This engaged learning course applies design strategies to real-world problems in a business context; in other words, we take a human-centered approach to innovation. You’ll act as a business design consultant working directly with a social enterprise client on a set of challenges throughout the semester, applying design tools, theories and overall process to a project that results in a portfolio-ready deliverable. Working in multidisciplinary teams with real deadlines and deliverables, you will use a design toolkit and mindset for creative problem solving. This collaboration will allow you to immerse yourself in a professional setting in which you explore business opportunities; develop innovative concepts; and propose and prototype innovative and entrepreneurial solutions. You’ll tackle issues and challenges such as new product, service or business model development; organizational structure and growth; and external threats and opportunities. Past clients include the City of Ithaca Economic Development and Finger Lakes ReUse.

Outcome 1
Students will be able to apply qualitative and ethnographic design research techniques in a client-based project.

Outcome 2
Students will be able to hone visualization and storytelling methods to synthesize and communicate data and concepts.

Outcome 3
Students will be able to use the iterative process for problem solving: generating, testing, and refining ideas, products, business models, etc.

Outcome 4
Students will be able to practice working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

Outcome 5
Students will be able to model innovative concepts at the intersection of design and business.