The One-Day Workshop on Design Thinking was organized by InnoVenture: SJEC Innovation Platform in collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering and SJEC AICTE Idea Lab. The workshop was held on 17 August 2023 at the Kalam Auditorium from 9:15 am to 5:00 pm. The workshop was attended by a batch of 60 students from across the Departments. The workshop was delivered by Mr Pradyumna Pandit, Co-Founder of KoInvent Business Solutions - Pune.
The workshop on design thinking proved to be an insightful and engaging session aimed at fostering innovation and creative problem-solving. The workshop was divided into several key stages, each designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the design thinking process. The session commenced with a dynamic activity that encouraged participants to channel their creativity in designing a toaster. This initial exercise not only served as an icebreaker but also set the tone for the rest of the workshop by highlighting the importance of thinking outside the box.
The core of the workshop was dedicated to exploring the phases and intricacies of the design thinking process. Over 15 minutes, participants were taken through each stage, from empathizing with users and defining the problem to ideation, prototyping, and testing solutions. This systematic breakdown equipped attendees with a clear roadmap to approach complex challenges while keeping the end-users' needs at the forefront.
The subsequent 45 minutes were dedicated to delving deeper into the concepts of innovation and ideation. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants gained valuable insights into how design thinking has been applied in real-world scenarios to drive innovation and achieve remarkable outcomes.
The workshop also addressed essential aspects such as the dos and don'ts of design thinking, offering practical guidelines for participants to follow in their future endeavors. The exploration of "Jugaad" and its relationship with design thinking underscored the adaptability and versatility of these concepts, particularly in contexts where resource constraints call for ingenious solutions.
The notion of frugal innovation, which encapsulates the idea of achieving more with less, resonated strongly with participants, showcasing the universal applicability of design thinking principles. The Q&A session provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarifications and delve deeper into specific areas of interest.
As the workshop drew to a close, a comprehensive recap reinforced the key takeaways from each stage. Participants also had the chance to provide feedback, ensuring that the workshop not only met their expectations but also served as a valuable platform for leaing and skill enhancement. Overall, the workshop on design thinking succeeded in nurturing a collaborative and innovative mindset among the participants, equipping them with a powerful problem-solving toolset applicable across various domains.
Dr Nitin Kulkai, the Program Manager of InnoVenture was also present for the session and shared his knowledge with the participants. A team of 8 faculty members from SJEC were also present for the workshop.
