Why B-Schools Should Apply Design Thinking To The PGDM Learning Experience!

What Is Design Thinking? Well, In Tim Brown’s Words- “Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.”

 

If there is anything this year has made us realize it is that we are increasingly faced with unique problems. The unprecedented events of the year have posed novel challenges to businesses all over the world. And they demand innovative solutions. Design Thinking focuses on creating unique solutions to complex problems – no matter how big or small. Hence design thinking approach is imperative for all Post Graduate Diploma in Management programs.

 

According to the Design Management Institute, design thinking companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Walt Disney see 10-year returns yielding 219% that of the S & P 500 (stock market index for 500 large companies listed in the US). Adobe reports that 50% design-led companies report more loyal customers. The approach is being adopted by organizations, big and small. And they are going to look for managers and leaders, who are familiar with design thinking.

The Principles Of Design Thinking

 

To put it simply, design thinking is about adding value to human experience and making it more enjoyable. It takes into account human needs and desires, technical and economic aspects while designing products or solutions that are productive, purposeful, as well as profitable. Isn’t that the proverbial pot of gold for all enterprises? Then, shouldn’t the approach be applied by Post Graduate Diploma Courses that aim so shape managers, who put design thinking into practice?

 

Design Thinking Is In Every Area Of Business

 

Design thinking is not limited only to designers. It’s not any one methodology either. Efficient design thinking strategies can enhance the workflow tremendously. They span over diverse areas of business including:

·         Leadership improvements.

·         Business operations.

·         Product design.

·         Service and experience to customers.

·         Change at the organizational level.

 

Understanding Design Thinking Process For Future Managers

 

Today’s managers often work on collaborative projects with teams around the world. Each one of them has a role to play in the success of the product development; right from understanding customers’ need to execution and marketing. Top Post Graduate Diploma in Management programs not only acquaint its students with various aspects of design thinking process but also offer them exposure to take “thinking into doing”

 

The Foundation Of Design Thinking Process Is Built On:

 

·         Understanding human problems and being empathetic to people’s needs while creating solutions.

·         Coming up with ideas that will be tested, reviewed, modified, dropped, revived in the future.

·         Experimenting with these ideas to come up with prototypes that will lead to more satisfying products quickly.

·         Rigorous testing while keeping the real world implications in mind. Reviewing the solutions to check if they work.

·         Through consistent experimentation, testing and reviewing, you arrive at the best solution for the problem.

 

In India, VJIM, Hyderabad has applied design thinking approach to its cutting edge Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) with great success. In fact, earlier this year the Hyderabad based B-school hosted a business conclave to bring experts’ insights on design thinking to its students. Re-imagining the “Box”, was the theme of the conclave, and that not only sums up the concept of design thinking, but also the B School’s approach to management education.