Learn to Use Systems Thinking for Innovative
Human-Centered Product Design
Offered by the University of Michigan College of Engineering, this five-day course will engage you in the use of systems thinking for the creation of innovative, human-centered product designs, with special emphasis on the integration of human considerations at every stage in the process.
Learn from decades of University of Michigan research and industry expert experience in design thinking, design science, and systems engineering. Apply course content immediately with exercises in class and a work-based project after class, and demonstrate your knowledge by earning a University of Michigan Lean Systems Design Certification.
- Lean Systems Design framework
- Empathizing with target customers, users and aspirants to develop a human-centered innovation plan based on insights from values, attitudes, lifestyles, desires, and unmet needs
- Developing initial requirements and criteria which optimize product appeal
- Thinking outside the box using methods to generate potential solutions
- Utilizing systems engineering methods to decompose the product optimization problem into more manageable sub-problems
- Using human-centered innovation insights, requirements, objective functions, and risk management to converge to a final solution
- Sequentially verifying and integrating solutions to assure the product is effective at meeting the expectations of the target customers and users
- Validating the final product and manufacturing/assembly process
- Managing cognitive biases in design team decision making
- Planning systems engineering project management
- Robert Bordley
- Program Director, Systems Engineering & Design
- Professor of Practice, Integrative Systems + Design
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Industrial & Operations Engineering
- More about...
- Arthur Hyde
- Adjunct Professor , Integrative Systems + Design
- Chief Engineer (retired), Ford Motor Company
- More about...
Lean Systems Design 'M' Model
The Systems Engineering 'V' Model was updated to integrate the human-centered design science processes, methods, and tools, as well as lifecycle management considerations. Additionally, Lean principles that are highly complementary to present systems engineering models should be more prominently visible in the systems engineering model to make it easier to execute. The result is an 'M' model which can be scaled for use by small teams and large enterprises to better structure systems engineering management plans which are more efficient and effective than the traditional 'V' based plans.
This new Lean Systems Design 'M' model has been developed based on the experience from two sources:
- Program faculty member Art Hyde's experience from 40 years at Ford Motor Company
- The breadth of expertise at the University of Michigan in Systems Engineering, Design Science, Decision Science, Six-Sigma, Lean Engineering, Marketing, and Organizational Change Management.
Certification
Participants pursuing their University of Michigan Lean Systems Design Certification are required to successfully complete the following:
- All in-class exercises
- Online test (complete within 60 days after course)
- Certification project selected from workplace (complete within 180 days after course)
Who Should Attend?
This course will benefit anyone attempting to solve complex systems problems with beautiful designs through an efficient, effective process, including engineering executives and managers and all creative thinkers. It is recommended for any industry and organization involved in complex products and processes.
Network with Like-Minded People
Connect with likeminded professional during the program in several unique opportunities, including interactive hands-on exercises and a networking dinner in downtown Ann Arbor. Build relationships and share experiences with fellow professionals in a collaborative and vibrant learning environment.
Online Resources
Participants receive online access to supplemental material for additional learning on topics including:
- Decomposition
- Generalized Weighted Averages
- Conjoint Analysis
- Survey Methods
- Failure Mode Avoidance
