Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 Katia Rania 

 Design Thinking 

 Peer Reviewed Final Assignment 

 Submitted by : Rhiannon Karim 

 Challenge 

 I have recently completed a move , and the week - long process still haunts me . After 

 completing the modules of this course , it became apparent to me that design thinking can be 

 applied to all aspects of my life . My first chance to apply my knowledge occurred during my 

 move . Let me take you back to three years ago , when I was purchasing my stereo system . I had 

 met a young salesman ; whose passion was sound systems . I believe he has four personally built 

 systems in his home to date . After two hours , I left the store with a completely personalized 

 package , a small map of connections he drew up for me , and an increasing sense of dread 

 growing in my stomach . I have never built a stereo system on my own and here I was walking 

 away with 40 ft . of copper wiring that I needed to personally splice and use to create connectors . 

 Fast forward five hours . I am sitting on the floor in front of my television completely distraught 

 and defeated : I could not get my system to work . I had to phone an expert the next day to 

 complete the installation for a fee . 

 During my present day move , I was determined to complete the re - installation of my 

 system independently . I wish I could say I had the foresight to create my own mind map of the 

 connections I had made , but who thinks of that before learning about Design Thinking ? Not me . 

 My boyfriend connected the wires to my speakers , turned on the receiver , double checked the 

 cables , and waited for sound . None came . As he headed back to work from lunch , I set to work 

 on conquering my system . I did not want to experience the failure I did three years ago , and I 

 was determined to be successful . Before immediately jumping to frustration , I decided to try the 

 design thinking approach because I needed a creative , systematic approach to a challenging 

 problem that I was facing . 

 Selection 

 After I decided to try applying the tools of design thinking to this problem , I had to 

 choose where I would start . Clearly you start at the beginning , but that goes without saying . I 

 decided to start my process with the visualization tool . Being able to see the problem would 

 allow me to explore the solutions . As Katia Rania presents , visualization is a design tool 

 Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 that is used throughout the entire process ; from start to finish . The visualization tool forced me to 

 think differently , as I was using the right side of my brain ( instead of the left ) . Not only was it 

 important that I define my problem , but it was also important that , as I moved through the design 

 thinking process , I continued to utilize the visualization tool . The visualization tool can be 

 applied to the other design tools discussed in this course , thus carrying me throughout the entire 

 process . Visualization also allows the problem - solver to think in a nonverbal way . Too often I 

 think in a linear , verbal manner ; however , by using visualization , I could think in a more global , 

 creative manner . I selected visualization because it suggests I make a map or draw a picture of 

 my problem . I wanted to be able to utilize this map in the future if I needed it , so I felt like I was 

 killing two birds with one stone . The visualization tool suggested that I move through stages of 

 exploration , pattern finding , ideation , prototyping , and scaling . Visualizing was much easier to 

 begin with than physically changing the set - up of my stereo system because that required me to 

 move my equipment , as well as reconnect cables , potentially cut new cables , and even buy new 

 cables . I started with visualization because , without this process , I was looking at increasing my 

 time and cost with a high probability of failure . 

 Application 

 By using the right side of my brain , I was not focused on the step - by - step approach an 

 individual generally focuses on while installing equipment . Rather , the visualization tool helped 

 me explore the challenge of my stereo system , which enabled me to find a pattern . The pattern I 

 found was mostly that my boyfriend and I had used the same approach at least three times to no 

 avail . I believe there is a saying that goes , “ repeating the same actions and expecting a different 

 outcome is the definition of insanity ” . I was getting close to insanity before I consciously 

 decided to visualize . Once I had discovered this pattern , I was able make my problem tangible 

 and concrete . I drew a photo of the back of my receiver , television , and speakers . I was working 

 with the what is . I wanted to know exactly what is working , what is not working , and what could 

 be changed . I turned the receiver on to an FM radio , pulled off the front of my speakers , and 

 checked to see if my handmade copper wiring was still working . To my great triumph , it was 

 working . That meant that either the optical cord was not working or else it was an issue with the 

 receiver . I had another optical cord , so why not try it ? Well , this cord was too short . So , I 

 unplugged my speakers , moved my receiver to a place I thought the cord could reach , and I re- 

 connected everything . The cord still did not reach . Even though I had made a conscious effort to 

 Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 work in terms of design thinking , I slipped back into linear thinking immediately after I had 

 success with visualization . I found out the answer to the what is , and immediately went to what 

 works . Needless to say , it did not work . I returned to the drawing , or should I say visualization , 

 board . 

