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There are 6 modules in this course
This course, "The Ideation Process," guides you through the essential steps of transforming an idea into a viable product. You will learn how to use design sprints for process mapping, engage in sketching, deciding, and prototyping phases, and gather valuable user feedback through customer interviews to refine your concept.
What's included
3 videos
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 15 minutes
Introduction to Information Technology Entrepreneurship & Startup•8 minutes
Personal Introduction•4 minutes
Course Overview•4 minutes
Module 1: Ideation Session - Finding An Idea
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will explore various models for generating initial business ideas, including market pull, technology push, and hybrid inspiration models. You will learn to conduct a status quo analysis by mapping current business processes and identifying key problems, and then identify high-level needs and potential technological solutions. Finally, you will prioritize these needs using tools like the PICK chart to select the most viable idea for development.
What's included
10 videos2 assignments
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 84 minutes
Module 1 Overview•3 minutes
Market Pull Model•9 minutes
Technology Push Model•9 minutes
Hybrid Inspiration Models•8 minutes
Map Current Business Processes (Cab Company)•6 minutes
Identifying Key Problems from Process Map - Part 1•8 minutes
Identifying Key Problems from Process Map - Part 2•7 minutes
In this module, you will delve into the design sprint process, learning its steps and setup to effectively map out your project. You will gain domain insights by identifying long-term goals, listing challenges, and consulting experts. Additionally, you will learn to identify the target problem using the "How Might We" process and prioritize key questions and customer targets through a voting system.
What's included
8 videos2 assignments
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 45 minutes
Module 2 Overview•2 minutes
What is a Design Sprint?•4 minutes
The Design Sprint Process & Setup•3 minutes
Identifying a Long-term Vision (Goal). Start at the End, List Challenges - Part 1•10 minutes
Identifying a Long-term Vision (Goal). Start at the End, List Challenges - Part 2•7 minutes
The Mapping Phase & Ask Experts (Ridesharing Examples)•10 minutes
"How Might We" Process & Example (Listen, Take Notes, Post & Sort)•4 minutes
Pick a Target (Customer, Key Question) - Vote•5 minutes
In this module, you will learn how to envision and realize innovative solutions through a structured design process. You will start by researching existing solutions and identifying gaps, then explore how to augment your ideas with AI. Moving forward, you will engage in lightning demos, sketch your solutions using techniques like Crazy 8s, and create detailed product sketches and storyboards. Finally, you will dive into the prototyping phase, utilizing both software tools and physical prototyping methods such as 3D printing and makerspaces to bring your concepts to life.
What's included
10 videos2 assignments
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 59 minutes
Module 3 Overview•2 minutes
Research & Lightning Demos (Analyze Existing Solutions and Gaps, Competitors)•8 minutes
Augmenting Solution with AI•7 minutes
Lightning Demos•5 minutes
Sketch Your Solution(s) - Crazy 8s•8 minutes
Product Sketches•5 minutes
Create Storyboard•5 minutes
The Prototyping Phase•8 minutes
Software Prototyping Tools•4 minutes
Physical Prototyping: 3D Printing & Makerspaces•7 minutes
2 assignments•Total 120 minutes
Practice Exam•60 minutes
Graded Exam•60 minutes
Module 4: Getting User Feedback
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will learn the importance of customer interviews and the validation phase in the entrepreneurial process. You will explore the customer discovery process and develop an interview plan, including best practices and effective questions. Finally, you will analyze interview outcomes to evaluate product-market fit and refine your business thesis, culminating in a comprehensive course recap.
What's included
11 videos1 reading2 assignments
Show info about module content
11 videos•Total 53 minutes
Module 4 Overview•1 minute
Why Customer Interviews•4 minutes
The Validation Phase•4 minutes
Customer Discovery Process•4 minutes
Interview Plan•4 minutes
Interview Best Practices•5 minutes
Interview Questions - Part 1•5 minutes
Interview Questions - Part 2•7 minutes
Evaluating Product-Market Fit from Customer Discovery Interviews•7 minutes
Business Thesis•5 minutes
Course Recap•4 minutes
1 reading
Reference Books for Additional Reading•0 minutes
2 assignments•Total 120 minutes
Practice Exam•60 minutes
Graded Exam•60 minutes
Explore the Carlson School of Management's Management of Information Systems (MIS) Research Center
Module 6•10 minutes to complete
Module details
What's included
1 reading
Show info about module content
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Carlson School of Management: Management of Information Systems (MIS) Research Center•10 minutes
Earn a career certificate
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The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.