2024 Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Architecture and Building Engineering Graduate major in Engineering Sciences and Design
Solving Social Issues with Cutting-Edge Technology
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Engineering Sciences and Design
- Instructor(s)
- Saori Takeyama / Momoko Nakatani / Masahiro Yamaguchi / Takashi Kondo
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Mon
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- ESD.E407
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
At university, various advanced technologies are being researched, but looking at society, there are many problems such as environmental issues, aging, poverty, and inequality. As researchers and developers of technology, how can we contribute to solving these social problems? In this class, we will form groups and learn to apply technology to tackle social issues, developing a perspective on how to contribute to solving them using cutting-edge technology.
Course description and aims
- Through project-based learning, students can develop the ability to identify and define problems. Students can also gain a deeper understanding of how technology can be utilized to solve social issues.
- By engaging in dialogue with practitioners of social issue solving, students can develop a personal interest in social issues and expand their perspective on the value and applicability of technology.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
-One of the lecturers has consulting experience in service design. She will deliver lectures on the topic of service design, and the group project process for this course is designed based on her expertise.
-One of the lecturers is a practitioner of innovation management. He will provide guidance on approaches to addressing social issues.
Keywords
Solving social issues, Entrepreneurship, Service design, Exploring technology, Expert interviews.
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
This course aims to explore solutions that utilize existing and emerging technologies, such as information and communication technology, to address social issues. Through listening to and engaging in dialogue with practitioners who are tackling these issues in the field, students will work collaboratively as a team to identify the key challenges and devise potential solutions.
To develop effective solutions, students will explore a diverse range of technologies both within and beyond their own research lab. Ultimately, teams will have the opportunity to present their findings/proposals to the practitioners.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | ・Lecture on the latest trends and basic concepts in service development ・Based on videos of practitioners working on solving social issues, decide on a challenge that your own team wants to tackle. | Pre-assignment: Watch video materials. |
| Class 2 | Lecture on methods to establish the 'right question' Consider specific themes and approach plans for a determined topic. Plan interviews with the social entrepreneur and develop a list of questions. | |
| Class 3 | Conduct an interview with a social entrepreneur (practitioner). Propose the approach you are considering and receive feedback. | |
| Class 4 | Organize the feedback received from the social entrepreneur and scrutinize the ideas. | Obtain effective feedback from users |
| Class 5 | Learn methods for co-creating ideas. Use tools such as technology cards to explore solutions for identified problems. Additionally, seek out researchers within and outside the institution who possess relevant technologies and plan and conduct interviews to gain more in-depth knowledge. | Create prototype.Conduct interviews with technology experts. |
| Class 6 | Refine the solution based on the feedback received, and create a prototype. Update the proposed solution, and prepare for the presentation. | Organize technology interviews and prepare for the presentation. |
| Class 7 | Presentation and feedback. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None required
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Lecture materials will be distributed in class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Contribution to group discussions（30%）, presentations（30％）, and attendance & report（40%）.
Related courses
- ICT.D301 ： Service Design Using Information Communication Technology
- ESD.B402 ： Engineering Design Project
- ESD.H402 ： Social Entrepreneurship
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.