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Naomi Hay
Affiliate, College of Arts and Social Science
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Henrique Marcelino dos Santos
Affiliate, ANU Digital Strategy, Insights & Analytics
A hands-on intro to Design Thinking — mapping problems, understanding stakeholders, and shaping design projects for social impact.
About this KNoT
You will be introduced to the origins and evolution of Design Thinking and an overview of some key principles and methods to identify, frame, and critically respond to problems across diverse societal contexts. This will be followed by an activity-based learning experience, where you will be guided through the process of applying Design Thinking to a problem area of your own choosing. This includes mapping the problem space, identifying key stakeholders, journey mapping to understand user experiences, and more!
By the end of this KNOT, you will have developed both a conceptual understanding and practical experience of applying Design Thinking for social impact, engaging complex problems with empathy and insight.
Preparation
- Read about design thinking: Design Thinking: Where It Came From (Medium)
- Please bring a problem that you are interested in exploring. This might be something to do with your area of study, research, work, or something that you're passionate about. You are also welcome to bring a problem you started exploring in a previous KNOT.
What You’ll Learn
Learning Resources
Tips & Advice
How to Complete This KNoT
Include a copy of the worked output (can be a photo, drawing, etc). You may include more than one. Include a short 100-200 word reflection that explores how you are considering the problem differently through using the tool (ie what are the insights you have gained).
Submit your Completion Task here:
Submit your completion task for this KNoT via the Qualtrics survey (ANU Login required). You have 10 calendar days after the KNoT to submit it.
Writing your reflection
Most completion tasks ask you to reflect on what you did. For example prompts, sentence starters, and what a strong reflection covers, see Guidance on Reflective Practice. Your completed tasks come together at the end of the semester in the KNoT Completion Evidence.
Poster preview
Learn With Us
A 101 on Design Thinking & Visualisation
This KNOT introduces Design Thinking as a dynamic, human-centred approach to tackling complex social challenges through design methodologies. You will be introduced to the origins and evolution of...
Date: Monday 31 August 2026 1–4pm
Led by: Naomi Hay and Henrique Marcelino dos Santos
Location: JoY: John Yencken [45], Ground Floor
Skills you’ll develop:
- Design Thinking
- Problem Framing
- Inclusive Design
This is a workshop in the SoCIETIE Initiative: a 6-unit transdisciplinary course open to all students. You don’t need to be in the class to join. RSVP to secure your spot.
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I'm attending
A 101 on Design Thinking & Visualisation
Mon 31 Aug, 1pm · JoY: John Yencken
Led by Naomi Hay and Henrique Marcelino dos Santos