Design and Systems Thinking

Course Description

Students apply a human-centered approach to problem-solving to address complex issues across disciplines and real-world problems. Students utilize creative problem-solving strategies using design and systems thinking methods.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Analyze design thinking principles and concepts.
  • Apply systems thinking tools and techniques to your life and profession
  • Apply systems thinking and design thinking tools and techniques to address a case study
  • Pitch a project using design thinking and systems thinking
  • Synthesize and present content demonstrating application of the core course skills and concepts.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Pitch Project Discussion: Post Your Bug List15 points
Mandatory Course Overview Video Quiz30 points
Mandatory Course "Pitch Project" Overview Video Quiz30 points
Transforming Healthcare for Children and Their Families Video Quiz30 points
Opportunity, Design Brief and Research Plans50 points
Module 2 Pitch Project Assignment50 points
Module 3 Pitch Project Assignment50 points
Journey Maps: Your Target Users' Actual and Ideal Journeys25 points
Design Criteria Worksheet25 points
Discussion: Strengthening Design Criteria and Journey Maps15 points
Pitch Project Assignment Module 450 points
LinkedIn Learning Certificate and Handwritten Notes – Systems Thinking50 points
Case Study: Systems Thinking—A Cautionary Tale25 points
Introduction to Systems Thinking Worksheet25 points
Case Study: Leverage Points and Developing a Systems Mindset50 points
Case Study: Integrating Design Thinking and Systems Thinking50 points
Archetype Worksheet25 points
Final Pitch Project Presentation Video100 points
Final Reflection50 points

GRADE SCALE*

Percentage Letter Grade
94% - 100%A
90% - 93.99%A-
87% - 89.99%B+
84% - 86.99%B
80% - 83.99%B-
77% - 79.99%C+
74% - 76.99%C
70% - 73.99%C-
67% - 69.99%D+
64% - 66.99%D
60% - 63.99%D-
below 60%F

Work submitted less than 24 hours late will be graded for 80% credit, more than 24 hours late but less than 48 hours after the due date will be graded for 60% credit, and more than 48 hours late will receive a zero. Late uploads and/or replies to discussion board or quiz assignments are ineligible for points.

Use of Generative AI in student coursework is prohibited, unless explicitly permitted by the instructor and carried out according to the instructor’s guidelines. Direct submission of AI-generated content, presented as original student work, is an egregious violation of UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy, and may be subject to penalties ranging from a zero on the assignment to expulsion from the university.

Attendance/Participation:

Students who do not attend class and/or fail to turn in coursework and fall a week or more behind the rest of the class may be administratively dropped from the course at the instructor’s discretion. Evidence of attendance in an asynchronous, online course can be demonstrated by Canvas metrics, correct application of assigned learning content (textbook, videos, other assigned readings, etc.) to the coursework, your timely submission of assignments, and your contribution in discussion forums and group work.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.