Our program

Module 1: Introduction to Design Thinking and Real-World Problem Solving

• Objective: Introduce the design thinking process and explore how it can be used to solve everyday problems.
• Topics Covered:
  1. What is design thinking? (Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test).
  2. Real-world applications of design thinking.
  3. Problem identification and empathy: understanding the needs of others.
  4. Brainstorming techniques for ideation.
• Activities:
  1. Introduction to a real-world problem, and breaking it down into manageable components.
  2. Group brainstorming to generate creative solutions.
  3. Case studies of design thinking in action (e.g., urban planning, product design).

Module 2: Creative Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

• Objective: Help students develop the ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.
• Topics Covered:
  1. Divergent vs. convergent thinking.
  2. Identifying hidden opportunities in everyday challenges.
  3. The power of asking "why?" multiple times to understand the root of a problem.
• Activities:
  1. Challenge the Assumptions" exercise to reframe problems.
  2. Case studies of inventive solutions to common issues (e.g., redesigning everyday objects, simplifying services).

Module 3: Financial Literacy

• Objective: Teach students the basics of personal finance and how to apply budgeting and economic thinking in real-world situations.
• Topics Covered:
  1. Introduction to economics of budgeting and savings
  2. Cost-benefit analysis: making smart financial decisions.
  3. Prioritizing needs vs. wants.
  4. Understanding investment, loans, and the basics of credit.
• Activities:
  1. Budget simulation where students manage a fixed income over a month.
  2. Group project: planning a cost-effective community event or initiative.
  3. Discuss financial decisions for future goals (college, travel, etc.).

Module 4: Resourcefulness and Adaptability

• Objective: Encourage students to be resourceful in challenging situations by thinking creatively and using what’s available.
• Topics Covered:
  1. Finding and leveraging resources in your environment (people, materials, technology).
  2. Building resilience and adaptability when things don’t go as planned.
  3. Using constraints to inspire creativity.
• Activities:
  1. MacGyver Challenge": students are given a problem and must create a solution using limited tools.
  2. Real life case study analysis of bootstrapping IITIIMShaadi

Module 5: Understand the other person’s mindset

• Objective: Enlighten students on human psychology and ways to influence people to be on the same page as you
• Topics Covered:
  1. The art of convincing
  2. Maslow’s theory of order of needs and it’s applications on humans
  3. Charisma: learn to be liked by everyone
• Activities:
  1. Convincing Challenge: Using real life situations: convincing parents to let them go on a trip with friends
  2. Role-playing: Presenting ideas clearly and persuasively to different audiences.

Module 6: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Everyday Life

• Objective: Help students understand entrepreneurship as a mindset that can be applied to solve problems creatively and bring ideas to life.
• Topics Covered:
  1. Entrepreneurship principles: identifying opportunities, risk-taking, and Innovation
  2. Developing a "street-smart" mindset to spot everyday inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement.
  3. How to get started once you land on a idea
• Activities:
  1. Business simulation: students develop and pitch a low-cost start-up idea to address a community or school need.

Module 7: Introduction Negotiation

• Objective: Equip students with essential negotiation skills, strategies, and frameworks to achieve successful outcomes in both professional and personal scenarios.
• Topics Covered:
  1. Definition and Importance of Negotiation
  2. Types of Negotiations (Distributive vs. Integrative)
  3. Key Elements: BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), ZOPA (Zone of Possible Agreement), and Reservation Price
• Activities:
1. Harvard based simulation on negotiation by dividing students into two groups b) Assessment of different styles of negotiation

Module 8: Recap and Final Project

• Objective: Allow students to put all their skills into practice by tackling a real-world problem from start to finish using design thinking principles.
• Topics Covered:
  1. Quick recap of all the topics covered till now
  2. Q&A with students in case they have anything to ask further
• Activities:
  1. Getting students to enter a real world challenge – a small competition on “sales” within the safe school environment – something which’ll require them to apply their learnings and more.