DIGITAL GAME DESIGN
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code	Course Name	Semester	Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
DES3936	Design Thinking	Fall Spring	2	0	2	4

This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level:	Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery:	Face to face
Course Coordinator :	Assist. Prof. HANDAN TEMELTAŞ
Recommended Optional Program Components:	None
Course Objectives:	The aims of the Design thinking course are to provide students with knowledge and skills about producing innovative and user-oriented solutions. This course aims to introduce students to the methods and tools to be used in the problem solving process, such as creative thinking, empathy, understanding user needs, looking from different perspectives, prototyping and testing. It also teaches students collaboration skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership. Design thinking course motivates and inspires students to produce innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Students who successfully complete this course will:
1. Examine the fundamentals of design thinking and explore different perspectives to conceptualize innovative solutions.
2. Explain users' needs, allowing for a deeper comprehension of real user problems and the development of appropriate solutions.
3. Name knowledge of and compare in a systematic problem-solving process, including the use of tools and methods for problem analysis, solution generation, and evaluation.
4. Illustrate the process of rapidly transforming ideas into prototypes and evaluating these prototypes through user feedback.
5. Identify the dynamics of teamwork and leadership in achieving common goals, with an emphasis on theoretical understanding of project management and team motivation.
6. List methods for producing innovative solutions and improving existing conditions, building creativity and the conceptualization of transformative projects.

Course Content

This 14-week Design Thinking course aims to teach students the fundamentals of design thinking. The course covers topics such as collaboration and teamwork, different thinking and creativity methods, design thinking tools and techniques, empathy and user-centered design, problem definition, ideation, prototyping and iteration, testing, design thinking case studies, design thinking workshops, and projects. At the end of the course, students will apply the design thinking process to create their final presentations and evaluate the course. The teaching methods of the course are as follows: Lecture, collaborative learning, observation, discussion, individual study, problem solving and implementation.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Introduction to Design Thinking • Overview of design thinking principles and methodologies • Understanding the design thinking process	Research Assignment
2)	Collaboration and Teamwork Design Thinking in Business • Effective teamwork and communication in design thinking • Collaborative ideation and decision-making techniques • Applying design thinking to business challenges • Product development and service design using design thinking • Creating inclusive and ethical solutions through design thinking	Research Assignment
3)	Different Ways of Thinking and Creativity • Creative Thinking • Critical Thinking • Systemic Thinking • Analytical Thinking	Research Assignment
4)	Design Thinking Tools and Techniques • Introduction to various design thinking tools and techniques • Persona development, journey mapping, and design sprints	Research Assignment
5)	Empathy and User-Centered Design • Importance of empathy in design thinking • Techniques for conducting user research and gathering insights	Research Assignment
6)	Problem Definition • Defining design problems effectively with appropriate tools	Practical Assignment
7)	Ideation • Brainstorming and other techniques for generating innovative ideas	Practical Assignment
8)	Midterm Exam	N/A
9)	Prototyping and Iteration Testing • Introduction to prototyping methods • Rapid prototyping and iterative design process • User Tests • Feedback Gathering • Improvement	Practical Assignment
10)	Design Thinking Case Studies • Analyzing real-world examples of successful design thinking projects • Learning from design thinking success stories across industries	Practical Assignment
11)	Design Thinking Workshop 1 • Hands-on workshop to apply design thinking principles and methods • Collaborative design thinking project in small groups • Applying design thinking process to solve a real-world problem	Practical Assignment
12)	Design Thinking Workshop 2 • Continued hands-on workshop to practice design thinking techniques • Collaborative design thinking project in small groups • Applying design thinking process to solve a real-world problem	Presentation Assignment
13)	Design Thinking Project / Pre-Presentations	Presentation Assignment
14)	Design Thinking Project / Pre-Presentations	Presentation Assignment

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:	-
References:	Cross, N. (2011). Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work. Berg Publishers. Rowe, P. G. (1987). Design Thinking. MIT Press. Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation. Harper Business. Plattner, H., Meinel, C., & Leifer, L. (Eds.). (2011). Design Thinking: Understand – Improve – Apply. Springer.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Attendance	1	% 15
Homework Assignments	1	% 20
Midterms	1	% 25
Final	1	% 40
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 40
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Course Hours	13	2	26
Study Hours Out of Class	3	7	21
Homework Assignments	10	4	40
Paper Submission	1	10	10
Final	1	3	3
Total Workload			100

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Comprehend the conceptual importance of the game in the field of communication, ability to implement the player centered application to provide design.
2)	Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.
3)	Analyze the key elements that make up specific game genres, forms of interactions, mode of narratives and understand how they are employed effectively to create a successful game.
4)	Understand game design theories and methods as well as implement them during game development; to make enjoyable, attractive, instructional and immersive according to the target audience.
5)	Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.
6)	Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.
7)	Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.
8)	Comprehend and master how ideas, concepts and topics are conveyed via games followed by the utilization of these aspects during the development process.
9)	Manage the game design and development process employing complete documentation; following the full game production pipeline via documentation.
10)	Understand and employ the structure and work modes of game development teams; comprehend the responsibilities of team members and collaborations between them while utilizing this knowledge in practice.
11)	Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.
12)	Pitching a video game to developers, publishers, and players; mastering the art of effectively communicating and marketing the features and commercial potential of new ideas, concepts or games.