Examination arrangement

Course content

More than ever before, companies and organisations are discovering and exploring the benefits of employing Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, many are unable to move from experimenting with AI solutions to obtaining real business value. AI + Design Thinking is a unique interdisciplinary program that aims to create business value by combining the creative craft of design thinking with the technological power of artificial intelligence.  The course teaches how to facilitate and run interdisciplinary innovation processes. The course is specifically tailored for design innovation for AI projects within companies and organisations. 

AI + Design thinking will empower the participants to become ‘catalysts of innovation’ within the companies they work. The course will expect you to bring a case related to your own work place, organization or company, and apply a design thinking + AI approach on this case.

Becoming a catalyst of innovation requires mastering three fundamental skills: 1) Being capable of discovering opportunities by viewing challenges and situations with a customer-centric mindset and by framing the "right" problem that needs to be solved, 2). Being able to think differently and interdisciplinary to search for new problems and solutions where AI works as an enabling technology, 3). Embracing an experimental attitude to iteratively discover and early testing of what is valuable, feasible and viable.

AI + Design Thinking is based on an AI ecosystem which in addition to the technology includes users, customers, business and organization. The interplay between these elements provides a framework for innovation and value creation in a business perspective.

Elements of AI or similar competence are highly recommended as a basis for the course participation.

The course content is developed in collaboration with leading national and international experts on the new area of fully integrating AI and design thinking. AI + Design Thinking will be delivered as a e-learning course, making it possible to take part independent of where you work.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

As a result of the course, the participant will:

• Understand the fundamental functions and possibilities of artificial intelligence.

• Have experience with the mindset, methods and area of application of design thinking
• Be able to conduct the central components of an insight and ideation phase
• Understand how end-user needs, technological and economic context impact or are impacted by design thinking
• Understand how design thinking is best applied to increase the value of a product or service enabled through AI
• Be familiar with the ethical discourse connected with AI

• Know the central principles for critical validation, analysis and presentation of AI data analysis and presentation of AI data 
• Know how trust can be developed towards AI systems

Skills

After completing the course, the participant will be able to:

• apply design thinking to explore and define the opportunities of AI technologies

• complete end user studies to gain insight into the end-users and stakeholder needs and objectives
• have the start kit for facilitating design processes for idea generation and concept development bringing tech and people together
• interpret and analyse AI data and transform and present this to customers and other stakeholders
• suggest possible solutions where AI technologies enable people
• make first concepts, probes or prototypes to test the appropriateness and opportunities of AI

• apply design methods to develop new and innovative areas for the use of AI
• visualize and communicate data, concepts and solutions for interests and decision makers

Learning methods and activities

E-learning - with regular digital meetings and coaching sessions.

The participant will be expected to spend approximately 200 hours for the completion of the course.

The teaching is based on the participants working on projects / themes from their own workplace. This means that you set aside time for data collection and collaboration.

This will include:

3 assignments and one final deliverable, the first requiring 10-20 hours of work .

2 real time and obligatory seminars.

Regular supervision with key experts from NTNU, Digital Norway and partner companies based on the choice of case.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation workshop 1+2
• Participation online courses 1+2

Further on evaluation

Deliverables consist of a written project report that can be submitted individually or in groups. If you choose group submission, the same grade will be given to all group members. Lack of attendance / participation in gatherings and teaching can be assessed on the basis of an application to the Department of Design.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The primary target group is producers, product developers of digital solutions and strategic leaders who want to bring about increased innovation and innovation through the use of artificial intelligence. The need will apply to both the private and public sector, SMEs and large companies, and across disciplines that work with digitization processes and innovation. The secondary target group is AI experts or experienced designers who want to increase the value of their own understanding and work practice.

To be accepted for the course, a bachelor in a technology discipline as accepted by the MTDO master program is necessary, in addition to two years of relevant work experience.

Required previous knowledge

The course requires a bachelor in an engineering/technology discipline and minimum two years of work practice.

Course materials

Course material will be made available at the start of course and material is shared in connection with the gatherings. The course Elements of AI should be reviewed before the course starts. https://www.elementsofai.no/.