Design Thinking
Program Overview
Design thinking is a creative problem-solving approach and set of mindsets that anyone can use to generate insights and solutions for complex challenges. At the Taylor Center, we teach and apply design thinking as a core methodology to catalyze social innovation on campus and in our community.
We believe the mindsets and methods of design thinking have the power to transform how people see, think, and act in the world. We recognize the power of design thinking lies in embodying practices, such as curiosity, imagination, attainment, experimentation, and co-creation, rather than following a prescribed sequence of steps.
Our Approach
Our approach builds on our belief that everyone can be a design thinker and that diverse teams enhance innovation. Our offerings support learners from all backgrounds to develop as creative problem-solvers and relational changemakers that are embedded in their communities. We also believe it is essential to attend to both place and power in every design process. Ultimately, our equity-centered, systems-informed, and place-based approach to design thinking aims to cultivate a generation of changemakers equipped to reimagine and reshape our world for the greater good.
Design Thinking Programs
Our workshops and programs offer participants and teams opportunities to learn human-centered design methods and mindsets that enable them to:
- Approach social and environmental challenges with curiosity, creativity, and adaptability
- Place people at the heart of the creative process, learning about the experiences of diverse stakeholders and redefining problems and opportunities from multiple perspectives
- Engage in serious play in ways that foster imagination, make ideas tangible, and provoke new insights
- Design a continuous learning process that can surface key assumptions and gather meaningful feedback for greater impact
Design Thinking Programs
Design Thinking 101
Design Thinking 101 offers a hands-on, collaborative workshop that introduces participants to the world of design thinking - a powerful approach to problem-solving that puts people at the heart of the process. You’ll get hands-on experience with innovative tools that will help you generate fresh ideas, refine them based on real-world feedback, and bring your vision to life. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network, learn, and enjoy a memorable experience.
Design Dialogues
Design Dialogues highlights the work of changemakers from New Orleans and the Gulf South who are bringing the principles of design thinking and design justice to life. Speakers share stories of their work, the social problems they are addressing, the tools they use, and relevant insights. Speakers often engage participants in actively co-designing as part of the session.
Design Justice Happy Hour
Design Justice Happy Hour is an informal meetup series that offers a semi-structured way for changemakers to come together to discuss issues around design justice.
Design Thinking Publications
Design Thinking
Staff Contact
Maggie Sheffer
Associate Director for Design Thinking
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