 My old optical cord has a red light indicating it worked , so why was I so fixated on the 

 cord not working ? I had narrowed my problem too much . It was time to think of the what if . I 

 began to develop some concepts of the problem while looking at my maps . I knew the cords 

 were working , as well as the receiver , because I had tested them . I also knew my television 

 worked . Then it hit me , as I broadened my problem to the television , which I had dismissed 

 earlier because I knew it was a separate entity that was only connected to the stereo , I realized 

 the problem could be my television , not my stereo . I was not keen on moving shelves and heavy 

 speakers again nor purchase a new system to test a theory , so you could say I skipped the 

 prototyping step ( aka what wows ) and went straight to scaling ( aka what works ) . I went into my 

 television menu and changed my sound settings . It worked ! I can not say that I was even 

 surprised because I had calculated the outcome during my concept development in the what if 

 stage . 

 Insight 

 I like to think of this as a thought experiment turned prototype to the use of design 

 thinking in my life . I was hesitant to try an approach I had never used before when I was alone 

 and out of my area of expertise , but I was comforted knowing that my potential failure would not 

 affect others because I was in a controlled space and I was alone . Thinking back to the course , I 

 started this thought experiment with the mindset of George , under the belief I was of the mindset 

 of Geoff . After I started applying what I learned , I was able to achieve the mindset of Geoff , but 

 it took me some time . I even slipped into the mindset of George a few times during the process . I 

 am so accustomed to working with a narrow mindset that it is easy to fall into the habit . My 

 boyfriend can attest to when I was slipping into a narrow mindset because he bore the brunt of 

 my attitude when my successes depreciated and my frustration multiplied . Without using design 

 thinking , I can easily say that I would have either re - wired my speakers unnecessarily or paid an 

 expert to discover my problem . Had I taken that route , I would have lost time , money , and 

 valuable knowledge about problem - solving and my speakers . Using visualization made my 

 problem coherent and concrete . Before I created a map , I was flying blind and trying various 

 Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 methods of the same strategy . The problem felt as if it were beyond my scope of knowledge and 

 skills . Ironically , by broadening the problem , I was able to identify specific , targeted solutions 

 that were within my realm of knowledge . Ultimately , by broadening my thinking of the problem , 

 I not only found a simple solution , but I was also able to discover my competencies . 

 Approach 

 One thing I have ensured I did , was to keep my maps in order to help me in the future should 

 I need to set up my system again . My first installation was not successful and I did not keep 

 record of it to help me find a pattern . If I were to go back to last Thursday I would probably start 

 with a learning launch . While I know this sounds backwards as a learning launch is used in the 

 final stage of design thinking , it would have been extremely beneficial in this case . More 

 specifically , I exuded hubris when I set up my system in my entertainment stand and against a 

 wall when I knew I would have difficulties connecting it . Had I started the project from a design 

 thinking mindset , I would have known that keeping my hardware in an accessible place would 

 allow me to test different outcomes with greater ease . Starting with a learning launch may see 

 backwards , however , knowing that I was building a model ( completing a practice run ) , would 

 have helped me be experimental and open - minded . 


