CS25C20 Design Thinking and Innovation – Semester IV – CSD – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: CS25C20 – Design Thinking and Innovation

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)

Branch: B.E. Computer Science and Design (CSD)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• This course provides a hands-on and immersive introduction to the process, mindset, and techniques of design thinking.
• Students will explore innovation as a user-centered approach and solve real-world problems through empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
• The course aims to build creative confidence and strategic thinking applicable across disciplines.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Foundations of Design Thinking

Understanding the design process – Human-centered innovation – Empathy and user needs – Divergent and convergent thinking – Introduction to MVPs.

Activities: Conduct an empathy mapping session; Group activity: Create and pitch a minimum viable product (MVP).

Unit II – Tools and Techniques

Mind mapping – Journey maps – Personas – “How Might We” statements – Brainstorming and idea evaluation – Rapid sketching.

Activities: Create empathy-based personas and journey maps; Use collaborative tools like Miro or FigJam; Ideation sprint on a real-world challenge.

Unit III – Prototyping and Testing

Low-fidelity vs high-fidelity prototyping – Scenario-based prototyping – Feedback loops – Agile and iterative development in design thinking.

Activities: Develop paper prototypes; Peer test and iterate a digital concept; Document testing feedback and refinement.

Unit IV – Strategic and Business Applications

Design thinking for business models – Value proposition canvas – Storytelling and sense-making – Design for experience and competitive advantage.

Activities: Case study analysis of successful design-led companies; Redesign an everyday product for improved user experience; Create a business pitch with visual storytelling.

Unit V – Reflection and Execution

Intensive design sprint – Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test – End-to-end solution building in teams – Tools Used in the Reflection Stage, Tools for the Implementation of DT Solution, Creating a Pitch, Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas.

Activities: Group project presentations; Peer and instructor feedback sessions.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Describe the principles, process, and significance of design thinking in developing innovative and user-centric solutions.
• CO2: Analyze user needs and problem contexts using empathy, ideation, and collaborative design thinking tools to identify effective solutions.
• CO3: Evaluate prototypes and design alternatives through iterative testing, feedback, and validation techniques to improve solution effectiveness.
• CO4: Design strategic and business-oriented solutions by applying design thinking methodologies, teamwork, and creativity in real-world projects.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Theory Examination 60%
• Internal methodology: Activities 30% (Assignments 30, Quiz 10, Project based learning 25, Flipped Classroom 10, Review of GATE questions 25), Internal Examinations 70% (TWO tests)

Source: Official Anna University – B.E. Computer Science and Design R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026