Insufficient Cross-Program Collaboration at Sheridan College

🚀A Design Thinking Expedition 🌖

Welcome to my design thinking journey, where each step is a deliberate stroke on the canvas of cross-discipline collaboration at Sheridan College. Join me as I unpack the challenge, sketch solutions, and sculpt ideas into tangible prototypes.

🌐 Introduction - Setting the Stage

The exploration into enhancing cross-program collaboration at Sheridan College has been an intricate journey, addressing the challenge of limited interdisciplinary teamwork. Guided by a principled design thinking approach, our team, consisting of Han Nguyen (me), Adrianna Estrada, Zephyr Zhu, and Yan Yu, methodically navigated through the design thinking phases - with Empathy as our beacon and first phase to shed light on this problem which we were all impacted by as Sheridan students.

Above is the graphical presentation of each phase and the corresponding tools I will be using to solve this creative problem. (Image Source: All rights reserved by Han Nguyen, Creative Problem Solving Portfolio, p.15, Dec 2023)

🎨 Problem Breakdown - Crafting Clarity & Contextual Understanding

Watch as I lay the foundation using the Impact Gaps Canvas. This tool is my chisel, carving through complexity to showcase the systemic challenges of collaboration at Sheridan.

(Image Source: Han Nguyen, Progress Report, p.3, 2023)

In particular, the Impact Gaps Canvas reveals the multifaceted nature of the problem, emphasizing limited funding, communication inefficiencies, and obstacles in creating a conducive collaborative environment.

🔍 Research and Insights Gathering

The subsequent chapter unfolds like a detective story. Insights are not merely discovered; they are strategically revealed through primary research (interviews) and secondary research (documents, case studies, online ethnography).

Recognizing social anxiety, pre-collaborative familiarity challenges, and the impact of diverse perspectives on collaborative efforts were pivotal learnings. The complexity of cross-program collaboration was further underscored by our observations of game development programs and interaction design projects.

🧩Analysis and Problem Refinement

Analyzing the data unearthed patterns in motives for collaboration, benefits of interdisciplinary teams, and challenges hindering collaboration formation.

(Image Source: Han Nguyen, Progress Report, p.12-16, 2023)

To redefine the problem creatively, we formulated specific How-Might-We questions. The development of a concise problem statement - "Students face challenges collaborating across disciplines, limiting the realization of cross-program collaboration benefits" - became the cornerstone for the subsequent design thinking phases.

💡 Ideation Sessions - Painting with Possibilities

Enter the studio of ideas. Using tools like Worst Idea Possible and Analogies, I facilitated a divergent thinking session as the team leader so that team members felt free to express their creativity and ideas - to craft a palette of innovative solutions. It's not just brainstorming; it's creating a gallery of possibilities.

Example of Divergent Thinking Activity - Analogies Tool, more on our ideation session results check out my Creative Problem-Solving Portfolio or Mural Collaboration Board (Image Source: Han Nguyen, Creative Problem Solving Portfolio, 2023)

Then we converge all the ideas into feasible solutions using the effort/impact map and bullseye map. Both divergent and convergent thinking activities successfully resulted in a refined concept - a crossbreed of Pokemon GO's gamification and UberSkills' skill-sharing.

The idea is that once registered, you would try to 'capture' as many teammates from different programs as possible or be captured by a teamlead😁(using their phone, registered location on campus & AR scanning feature like Pokemon GO) to form a team and advance to the next mini events to campus-wide project (UberSkills' skill-sharing since 'stats' of the partner captured will be displayed, and as team form they function as a unit to make the most of their skillset)

🛠️ Iterative Prototyping & Solutions Development

Step into the workshop of prototypes. The transition from ideation to iterative prototyping showcased the evolution of the concept. The sculpting of interactive digital wireframes signaled a move toward a tangible solution to address the identified challenges.

Below is the application low-fidelity prototype for SkillSnap (or CampusCapture). Enjoy!

🤔 Reflections & Learnings

Reflection was an indispensable part of the process, providing insights into uncertainties and hesitations. Creative problem-solving, adept use of design thinking tools, and effective teamwork emerged as foundational learnings. Recognizing the significance of continual improvement and embracing uncertainty became my pivotal lessons.

"It's not just about looking back; it's about preparing for what lies ahead."

🎉 Conclusion and Future Directions

The design thinking journey concludes with an appreciation of the ongoing nature of the process. Evolving strategies, informed by the learnings, are crucial for future success. Emphasizing ongoing collaboration, effective communication, and adaptability will be key in addressing the challenges of cross-program collaboration comprehensively.

This comprehensive journey is a testament to the meticulous application of design thinking principles in solving complex, real-world challenges. The portfolio serves not only as a documentation of this journey but as a guidepost for future endeavors in promoting cross-program collaboration at Sheridan College.

🙏 "As always, HUGE THANKS for diving into my creative journey with me! Your curiosity is the magic that makes it all worthwhile. Stay boldly creative, and may your ideas be as boundless as the universe! 🚀✨"