EMAIL: 
ID_NUM: 
NAME_STUDENT: Rhiannon Karim, Rhiannon Karim, Rhiannon Karim, Rhiannon Karim, Rhiannon Karim
PHONE_NUM: 
STREET_ADDRESS: 
URL_PERSONAL: 
USERNAME: 

### Task: You are a PII (Personal Identity Information) Detection. Given a essays written by students, you have to identify ONLY the following:
NAME_STUDENT - The full or partial name of a student that is not necessarily the author of the essay. This excludes instructors, authors, and other person names.
EMAIL - A student’s email address.
USERNAME - A student's username on any platform.
ID_NUM - A number or sequence of characters that could be used to identify a student, such as a student ID or a social security number.
PHONE_NUM - A phone number associated with a student.
URL_PERSONAL - A URL that might be used to identify a student.
STREET_ADDRESS - A full or partial street address that is associated with the student, such as their home address.
### Input: Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 Katia Rania 

 Design Thinking 

 Peer Reviewed Final Assignment 

 Submitted by : Rhiannon Karim 

 Challenge 

 I have recently completed a move , and the week - long process still haunts me . After 

 completing the modules of this course , it became apparent to me that design thinking can be 

 applied to all aspects of my life . My first chance to apply my knowledge occurred during my 

 move . Let me take you back to three years ago , when I was purchasing my stereo system . I had 

 met a young salesman ; whose passion was sound systems . I believe he has four personally built 

 systems in his home to date . After two hours , I left the store with a completely personalized 

 package , a small map of connections he drew up for me , and an increasing sense of dread 

 growing in my stomach . I have never built a stereo system on my own and here I was walking 

 away with 40 ft . of copper wiring that I needed to personally splice and use to create connectors . 

 Fast forward five hours . I am sitting on the floor in front of my television completely distraught 

 and defeated : I could not get my system to work . I had to phone an expert the next day to 

 complete the installation for a fee . 

 During my present day move , I was determined to complete the re - installation of my 

 system independently . I wish I could say I had the foresight to create my own mind map of the 

 connections I had made , but who thinks of that before learning about Design Thinking ? Not me . 

 My boyfriend connected the wires to my speakers , turned on the receiver , double checked the 

 cables , and waited for sound . None came . As he headed back to work from lunch , I set to work 

 on conquering my system . I did not want to experience the failure I did three years ago , and I 

 was determined to be successful . Before immediately jumping to frustration , I decided to try the 

 design thinking approach because I needed a creative , systematic approach to a challenging 

 problem that I was facing . 

 Selection 

 After I decided to try applying the tools of design thinking to this problem , I had to 

 choose where I would start . Clearly you start at the beginning , but that goes without saying . I 

 decided to start my process with the visualization tool . Being able to see the problem would 

 allow me to explore the solutions . As Katia Rania presents , visualization is a design tool 

 Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 that is used throughout the entire process ; from start to finish . The visualization tool forced me to 

 think differently , as I was using the right side of my brain ( instead of the left ) . Not only was it 

 important that I define my problem , but it was also important that , as I moved through the design 

 thinking process , I continued to utilize the visualization tool . The visualization tool can be 

 applied to the other design tools discussed in this course , thus carrying me throughout the entire 

 process . Visualization also allows the problem - solver to think in a nonverbal way . Too often I 

 think in a linear , verbal manner ; however , by using visualization , I could think in a more global , 

 creative manner . I selected visualization because it suggests I make a map or draw a picture of 

 my problem . I wanted to be able to utilize this map in the future if I needed it , so I felt like I was 

 killing two birds with one stone . The visualization tool suggested that I move through stages of 

 exploration , pattern finding , ideation , prototyping , and scaling . Visualizing was much easier to 

 begin with than physically changing the set - up of my stereo system because that required me to 

 move my equipment , as well as reconnect cables , potentially cut new cables , and even buy new 

 cables . I started with visualization because , without this process , I was looking at increasing my 

 time and cost with a high probability of failure . 

