What this class is about

Some thoughts on learning about innovation & design:

You probably have a pretty good idea about what innovation is – new ideas put to use – but design is probably a bit murky. In this class our focus is on Design Thinking. Design thinking is about observing deeply, and if needed, shaping the world around you to make it "better". Both innovation and design rely on being able to see the world around you differently from the way most people see it (or from the way you have been seeing it until now) so that you can spot where changes can happen and where improvements are needed. Finally, innovation and design require the ability to think differently from other people so that you can create the new ideas that will change things. To this end, we will not just learn design thinking skills, we will LEARN them -thereby internalizing them. Internalizing these valuable skills means that you will be able to impart them on others with ease; especially on the employees you will be leading.

Our learning objectives are:

1. Understand why innovation and design are a key part of any successful organization.
2. Learn a highly sought after innovation process. Gain an understanding of how to undertake each step in the process, and practice using the process.
3. Learn the principles of good innovation and gain an understanding of how those principles can be put into practice.
4. Learn the principles and practices of good design thinking, then, gain mastery in design thinking by practicing it.
5. Explore and develop our own capacity for innovative & creative thinking.
6. Internalize 1-5 above so that you may teach the tools and skills to others in any organization you join.

Class Valued Concepts

Like all groups, every class has a culture which comprises a set of norms that guide the behavior of class members. Listed below are the values that will guide everything we do and say in this class. Be sure that you understand each one, because you and I will be expected to live out these values when we are together!

Thoughtfulness embodies fidelity and fairness -both to ideas and to persons. A thoughtful person thinks deeply about ideas and at the same time (s)he honors the dignity and worth of others and their ideas. A person is not thoughtful if (s)he is kind, but foolish; nor is someone thoughtful when (s)he is insightful, but arrogant or indifferent toward others. The mission statement of our university proclaims: "The University is dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of truth for its own sake". This is the essence of thoughtfulness. Thoughtfulness involves upholding responsible, open, considerate discourse and acting courageously to stop those who are thoughtless. Thoughtful people honor enlightened ideas, informed insights, and consider opinions. Thoughtful people also honor other people. They are kind and considerate, even when they must disagree or correct another person.

Enlightened learning involves a search for truth and a willingness to consistently and critically examine one’s own knowledge, thoughts, and beliefs. Research shows that people who work for grades learn much less than those who pursue enlightened learning. The enlightened learner is not arrogant or possessive about their ideas, insights, or knowledge, but openly and actively searches for and explores new points of view, even when the new views contrast sharply with his or her own. Enlightened learning also implies both hospitality -- openly sharing insights and knowledge with others -- and charity which means really listening to the ideas and insights of others. Enlightened learning requires being courageous and humble in setting aside closely-held ideas so you can be open to new ones and strive for honesty and veracity in your thoughts. In this respect, enlightened learners are toughest on themselves and their own thoughts and ideas.

Justice underlies all healthy, vibrant groups and communities. Justice also underlies the "Ask more of business" campaign of the Mendoza College of business and it is the essence of the mission and spirit of the University of Notre Dame:

The University prides itself on being an environment of teaching and learning that fosters the development in its students of those disciplined habits of mind, body, and spirit that characterize educated, skilled, and free human beings. In addition, the University seeks to cultivate in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings, but also a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many. The aim is to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice. It is on of the cornerstones of living well with others.

Justice means honoring the dignity of all people all the time. Justice also requires being courageous enough to stand against injustice. Enacting justice requires more than doing just one's share. It also requires encouraging others and helping them to perform at their best. At its heart, justice means recognizing and curtailing the lesser angles of our nature (such as our propensity to act only in our own self-interest) and living more fully, each day, into the better angles of our nature.

Are you willing to embrace these values? On the second day of class I will ask you to agree to them and E-mail me a message to that effect before the third class, so please give them some thoughful(!) consideration.

Grades

I hope that you will "let learning be your guide" in this class. There is a ton of research that shows if you work for a grade you will learn a lot less than if you work to strive to learn. But, alas, we have grades. Here is the break down:

• Reading and class reflections (in "digital sourcebook") = 30% of final grade

• Individual class participation = 25% of final grade

• Team project = 25% of final grade

• Design observations (also in "digital sourcebook")= 20% of final grade

All grading guidelines can be found here.

You will need two books:

• The Art of Innovation : Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America's Leading Design Firm, by Tom Kelley (about $19 new at Amazon)

• A Whole New Mind: Moving from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age, by Daniel Pink (new paperback at Amazon is about $11)

Honor Code

Upon entering Notre Dame you were required to study the on-line edition of the Academic Code of Honor (http://nd.edu/~hnrcode/docs/handbook.htm), to pass a quiz on it, and to sign a pledge to abide by it. All class members are expected to abide by this code, observing its tenets in all written, digital, and oral work, including class blogs and oral presentations. Deviations from the code will result in a failing grade.

General Note