Course Summary

The course introduces the principles of product development through the “Design Thinking” approach and user-centered design. It follows a creative and experiential learning process that combines classroom sessions with independent work on product development in an entrepreneurial format, similar to the early stages of building a startup.

About the Course

• Schedule: Fall Semester, Wednesday 16:00-18:00
• Credits: 2 credit points
• Lecturer: Mr. Shay Ben-Barak
• Office Hours: By appointment, before or after class
• Location: To be determined
• Eligibility:  Undergraduate students from 2nd year of study 
• Prerequisites: None
• Additional Requirements: If the course is held online, students will be required to keep their cameras on during class. In the case of recorded sessions, gallery view images will not be recorded. Failure to turn on the camera will be considered an absence.

Course Description

This graduate-level course (also open to second-year undergraduates with departmental approval) introduces students to the principles of product development using the Design Thinking approach and user-centered design methodology. Through a dynamic blend of weekly lectures, hands-on group work (in groups of 3–4 students), and self-directed assignments, students learn to ideate, prototype, and validate innovative product or service concepts, mirroring the early stages of a startup process.