Lunch and Learn: Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Florence Study Abroad Flyer. Courtesy of Ferris State University Associate Professor Tim Powers.

Florence Study Abroad Flyer. Courtesy of Ferris State University Associate Professor Tim Powers.

Professor Tim Powers will be presenting a Lunch and Learn on Thursday, November 30th entitled “Study Abroad in Florence, Italy.” During his Lunch and Learn, Professor Powers will speak about his upcoming trip to Florence, Italy that will revolve around design thinking. The trip will take place in the Summer 2018 and students will take two or more 3-credit course while abroad. Below is some information about what the Lunch and Learn will cover.

What is design thinking? 

Design thinking is a philosophy, a process and a set of methods for problem solving, particularly suited to complex problems. The principles of design thinking, such as user-centeredness, willingness to deal with uncertainty and complexity, application of rapid prototyping, and of an explicit design process are now taught at some of the top business and innovation schools around the world. Today design thinking methodology is applied by organizations to help multiple stakeholders work more effectively as a system. It is used in business for new product launches, corporate strategy, and organizational alignment.

Why should I be interested? 

This course will benefit not only business students interested in innovation, user experience designers, and strategists, but also students in engineering, industrial design, and social sciences. The course is a blend of theory and practice covering (1) history and development (2) principles, and (3) methods of design thinking. Participants will work in teams to create an innovative solution to a real-world challenge.

Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

In addition to the DSGN390, 1 FUA course (3 semester credits) will be chosen from FUA Summer Session A course options. Students can also choose to start a week earlier in Rome, and take a 3 credit class as they travel to Florence. They may also choose to stay a week later to take their 3 credit course.

To learn more about the study abroad program and ask questions, please join us for the Lunch and Learn on Thursday, November 30th from 11:00am till 11:50am in Pickell’s Conference Room. As usual, pizza from Jets pizza will be provided for those who sign-up beforehand to attend. Please make sure to sign-up before noon on Wednesday, November 29th by emailing , as space is limited.

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