How can individuals create innovation to impact on end users if they cannot observe and are distance away from them? Going through the “problem solving” methods in MBA essentials, there is a methodology called “Design Thinking”. It is a user-centric, process-oriented method for generating innovation. The method emphasizes on ethnographic approach, which requires “face to face” observation and real time interviews with users. The process follows 5 basic steps: users’ empathy, problem definition, idea generation, prototyping and iteration. However, given the social and “distance” barrier, how do innovators employ “Design thinking” method in the classroom environment becomes a new challenge.

Dr Goi Hoe Chin received his Doctorate degree in Media and Governance from Keio University and Master of Business Administration in Waseda University. His research fields include Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking. Currently, Dr Goi has designed and employed “Collaborative based Design Thinking” model for the purpose of creating social impact in local towns in Kanagawa, Chiba, Gifu and Aichi prefectures.