Design thinking action labs prototype

1. Redesigning school-to-work transition
Prototype - For Design thinking action labs

2. Problem statement
Sam a final engineering graduate who is enthusiastic, and highly motivated
individual needs to find a way to learn specialised skill and update himself
with latest market needs to become more employable because the schools
he went to did not mentor him or exposed him to latest market needs

3. Idea 1: Mentorship program
Mentorship programs are arranged every alternate weeks, primary mentors being
Alumni’s and secondary mentors are professors
Alumni’s who are already working, will talk about what process they have followed to
find the job, what are the current industry trends what challenges they have faced at
work because of gap between what they have learned at school and what the industry
need was
This will help students to identify gaps and bridge them by learning those skills
I have used user Journey map to create a prototype
Prototype

4. Journey map
Management
announces dates for
mentorship sessions
both with professors
and alumni's via
school notice boards
Students book a slot
with their details to
meet either a
professor or a
alumni according to
there needs
Management team
reviews the
applications and
assigns specific
mentor and
communicates the
dates to the student
Mentors provide guidance to
students on what current job
requirements, trends etc are. And
also provide necessary guidelines
(skill sets to improve) to students
A review meet up is scheduled
between mentor and student to
check the progress via on site
meet or phone conversation,
depending on mentor availability

5. + What worked Δ What could be improved
? Questions ! Ideas
Isn't there a website where I can book
the appointment instead of notice
board
Can I contact mentors any time I want?
Are this one on one sessions or group
sessions?
Students appreciate mentorship
program, specially with alumni’s
who are currently working
Through journey map students
could easily understand how the
concept will work
Application process: should have
multiple ways to apply for the
mentor session, like a dedicated
web site for mentorship program
Posting profiles of Alumni's
Mentorship with industry leaders
Online mentorship, via Skype,
phone, etc from busy mentors
A website dedicated for mentorship
program, where students can find
mentor profiles and book
appointments

6. Reflections
Prototyping is the best way to get an idea to life
Provide profiles of mentors, there availability and a provision of booking appointment
all at one place
Will work on creating a prototype where the mentorship can be provided online, using
Skype, mails, telephone etc

7. Idea 2: Training on Innovation, creativity and
entrepreneurship
Students are provided vigorous training on Innovation, creativity and
entrepreneurship, and are encouraged to invent new tools/machines for the industry
of their interest and also show case at various exhibitions and innovative platforms
This will not only increase the employability of the student but also create a chance to
starting their own enterprise
I have used user Journey map to create a prototype
Prototype

8. Journey map
Management
announces dates for
Innovation training
Students apply with
details
Management team
shortlist applications
and invite students
for the course
Selected
students
undergo
training
Students form into
teams and created
new products or
services for the
industry the are
interested in
Students showcase
there inventions at
school fares and
innovation fares

9. + What worked Δ What could be improved
? Questions ! Ideas
What if I am interested in the program
but not shortlisted
How will I know where innovation fares
are held
How can I monetize what I have
invented
Students are very interested in
entrepreneurship program
Through journey map students
could easily understand how the
concept will work
Since this is extra curricular activity
and will be held on weekend it
should also be available online for
those students who cannot attend
Work with other school in the area
to collaborate to get students ideas
to life

10. Reflections
Students are super exited about creativity and entrepreneurship program, more that
any other
Schools have limited resources to provide training on creativity and entrepreneurship
program
Will find out if management school students can provide training for free
Will enquire if the students can be funded to create a prototype for high budget
prototypes