Design Thinking for Researchers

Design Thinking is a proven methodology used by designers to solve complex problems – problems with varied stakeholders and hard-to-define outcomes. This workshop introduces Design Thinking in a context that is relevant to university researchers. Using engaging, interactive approaches, participants explore the key elements of the Design Thinking process.

You’ll have the opportunity to practice applying key principles and, through discussion, connect this learning to your own research projects.  At the end of this workshop, you will have a practical Design Thinking toolkit you can use both within an R&D context as well as with external / industrial partners.

This workshop is run by Dr Jen Allanson, a successful academic with an international profile. In 1999, she became the first full-time female lecturer in Computer Science at Lancaster University. She went on to become a senior lecturer in The School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences at LJMU and held an honorary lectureship in The School of Psychology while researching human-computer interaction. Since 2005, she has been a professional trainer and facilitator, delivering over 300 training events in the UK, Europe and Japan.

This workshop is aimed at researchers interested in learning how to develop more effective and relevant solutions to real world problems.

This is a SPARK programme – an engaging, short programme focused on developing a specific competency.