Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Continuing Studies

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Youtube Instagram

Social Innovation Certificate / Courses / The Innovation Process: Ideation, Experiments and Containers for Risk

INNO820

The Innovation Process: Ideation, Experiments and Containers for Risk

How do we harness the insights of social innovation to create real and lasting change? This course will introduce you to different lab platforms and “containers” that support risk-taking and collaborative problem solving, such as design labs and change labs.

In a small group, you’ll work on a real-world situation to experience the innovation process in microcosm, from problem definition, through ideation and experimentation to implementation and scaling. Through this work, you’ll draw on key insights and practices from design thinking, strategic design and Theory U.

Since prototyping is a core practice of innovation, you’ll delve deeper into tools and approaches for teasing out 1.0 versions of the future seeking to emerge. You will also review new technology tools and platforms that support data gathering, research and ideation.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Campus Session(s) Starting Instructor(s) Cost Seats available  
Online - Thursday, Oct 21, 2021
Schedule details
  • Thu, Oct 21, ---
  • Fri, Oct 22, ---
  • Sat, Oct 23, ---
  • Thu, Oct 28, ---
 Lindsay Cole
Janey Roh		 $995.00 7 Register

Course schedule: 
• Online access opens one week before the first date listed for pre-readings and assignments.
• Virtual classes run for first three days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Final virtual class from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Pacific Time. 

What will I learn?

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Recognize and apply the innovation process arc from beginning to end, with an emphasis on problem definition through ideation and experimentation.
  • Use human-centred design tools and other innovative research methods to foster creativity and idea generation
  • Understand the basic components of different types of change lab processes and how they might apply to your context
  • Explore your relationship to your own creativity and how this may enable or inhibit innovative behaviours
  • Cultivate greater creativity in teams and organizational settings
  • Use somatic, awareness-based and experiential practices and activities in support of social innovation
  • Build on the overall learning objectives of the certificate

How will I learn?

  • Advance readings
  • Individual and group exercises
  • Case studies
  • Mini-lectures
  • Group discussion
  • Field trips

Who should take this course?

This course is suitable for those who want to learn more about the innovation process, from problem definition through ideation and experimentation to implementation and scaling.

How will I be evaluated?

You will be evaluated based on your class participation, in-class assignments and a post-class reflection assignment. 

If you are taking this course as part of the Social Innovation Certificate program, you may need to complete additional assignments outside of class time in order to graduate.

Textbooks and learning materials

You will access all course materials online.

Hardware and software requirements

You will need a computer that is connected to the internet so that you can access Canvas, our online course management system. You can check if your browser is compatible with Canvas by accessing Canvas guides here. We recommend you use Google Chrome or Firefox.

Also, you will need to enable your computer’s audio and microphone to participate in live sessions offered through Zoom Meetings.

You can find more information on our About Online Learning page. 

Hear more about this course

Related program(s)

Look at other courses in