Digital Transformation in market-leading Companies – Gaining Insights and creating Solution Blueprints  with the Methodology of Design Thinking, BIP-ID: 2021-1-DE01-KA131-HED-000005600-3

BIP Coordination: Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, D  HEILBRO01

BIP Partners (6): Karelia University of Applied Sciences, SF JOENSUU09 (Finland); University of West Attica, G EGALEO02 (Greece); Dundalk Institute of Technology, IRLDUNDALK01 (Ireland);  University of Bologna, I BOLOGNA01 (Italy); Hanze University of Applied Sciences, NL GRONING03 (The Netherlands); ); Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, A WELS01 (Austria)

The Design Thinking methodology was intended to support the development of solutions to real business challenges through active learning in intercultural teams. The programme also aimed to provide participants with insights into the challenges companies face in the context of digital transformation.

The first Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), organized by Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences in September 2022 together with six partner universities from six different countries, was highly successful. A total of 36 mobile participants, five external lecturers, and two lecturers from Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences took part in the programme.

As planned, the participants were introduced to the Design Thinking methodology and acquired relevant knowledge and skills in its application. Design Thinking is a highly user-centered approach to problem-solving that involves redefining problems in order to develop new products, services, experiences, and business models. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge of the methodology but also conducted interviews with stakeholders as part of the learning process.

During the physical mobility phase of the BIP, visits to regional companies were carried out as planned, providing participants with valuable insights into relevant business processes. At the end of the programme, each team, composed of students from the different partner institutions, presented a proposed solution to a business-related challenge. In this way, the objectives of experiential and active learning in small intercultural groups were successfully achieved. Furthermore, participants gained in-depth insights into the challenges faced by market-leading companies in different countries in the context of digital transformation.

Through the joint planning and implementation of the BIP with six European partner universities, stronger relationships were established among the participating institutions. These collaborations have already led to the planning and implementation of additional BIP projects in the different partner countries. The experiences gained through the programme, both on the academic level and in terms of overall planning and organization, will be incorporated into future joint initiatives.

The participants themselves were able to enhance their intercultural competencies through collaborative group work and became familiar with a variety of approaches to learning and problem-solving. The insights gained regarding different learning methods are intended to be integrated into courses and project work at the participating institutions and will enrich future collaborative activities.