 Application 

 By using the right side of my brain , I was not focused on the step - by - step approach an 

 individual generally focuses on while installing equipment . Rather , the visualization tool helped 

 me explore the challenge of my stereo system , which enabled me to find a pattern . The pattern I 

 found was mostly that my boyfriend and I had used the same approach at least three times to no 

 avail . I believe there is a saying that goes , “ repeating the same actions and expecting a different 

 outcome is the definition of insanity ” . I was getting close to insanity before I consciously 

 decided to visualize . Once I had discovered this pattern , I was able make my problem tangible 

 and concrete . I drew a photo of the back of my receiver , television , and speakers . I was working 

 with the what is . I wanted to know exactly what is working , what is not working , and what could 

 be changed . I turned the receiver on to an FM radio , pulled off the front of my speakers , and 

 checked to see if my handmade copper wiring was still working . To my great triumph , it was 

 working . That meant that either the optical cord was not working or else it was an issue with the 

 receiver . I had another optical cord , so why not try it ? Well , this cord was too short . So , I 

 unplugged my speakers , moved my receiver to a place I thought the cord could reach , and I re- 

 connected everything . The cord still did not reach . Even though I had made a conscious effort to 

 Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 work in terms of design thinking , I slipped back into linear thinking immediately after I had 

 success with visualization . I found out the answer to the what is , and immediately went to what 

 works . Needless to say , it did not work . I returned to the drawing , or should I say visualization , 

 board . 

 My old optical cord has a red light indicating it worked , so why was I so fixated on the 

 cord not working ? I had narrowed my problem too much . It was time to think of the what if . I 

 began to develop some concepts of the problem while looking at my maps . I knew the cords 

 were working , as well as the receiver , because I had tested them . I also knew my television 

 worked . Then it hit me , as I broadened my problem to the television , which I had dismissed 

 earlier because I knew it was a separate entity that was only connected to the stereo , I realized 

 the problem could be my television , not my stereo . I was not keen on moving shelves and heavy 

 speakers again nor purchase a new system to test a theory , so you could say I skipped the 

 prototyping step ( aka what wows ) and went straight to scaling ( aka what works ) . I went into my 

 television menu and changed my sound settings . It worked ! I can not say that I was even 

 surprised because I had calculated the outcome during my concept development in the what if 

 stage . 

 Insight 

 I like to think of this as a thought experiment turned prototype to the use of design 

 thinking in my life . I was hesitant to try an approach I had never used before when I was alone 

 and out of my area of expertise , but I was comforted knowing that my potential failure would not 

 affect others because I was in a controlled space and I was alone . Thinking back to the course , I 

 started this thought experiment with the mindset of George , under the belief I was of the mindset 

 of Geoff . After I started applying what I learned , I was able to achieve the mindset of Geoff , but 

 it took me some time . I even slipped into the mindset of George a few times during the process . I 

 am so accustomed to working with a narrow mindset that it is easy to fall into the habit . My 

 boyfriend can attest to when I was slipping into a narrow mindset because he bore the brunt of 

 my attitude when my successes depreciated and my frustration multiplied . Without using design 

 thinking , I can easily say that I would have either re - wired my speakers unnecessarily or paid an 

 expert to discover my problem . Had I taken that route , I would have lost time , money , and 

 valuable knowledge about problem - solving and my speakers . Using visualization made my 

 problem coherent and concrete . Before I created a map , I was flying blind and trying various 

 Design Thinking : Final Assignment     Rhiannon Karim 

 methods of the same strategy . The problem felt as if it were beyond my scope of knowledge and 

 skills . Ironically , by broadening the problem , I was able to identify specific , targeted solutions 

 that were within my realm of knowledge . Ultimately , by broadening my thinking of the problem , 

 I not only found a simple solution , but I was also able to discover my competencies . 

 Approach 

 One thing I have ensured I did , was to keep my maps in order to help me in the future should 

 I need to set up my system again . My first installation was not successful and I did not keep 

 record of it to help me find a pattern . If I were to go back to last Thursday I would probably start 

 with a learning launch . While I know this sounds backwards as a learning launch is used in the 

 final stage of design thinking , it would have been extremely beneficial in this case . More 

 specifically , I exuded hubris when I set up my system in my entertainment stand and against a 

 wall when I knew I would have difficulties connecting it . Had I started the project from a design 

 thinking mindset , I would have known that keeping my hardware in an accessible place would 

 allow me to test different outcomes with greater ease . Starting with a learning launch may see 

 backwards , however , knowing that I was building a model ( completing a practice run ) , would 

 have helped me be experimental and open - minded .
### Output: 