Are you and the people in your company solving the right problems?
Are you facing a big challenge but don't know where to start?
Do you need support to solve emergent wicked problems?
Do you want to expand your innovation skillset and mindset and find it easier to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule?
Do you want to connect with a like-minded cohort of creative problem-solvers in the AEC sector?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, the Innovation Lab, organized by the Center for Innovation (formerly CIDCI), is for you!
The Innovation Lab is an online training program that can strengthen your competitive advantage. Classes begin on June 7, 2024, are self-paced and individuals are invited to participate in a live final presentation at the end of the session in November 2024.
The 6-module program will teach participants the mindsets and skillsets associated with the innovation process.
The content for the modules is delivered asynchronously via Google Classroom and includes videos, readings, and discussion questions. Participants can access the material at any time during the 2024 session. Instructors will provide example problem areas for individuals to work on that will guide them through design research, problem framing, idea generation and selection, prototyping, and testing.
Participants who complete the course and requisite activities can expect to have proposed a solution to a challenge they are facing and be well-versed in leading design innovation tools.
Each person or group will receive one hour of coaching to engage, ask questions, and discuss innovation topics, to be scheduled with the instructor.
Individuals or teams will start the Online Innovation Lab with a question or problem they are grappling with. Problem statements that have been explored in the past include:
The Online Innovation Lab will take place from June - November 2024. Individuals can view videos at their own pace during this period.
A certificate of completion will be issued by the Center for Innovation to those who complete the course. Participants who conclude the Innovation Lab may be invited to share their research with the Center for Innovation Board of Directors.
Participants in the Innovation Lab will learn tools from design and systems thinking and be able to apply them immediately to their own projects. They will leave with an appreciation of how to better understand their stakeholders, how to frame opportunities within messy problem spaces, how to conduct rapid experiments to test new product or service offerings, and how to tell stories about ideas in a way that resonates with various stakeholders and motivates action.
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Dr. Rachel Dzombak
Dr. Rachel Dzombak is an expert on innovation, emerging technology, and teaming. She is the founder of Outcome x Design, a consultancy that supports people and organizations to solve problems that matter. Through Outcome, she advises public and private sector organizations on the adoption of AI, digital transformation, and implementing innovation processes. She currently teaches at both Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Berkeley. Rachel completed her PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley.
Dr. Vivek Rao
Dr. Vivek Rao blends design, engineering, and strategy in his work as an educator and researcher. His current work in academia is leading the new Masters of Engineering in Design & Technology Innovation at Duke University. Previously, he taught and led research at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and College of Engineering. Outside of academia, he was an engineering designer and strategist at IDEO, and became fascinated with the AEC sector while working as a process R&D engineer at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (Wastewater Enterprise).
Dr. Sara Beckman
Dr. Sara Beckman has spent her years as a boundary spanner at UC Berkeley, where she has held faculty appointments in both the Haas School of Business and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. She served as Chief Learning Officer for the newly formed Jacobs Institute of Design Innovation and facilitated the creation of a multi-disciplinary Certificate in Design Innovation. She teaches courses such as Collaborative Innovation, which integrates Art Practice, Theater and Dance Performance Studies, and Business perspectives on both collaboration and innovation.
Center for Innovation sponsors enjoy free participation based on their level of sponsorship. Not sure if your company is a sponsor? View a list of our sponsors here. Current sponsors at all levels may purchase additional seats for $1000 per person.
Innovation Lab enrollment is limited to 50 people.
The course fee is not refundable but is transferrable under certain circumstances.
To purchase additional sponsor tickets, please email [email protected]
“On the second day of the Innovation lab, my boss asked if I was making any good contacts (for the company.) Oh, yeah, I told him I’m making amazing contacts but more importantly, I’m learning a new way to think. Now that’s amazing.”
"The Lab was a great experience focused on the tools and process to be innovative vs. “one” innovation subject. These tools are invaluable."
“The (Innovation Lab) experience was amazing. Key tools and concepts were learned in a very short time and made real by practicing with other industry practitioners.”