Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years (1.8.2018-31.7.2020), which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completion of the course the student:

  • Will understand how to design with incomplete information
  • Will understand the value of and be able to apply iterative prototyping
  • Will be able to communicate fluently orally, by writing as well as by visual and other means
  • Will be able to work in international interdisciplinary team

 

Credits: 5

Schedule: 14.09.2020 - 01.11.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Katja Hölttä-Otto, Katja Hölttä-Otto

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Katja Hölttä-Otto, Katja Hölttä-Otto

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course is the first course in the ME310 Global Innovation Program sequence, which is part of a global ME310/Sugar network. It is one of the most intensive, yet rewarding project courses taught at Aalto University. Students of design, business and engineering come together as interdisciplinary teams to work on a year-long real-life challenge brought forward by an international company.

    During this year they partner up with students from other universities in the global ME310/SUGAR network to form a global design team.

    Through the course of the project, students learn, apply, and experience the Stanford Design Thinking Process. The process is based on need finding, benchmarking, iterative prototyping and user testing to enable students to quickly learn about the field at hand and create and validate innovative ideas. User insights are uncovered and creative solutions are developed, engaging a range of different design thinking tools and techniques. The result is a detailed design solution that integrates desirability, viability and feasibility.

    The program starts around Mid-September and finishes around the 10th of June. Compulsory attendance days are the days when workshops and lectures are organized. The students can then arrange themselves with their own team when they prefer to work. The program is also one of the most intensively taught at Aalto University and requires full commitment from the students. The last quarter is often compared to a full-time job.

    For further information, please visit the webpage: http://me310.aalto.fi/

     

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Students go through a first hectic month of small challenges to get acquainted with hands-on methodologies. In the end of this first month students get to know their global project brief and their new team. After that students usually get a chance to travel to meet their global partners and other in the ME310/SUGAR network. They don t only meet their global teammates and take part in design-thinking workshops and but also get a glimpse of the Silicon-Valley culture.

    The course is graded mostly as a team, but there is also an individual component.

    This first course in the sequence is graded only as pass/fail based on your contribution and learning towards the planes learning outcomes.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course will meet two days a week with a semi-regular schedule. As needed some events may happen also on the other days, including approximately one week trip to a global network event. The course consists of lectures, challenges, reviews and significant project work.

     

DETAILS

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course has a separate application process. Please see details here: http://me310.aalto.fi/info-for-students/ 

    Students must also take or have taken MEC-E3002: Methods in Early Product Development (5 ECTS) when taking this course, or receive a special permission from the teaching team.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Description

Registration and further information