Unlocking student innovation through collaborative ideation
Outcome Snapshot
- Major breakthroughs across teams
- Immediate clarity on project direction
- Enhanced collaboration & engagement
- Increased student enthusiams for course projects
About the Client
About the Project
The Challenge
Redeemer University’s Core Capstone course is designed to challenge students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
This experiential learning course required student teams from various disciplines to tackle complex community projects sponsored by CityLAB Hamilton. However, the teams were struggling with creative problem-solving and felt overwhelmed by the scope of their assignments.
The university sought our expertise to guide these students through an innovative ideation process that would unlock their potential and help them overcome these challenges.
Facilitation
Architecting the Change
We led a remote collaborative ideation lab (Co-Lab) for the Core Capstone course, designed to help students think outside the box and engage deeply with their projects.
Our role included facilitating creative exercises, providing strategic guidance, and fostering an environment where students could freely explore new ideas. The lab was structured to reignite the students’ enthusiasm and equip them with practical tools to approach their projects with renewed confidence and creativity.
Our approach focused on the often-overlooked elements of creativity and emotional connection in problem-solving. By introducing playful elements and encouraging students to visualize their ideal outcomes, we unlocked deeper levels of engagement and innovative thinking.
This method not only helped the students overcome their initial challenges but also fostered a sense of ownership and connection to their work that traditional methodologies might have missed.
The Transformation
Using our multidimensional approach to change
The transformation in the students’ approach was immediate and impactful. Each team entered the Co-Lab session feeling stuck and uncertain about how to proceed with their projects.
Through hands-on activities using LEGOs, markers, and creative brainstorming techniques, we helped the students reconnect with the original excitement of their project challenges.
Team A broke through their creative block by identifying the underlying barriers to developing a searchable database, leading to innovative solutions that aligned with the needs of their project champion.
Team B gained clarity on why international students leave Hamilton after graduation by visualizing an ideal community. This breakthrough allowed them to develop a robust and targeted project plan.
Team C realized they had been approaching their library project from the wrong angle. Through in-depth discussion and recalibration, they discovered the emotional resonance needed for the project and set a new course.
Each team left the session with a clear path forward, a renewed sense of purpose, and the tools to tackle their projects with creativity and confidence. The lab not only facilitated immediate breakthroughs but also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and problem-solving throughout the remainder of the course.
One of the most meaningful breakthroughs noted after our session ended was that of a student who remembered how they learn. Upon touching a lego, her memories flooded back of how they learn through touch and excitement and ideation flowed easily from there. ~ Jen Kelchner
You may be asking "Is a project like this worth the investment?"
Absolutely. The Co-Lab not only delivered immediate results by helping students break through their creative challenges, but it also fostered a deeper understanding of collaboration, empathy, and innovation.
This investment in student learning has a ripple effect, enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to future projects and communities. The quick and profound impact on student engagement and project quality makes this an invaluable component of experiential learning.
Accelerated Problem-Solving
The Co-Lab dramatically reduced the time it took for students to overcome their creative blocks, allowing them to focus on implementation much sooner.
Enhanced Student Engagement
By reconnecting students with the emotional and creative aspects of their projects, the Co-Lab significantly boosted their engagement and enthusiasm, leading to higher-quality outcomes.
Long-Term Skill Development
The strategies and tools introduced during the Co-Lab equipped students with problem-solving skills they can apply in future academic and professional settings, delivering long-term value beyond the course.
Feedback
While some students came into the class ready to hold their noses and just get through a required course, Jen’s ideation session excited them about working on their project.
Other students indicated that before the session, they felt overwhelmed and frozen by uncertainty. Afterward, they had clarity on the path for their project.
Additionally, some students were honest about having no idea where to start with their projects. Our lab's step-by-step process helped them to relax and break the project down into smaller bits, which allowed them to feel less overwhelmed.
Subsequently, creative juices have been flowing ever since. Teams have been working well together and tackling tasks like experienced project managers. The light bulb moments are happening and the ideation lab was a significant catalyst in the entire process.
Professor Laurie Busuttil
Professor and Chair, Business Program