Hello, Ilkomers! For all Communication Science students at Unpad, the Creative Design Thinking (CDT) course is surely nothing new. But did you know that CDT is actually one of the newest innovations introduced this year? What exactly is the background behind this change? To answer that, let’s dive into the explanation shared by one of the course instructors, Nadia Febriani, S.I.Kom., M.Si.
What is the purpose of the Creative Design Thinking course?
Creative Design Thinking (CDT) has emerged as one of the most significant updates in the Communication Science curriculum this year. Unlike previous years when the course only focused on creative thinking, CDT now offers a more comprehensive approach by integrating both creative thinking and design thinking, concepts widely used in many international institutions. This approach encourages students not only to generate fresh ideas but also to understand creative processes grounded in real-world needs. As explained by Nadia, the course is designed to equip students with structured creative thinking skills through design thinking, enabling them to address contemporary communication challenges. As a result, students no longer stop at formulating ideas, but they also learn to identify problems, develop targeted solutions, and assess whether those solutions are feasible for implementation.
Were there any changes to the RPS this year?
This conceptual shift is also reflected in the updated Semester Learning Plan (RPS). Previously, the course included entrepreneurial elements, but the focus has now shifted toward a deeper understanding of the foundations and stages of creative thinking using design thinking principles. Students are guided through a series of processes, starting from understanding audience needs and exploring ideas to developing solutions that are accountable both academically and practically. This change transforms what was once seen merely as a brainstorming activity into a logical, systematic, and well-structured workflow allowing students to understand how ideas evolve into real solutions.
What is the learning method like?
Throughout the course, CDT emphasizes the mastery of several essential competencies. Students are required to understand the basic concepts of creative design thinking within the context of communication, analyze communication problems using the CDT approach, and develop creative solutions that can be tested. Every idea must then be turned into a prototype, tested, and refined based on evaluation results. This process transforms CDT into more than just a theoretical space, it becomes a mini-laboratory where students assess how effective their solutions truly are, experiencing firsthand the complete creative thinking process used in professional industries.
What does the assessment look like?
The teaching method in CDT is structured to let students directly experience the practical side of design thinking. Although theories are taught at the beginning to build foundational understanding, most activities are practice-based. Assignments are designed to help students think critically, explore ideas, and formulate relevant solutions. Interestingly, this course does not include a written final exam. Instead, students complete a final project that reflects the entire design thinking process from problem identification to the creation of a final prototype. Midterm exams and quizzes are still conducted in written form, but the essence of the course lies in making, testing, and refining ideas.
What skills are needed to succeed?
According to Nadia, two main skills determine a student’s success in CDT: creative thinking and the ability to develop ideas into meaningful solutions. The course does not only assess the uniqueness of ideas but also how they are applied, tested, improved, and made impactful. This process encourages students to become more critical, adaptive, and structured qualities that are highly needed in the communication industry, which continues to evolve rapidly.
The relevance of CDT in today’s industry is unquestionable. The communication field is part of the creative industry, which requires individuals capable of producing innovative solutions based on audience needs. Careers such as producers, content planners, and digital creators demand creative thinkers who can identify opportunities, develop new strategies, and create unique concepts. Therefore, CDT serves as a crucial early foundation to prepare students from their first semester to think creatively in a more directed and applicable manner when solving communication problems.
Ultimately, Creative Design Thinking is more than just a new course in the curriculum it is a commitment to shaping students into innovative thinkers. By combining creativity with the design thinking approach, CDT offers a learning experience that is not only challenging but also highly relevant to the demands of today’s communication industry. Through this course, students are encouraged to become individuals who can not only generate ideas but also design communication solutions that are impactful and sustainable.
Course 101 Vol #7