(SEM VII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2024-25 DESIGN THINKING

SECTION A — Very Short Answers (2 Marks Each)

a. Concept of Design

Design is a systematic process of creating solutions that meet user needs in an effective and aesthetic manner.

b. Innovation

Innovation is the implementation of new ideas that create value for users or society.

c. Prosperity

Prosperity refers to a state of well-being, sufficiency, and fulfillment, not mere material accumulation.

d. Brainstorming

A group creativity technique used to generate a large number of ideas without judgment.

e. Problem Statement

A clear and concise description of the issue that needs to be solved.

f. Iteration (Design Thinking)

Repeated testing, refining, and improving solutions based on feedback.

g. Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze, evaluate, and reason logically to make informed decisions.

h. Incongruence

A gap between what exists and what is desired, which triggers the need for design.

i. Weak Argument

An argument with poor logic, insufficient evidence, or false assumptions.

j. Logical Reasoning

The process of drawing valid conclusions based on facts and logical relationships.

SECTION B — Descriptive / Conceptual (10 Marks)

a. Design Thinking & Its Importance

Human-centered problem-solving approach

Focuses on empathy, creativity, and experimentation

Encourages innovation in business and social challenges

Reduces risk through prototyping and testing

b. Actualization & Desire Gap

Actualization: Converting ideas into reality

Gap arises due to lack of resources, clarity, or execution

Design thinking helps bridge this gap systematically

c. Personas

Fictional characters representing target users                  Based on user research

Helps understand user needs and behavior

d. Characteristics of Critical Thinkers                                 Open-minded

Logical                                                                                Analytical

Curious                                                                               Self-reflective

e. Obstacles to Critical Thinking                                         Bias

Emotional reasoning                                                          Assumptions

Social pressure                                                                   Lack of information

SECTION C — Wicked Problems / Creativity (10 Marks)

Wicked Problems

Characteristics:                                                                 No clear definition

No single solution                                                               Interconnected issues

Solutions change the problem

Ways to Solve:                                                                  Collaboration

Iteration                                                                              User empathy

Prototyping                                                                        Creativity vs Innovation

SECTION D — User Understanding Tools (10 Marks)

Customer Journey Map                                      Visual representation of user experience

Stages: Awareness → Consideration → Purchase → Usage

Identifies pain points and opportunities            Empathy Mapping

Helps understand:                                              What user says

What user thinks                                               What user does

What user feels