grace, Breaking patterns, Challenging assumptions, Looking across value chain, Looking beyond recommendation, Techniques for ideation: Brainstorming, Mind mapping Self-learning Topics: How To Run an Effective Ideation Workshop: A Step-By-Step Guide https://uxplanet.org/how-to-run-an-effective-ideation-workshop-a-step-by-step-guide-d520e41b 1b96

Module V: Prototype 03 hours

• Prototype: Low and high-fidelity prototypes, Paper prototype, Story board prototype, Scenario prototype

Module VI: Test 03 hours

• Test: 5 guidelines of conducting test, The end goals of test: Desirability, Feasibility and Viability, Usability testing

Module 01 2 hours

• Customer Journey Mapping: Visualize the steps users take to interact with a product or service. Map out the customer journey from discovering a product to making a purchase and using the product. Identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.

Module 02 2 hours

• Stakeholder mapping: Identify all relevant stakeholders in a project. Create a stakeholder map, categorizing stakeholders based on their influence and interest. Include management of relationships with key stakeholders.

Module 03 2 hours

• "How Might We" Problem Framing: Transform user insights into actionable problem statements. After empathizing with users, turn challenges into "How Might We" statements that define the problem without prescribing a solution.

Module 04 2 hours

• Brainstorming Session: Generate a pool of ideas in a creative, non-judgmental environment. Using ideation techniques like mind mapping and brainwriting, students brainstorm as many solutions as possible to their "How Might We" problem statements.

Module 05 2 hours

• Affinity Diagramming: Organize group ideas to find patterns and insights. After brainstorming, students will categorize their ideas into themes by placing sticky notes on a wall and moving them into groups based on similarities.

Module 06 2 hours

• Rapid Prototyping: Create quick, low-fidelity versions of solutions. Use materials like paper, cardboard, and markers to build a prototype of their solution within 30 minutes. The focus is on speed and functionality, not aesthetics.

Module 07 2 hours

• Wireframing: Create a visual guide for digital interfaces for mobile app / web app for the problems identified in earlier lab sessions. Students will sketch wireframes of the user interface for their product or service. Use tools like Balsamiq or paper and pen for low-fidelity wireframes.

Module 08 2 hours

• Role-Playing: Walk through a prototype from the user’s perspective. Students act as both users and designers, role-playing scenarios where they interact with their prototype (Developed in earlier lab sessions). Gather feedback from participants on how to improve the experience.

Module 09 2 hours

• Usability Testing: Evaluation of the effectiveness and user-friendliness of a prototype (developed in earlier lab sessions). Students will have peers or target users test their prototypes, observe how they interact with it, and collect feedback on any issues or improvements needed.

Module 10 2 hours

• Feedback Loop and Iteration: Refine solutions based on user feedback. After usability testing, students will refine their prototypes. Document changes made based on feedback and discuss how continuous iteration improves the design.

List of Assignments (Any two)

Module 01 3 hours

• Create an empathy map for a target user group. Break them into four sections: Says, Thinks, Feels, and Does . Interview users or research their experiences to fill in the map.

Module 02 3 hours

• Based on research, students will create user personas including demographic details, motivations, pain points, and goals. Each group will present their persona to the class.

Module 03 3 hours

• Consider 3 examples of real-life products which have good design and bad design. Write down reasons why do you think they are good or bad designs. May take user survey to support your work.

Module 04: Study any open-source design thinking tool and write a brief report about it. 3 hours

Textbooks

• 1 Design Your Thinking: The Mindsets, Toolsets, and Skill Sets for Creative Problem-solving, Pavan Soni, Penguin Random House India Private Limited
• 2 Design Thinking: Methodology Book, Emrah Yayichi, 2016
• 3 Handbook of Design Thinking: Christian Mueller-Roterberg, 2018

Reference books

• 1 Design Thinking for Strategic Innovation: What They Can't Teach You at Business or Design School, Idris Mootee, Wiley, 2013
• 2 Change by Design, Tim Brown, Harper Business, 2009

Online Resources

• 1 Design Thinking and Innovation by Ravi Poovaiah https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/aic23_ge17/preview
• 2 Introduction to Design Thinking by Dr. Rajeshwari Patil, Dr. Manisha Shukla, Dr. Deepali Raheja, Dr. Mansi Kapoor https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/imb24_mg37/preview
• 3 Usability Testing https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/usability-testing