HTE402
Product Design for Impact
Faculty
Susan Akbarpour
Managing partner at Candou Ventures
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
In this dynamic course, students will unlock the secrets of building thriving ventures that not only generate profits but also make a positive difference in the world. By immersing themselves in the art of problem-solving, students will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that enables them to approach business challenges from fresh and unconventional angles. They will gain an astute understanding of how to identify pressing economic, societal, and customer needs and, more importantly, how to develop innovative solutions that meet these needs head-on.
Through theoretical frameworks, real-life case studies, and practical exercises, students will learn about customer-centricity, prioritizing customer satisfaction, and tailoring solutions to meet evolving needs. Students will also put their skills into action, developing their own entrepreneurial ideas and gaining practical experience in business planning and financial modeling. The course goes beyond theoretical knowledge, exploring social entrepreneurship and purpose-driven business. Students will be inspired to think innovatively and make a difference. In the end, students will gain the skills and knowledge to navigate the business landscape, whether launching their own ventures or contributing to established organizations. Get ready for an exciting journey of discovery, creativity, and transformation as you unleash the entrepreneur within you.
Learning highlights
- Understand the importance of “design to engineering” and its impact on product development, customer satisfaction, and societal progress.
- Develop an end-user/customer-focused mindset and learn techniques for understanding and meeting their needs.
- Identify pressing economic and societal challenges and assess their potential impacts.
- Develop innovative solutions that address these challenges, create positive change, and prioritize customer satisfaction.
- Gain practical skills in project planning, resource management, stakeholder engagement, and developing personalized marketing strategies.
- Analyze the economic, societal, and consumer impacts of entrepreneurial ventures.
- Explore the concept of faster, cheaper, and better products vs. disruptive products and their significance in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Course outline
15 classes
Session 1
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Overview of Course Objectives and Expectations
Session 2
- Understanding the Importance of Design to Engineering
- Exploring the Impact of Product Development on Customer Satisfaction and Societal Progress
Session 3
- Prototyping and Wireframing
- Hands-on Practice Using Tools like Figma or Sketch to Create Prototypes and Wireframes
Session 4
- Developing a Customer-Focused Mindset
- Techniques for Understanding and Meeting Customer Needs
Session 5
- Identifying Economic and Societal Challenges
- Assessing Potential Impacts and
Session 6
- Introduction to Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving
- Applying Design Thinking Principles to Address Business Challenges
Session 7
- Project Planning and Resource Management
- Skills for Effective Project Planning and Allocation of Resources
Session 8
- Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Strategies for Engaging and Collaborating with Stakeholders
Session 9
- Developing Personalized Marketing Strategies
- Tactics for Effectively Marketing Entrepreneurial Ventures
Session 10
- Analyzing the Economic, Societal, and Consumer Impact of Ventures
- Evaluating the Consequences and Outcomes of Entrepreneurial Initiatives
Session 11
- Exploration of Disruption versus Incremental Innovation
- Understanding the Significance of Faster, Cheaper, better Products versus Disruptive Products
Session 12
- Introduction to Business Modeling
- Utilizing Tools such as Business Model Canvas or Lean Canvas to Develop, Analyze, and Refine Business Models
Session 13
- Market Research and Insights
- Conducting Market Research to Gather Insights about Target Customers and Competitors
Session 14
- Financial Modeling and Analysis
- Using Tools like Excel or Google Sheets to Create Financial Projections and Evaluate Venture Feasibility
Session 15
- Reflection and Future Directions
- Reflecting on Lessons Learned, Discussing Potential Future Entrepreneurial Endeavors, and Wrapping up the Course
Course materials
Media
Prerequisites
Basic proficiency in Figma: While not a requirement for this course, basic familiarity with Figma, a popular design and prototyping tool, can be helpful. Students should have a basic understanding of how to use Figma to create and collaborate on user interfaces, wireframes, and interactive prototypes. This will enable them to effectively communicate and visualize their ideas throughout the development process. However, full professional proficiency in Figma is not necessary for successful completion of this course.
Project management: Practical skills in project planning, resource management, and stakeholder engagement are important for successfully launching ventures that create meaningful change. Students should have knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, as well as the ability to effectively allocate resources and manage timelines.
Marketing: Developing personalized marketing strategies is an important aspect of entrepreneurship. Students should have a basic understanding of marketing principles and techniques, such as target market analysis, branding, and digital marketing.
Familiarity with Business and Economic Concepts: While not a prerequisite, some familiarity with business and economic concepts, such as supply and demand, market competition, and financial analysis, can be beneficial in understanding the broader context of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Communication: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are important for presenting ideas, collaborating with team members, and engaging stakeholders. Students should be able to clearly articulate their thoughts, listen actively, and adapt their communication style as needed.
Methodology
The course will employ a combination of instructional methods to facilitate student learning and engagement. The methodology and format of the course will include:
1. Lectures: The course will include lectures delivered by the instructor to introduce key concepts, theories, and frameworks related to entrepreneurship and innovation. These lectures will provide students with a theoretical foundation and framework for understanding and applying the course material.
2. Projects: Students will have the opportunity to work on projects that involve applying the concepts and principles learned in the course. These projects will allow students to practice and demonstrate their entrepreneurial and innovative skills, and they may involve developing business plans, creating prototypes, conducting market research, or analyzing the economic and societal impact of entrepreneurial ventures.
3. Workshops and Exercises: The course may include workshops and hands-on exercises where students can actively engage with the material. These activities may involve brainstorming sessions, ideation exercises, design thinking workshops, or interactive group discussions. These workshops and exercises will encourage students to think critically, collaborate with their peers, and develop practical skills.
4. Presentations: Students may be required to give presentations to the class, sharing their findings, analyses, and proposed solutions. These presentations will help students develop their communication skills and ability to articulate their ideas effectively.
5. Individual and Group Work : The course will incorporate both individual and group work. Students may be assigned individual projects or assignments that allow them to apply the course material on their own. They will also have opportunities to work in teams on collaborative projects where they can learn from each other's perspectives and experiences. This group work may involve tasks such as problem-solving exercises, case studies, or collaborative discussions.
6. Comparative Projects: As mentioned, students may be assigned to work on the same project in different teams. This format allows for a comparative analysis of the results and encourages students to learn from different approaches and perspectives. It also promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and reflection on one's own methods and outcomes.
Overall, the course format aims to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application. By incorporating lectures, projects, workshops, exercises, presentations, and individual/group work, students will have the opportunity to engage with the material in a variety of ways, fostering a deep understanding of entrepreneurial principles and strategies, as well as hands-on experience in developing innovative solutions.
Grading
Susan is an accomplished entrepreneur and investor with extensive experience in product design and development. She has successfully founded and led start-ups in the advertising, retail, and media industries, driving digital transformation and fostering innovation. Susan holds a Master of Science in Management from Stanford GSB, where she remains actively engaged. She is also the founder of the Akbarpour Aalaei Fellowship, which grants scholarships to Farsi-speaking students at Stanford GSB.
Susan's expertise in the rapidly evolving Web 3.0 space has led her to serve on the boards of organizations such as Facenote, Cluster, and Entropy. Her contributions in these roles have been valuable in advancing the field. Additionally, Susan is deeply committed to advocating for public media and women's empowerment and sits on the boards of non-profit organizations like KQED, How Women Lead, and Moms Against Poverty.
See full profileApply for this course
Product Design for Impact
by Susan Akbarpour
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Oct 16 - Nov 03, 2023
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
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FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.