Design thinking and start-up launch
PROF. DONATELLA DEPPERU; PROF. ANNALINDA DE ROSA
COURSE AIMS AND INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of
design methods that are specific to the so-called Design Thinking (DT) approach,
and of methods and instruments for writing a business plan.
“Module 1 - Design Thinking” will introduce to the theoretical framework of the
DT approach, illustrating “school of thoughts” on this topic to distinguish scopes
and perspectives of DT. As diversified approach to innovation, the teaching of the
DT will train students in the capacity of breaking-down the process for framing,
defining, developing, implementing, and assessing a design opportunity, in order to
develop the ability to conduct a foresight process and to manage a value-creating
process.
In “Module 2 –Developing a business plan for a new venture” students will go
through the process of developing and evaluating a new entrepreneurial project.
Throughout the module, students will be required to follow the start-up process till
the development of a business plan.
At the end of Module 1, students will be able to:
–dive into a different mind-set, trying to merge DT methods in their research and
innovation activities for elaborating an iterative and explorative process.
–to acquire a know-how on the reflection between creative process and
operational method, which is a necessary skill in multidisciplinary working
environments.
–to articulate project research roads with a critical thinking capability.
–to work in multidisciplinary teams.
At the end of Module 2, students will be able to:
–analyze and assess the potential of a new business opportunity.
–develop a concise and compelling value proposition.
–design the basic characteristics of the new venture structure.
–engage in basic financial modeling and financial assessment for the new
venture.
–write and present a business plan.
COURSE CONTENT
The aim of the course is to provide students the basic knowledge of:
