Guest Lecture on Design Thinking and Innovation
SIIB Auditorium | February 20, 2024 | 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
Batch 2023-25 | Participants – 200+
Panellist: Prof. Dr. Dirk Muller, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences.
On February 20, 2024, students from Batch 2023-25, gathered for a guest lecture conducted by a distinguished professor, Prof. Dr. Dirk Muller from Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FUAS), offering insights into design thinking and innovation. The lecture aimed to delve into the realms of these vital concepts, providing a comprehensive understanding.
He introduced Flensburg, providing insights into its diverse study programs encompassing Applied Computer Sciences, Business Management, Biotechnology, and Food Technology. This contextual background laid the foundation for a deeper exploration of innovation principles.
Highlighting the critical nature of continuous innovation, he shared the mantra “Innovate or Die” and introduced the Pentathlon Framework, an analytical tool applicable at both company and project levels. This provided students with a practical framework for understanding and implementing innovation strategies. Continuing the discourse, the lecture further delved into the pitfalls of innovation, with a focus on two key reasons for failure: initiating the solution-building process before fully understanding the problem and neglecting the essential aspects of customer and user needs.
Moreover, turning attention to design thinking, the speaker elucidated its significance, outlining a structured process, variable space, and the essential involvement of multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, the design thinking process, crucial for fostering innovation, was presented as a dynamic approach to problem-solving.
In conclusion, the lecture seamlessly blended theoretical insights with hands-on engagement. The interactive activities served as a catalyst for the practical application of design thinking and innovation concepts, nurturing critical and creative thinking among the students.
Key Takeaways:
“The lecture offered a comprehensive understanding of design thinking and innovation, emphasizing the critical need for continuous innovation in the business landscape.”
– Tanvi Raahi, MBA-IB (23-25)
“Emphasizing the importance of design thinking, the lecture outlined a structured process, variable space, and multidisciplinary team involvement, underscoring its crucial role in fostering innovation.”
– Priyanshi Sharma, MBA-AB (23-25)
“The lecture and interactive activities served as catalysts for practical application and encouraged critical and creative thinking among the students, providing valuable insights beyond theoretical concepts.”
– Geetika Dhruv, MBA-EE (23-25)
