On January 15 and 22, students from English Classes 03 and 04 of the High-Quality Business Administration Program participated in a special Design Thinking & Innovation course led by Professor Yong Se Kim, Senior Lecturer at Tongji University (China) and an internationally recognized expert in Design Thinking and Innovation.
Rather than approaching creativity as an intuitive process, the course introduced students to structured frameworks for understanding how innovation creates value. Through models such as E3 Value (Economic Value, Ecological Value, and Experience Value) and the Visual Reasoning Model, students explored how observation, analysis, visualization, and problem-solving come together to generate meaningful business innovations.
A distinctive feature of Professor Kim’s teaching was his highly visual and interactive approach. Using diagrams, conceptual frameworks, and practical illustrations, he encouraged students to rethink how they define problems before searching for solutions. Instead of providing ready-made answers, he guided students through a process of critical reflection, helping them appreciate the role of design thinking in product innovation, service development, and organizational transformation.
Throughout the sessions, academic concepts were consistently connected to real-world business contexts and user-centered innovation. This approach enabled students to understand not only the theoretical foundations of Design Thinking but also its practical applications in creating sustainable value for organizations and customers.
Beyond introducing a new academic discipline, the two sessions equipped students with a systematic, human-centered approach to innovation that they can continue applying in their studies, research, and future professional careers. The course reflects the High-Quality Business Administration Program’s commitment to providing students with international learning experiences while fostering the critical thinking and innovation capabilities required in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.