Overview
AppLab is a 6-credit course offered within the Innovation and Design Cooperative (IDC) that exists to help students become change-makers…individuals that can go into the world and become positive catalysts for breaking the status quo and redefining a more sustainable world. Through the project-based experience, students learn to develop innovative solutions to complex problems while immersed in interdisciplinary teams.
Mission
As part of the IDC, AppLab exists to unleash creative potential in students so they can participate in the co-creation of solutions that make positive contributions to the world. By emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, creative problem solving through design thinking, and intangibles such as grit, perseverance, and empathy, AppLab is developing future leaders that will make a difference.
Vision
As part of the IDC, AppLab’s vision is to develop and disseminate a new pedagogical approach across higher education that helps students define themselves as problem solvers, collaborators and innovators that are well prepared to make a positive impact in the world. In doing so, students develop a tool set that will enable them to navigate an uncertain world. AppLab pedagogy will help students thrive on change and drive it into the future.
Values
In pursuing our mission and vision we espouse the following values:
- Empathy – Stakeholders have unique needs that may not be readily apparent. Innovators uncover and address them through the design of useful solutions.
- Co-Creation – Great ideas are the manifestation of collective thought. We focus on harnessing group genius and squashing group think.
- Mistakes – Well intentioned failure is great data…do it quickly, learn and move on.
- Diversity – We all look at the world through a narrow lens, whereas comprehensive solutions to complex problems require a diversity of worldviews woven together.
- Iteration – Find a solution and improve on it. Inch by inch…we can change the world!
- “Yes, and…” – Build on the ideas of others!
- No Judgement – Unleash your wildest ideas, they play an important role in driving innovation.
- Listen – Talk less…listen more.
- Multi-stakeholder value creation – The efficacy of solutions is measured by their impact across all stakeholders.