Unleashing Creativity: Design Thinking Workshop for Students

On February 15, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, a group of twenty-five (25) third-year Marketing students from Ateneo de Manila University gathered for an exciting journey into the world of creative thinking. Facilitated by Steve Chaves and Mariela Alcaparas from the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), the "Introduction to Design Thinking" workshop offered a straightforward approach to exploring innovative solutions.

Mr Steve Chaves co-facilitating the design thinking session

Ms Mariela Alcaparas co-facilitating the design thinking session

The session kicked off with a no-frills introduction to design thinking. Chaves and Alcaparas, seasoned guides in the realm of creativity, emphasized the importance of empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iteration—core concepts that form the backbone of design thinking. Through practical exercises and hands-on activities, participants were encouraged to dive deep into the process of creative problem-solving. The atmosphere fostered a sense of focus and determination among the students, allowing them to channel their energies toward generating innovative ideas.

Participants of the design thinking session for students

The third-year marketing students were divided into five groups, each tasked with solving human-centered problems derived through the empathy exercises. This approach encouraged collaboration and ensured a diverse range of perspectives were brought to the table. As the workshop progressed, Chaves and Alcaparas presented a challenge—a test of the participants' ability to apply the principles of design thinking in real-world scenarios. With grit and determination, the students embraced the challenge, collaborating with their peers to develop creative solutions. Prototypes began to take shape, simple yet ingenious manifestations of the participants' ideas. Finally, a short feedback session was done to evaluate the prototypes and explore opportunities for improvement. 

By the end of the session, the room was alive with the buzz of creativity. Minds had been opened, and new perspectives had been gained. The ethos of the workshop instilled in the participants a deeper appreciation for the power of creative thinking.

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To learn more about AIPO’s Design Thinking services, check out: www.aipo.ateneo.edu/designthinking. You may also follow them on social media for the latest updates and announcements: Facebook  / Linkedin.