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qNomics
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  3. Design Thinking and Data Analysis

Design Thinking and Data Analysis

Economics, Design Thinking and Data Analysis  

Design thinking is a practical, human-centred approach to problem-solving that complements the analytical skills you’ve developed through your studies. 

This project is designed specifically for Economics students like you, who are eager to expand their skillset and stand out to employers. Design Thinking is widely used in consulting, policy-making, innovation, and business, yet it's rarely taught in traditional Economics courses. It encourages creativity, empathy, and collaboration. These are the skills that are highly valued in the workplace but often developed only through extracurricular experiences like qNomics.
We will work directly with two local charities to apply the theories and skills to questions they are trying to solve. We will be working with Mile End Climbing Centre, Made in Hackney as well as collaborating with the Queen Mary's Zero Waste Shop.
Please read about the projects below: 
Made In Hackney 
This project will combine data analysis with human-centred design thinking to provide Made in Hackney with a broader understanding of their current impact and potential areas for development. Initially, students will gather and analyse data to assess the relationship between key factors such as programme themes, community cohorts, and practical elements (including timing, resources, and funding). This will offer insights into the effectiveness of their programmes, as well as preferences, long-term impact, and retention rates within the community.
Mile End Climbing Centre
This project aims to support Mile End Climbing (MEC) in strengthening its decision-making and gaining a clearer understanding of customer engagement. By combining data insights with a human-centred design (HCD) approach, the project will explore how MEC can improve user engagement and identify opportunities for growth. 
In both projects you’ll:
  • Learn the fundamentals of Design Thinking and how it can be applied to economic and social issues
  • Gain hands-on experience with the process through practical activities
  • Strengthen key employability skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, and communication

Read the Made in Hackney info sheet before you apply.

Design Thinking Info Leaflet [PDF 80KB]

Read the Mile End Climbing Centre info sheet before you apply.

Students will have a chance to: 

  • To learn and be supervised by an industry expert.
  • Develop an understanding of key design thinking principles, refine their data analysis skills and to communicate the values of human-centered business practices. 
  • Understand the interdependence between finance and sustainability. 
  • Develop a new skill set, vocabulary and a mindset towards advancing sustainable change. 

Expectations and Eligibility

The programme will run through Semester A and B (starts in September and finishes in April the following year). 

To be eligible, you are expected to have business acumen learned through academics or work experience. During the course of the project, you will be working on areas of finance and sustainability.

Timeline

These projects spans across both Semester A and B.

Mandatory Training Sessions  

  • Client Etiquette and Interview Skills (Isabella Carey) - TBC 
  • Report Writing (Rosalie Gorgorian) –  Recording on QM plus please complete by Oct 19th   
  • An Introduction to Funding for Startups (Karen Kwong) - Recording on QM plus please complete by Oct 19th.  
  • LinkedIn Training (Thomas Mosk):  GC305 Nov 26 time TBC  

 

Mandatory Design Thinking Workshops  

  • Workshop 1: 18th October (Saturday 9 am – 4  pm) 
  • Workshop 2: 25th October (Saturday 9 am – 4  pm) 
  • Feedback Session: 4th-6th December Day & Time TBC 

 

FAQ

Hopefully the other pages on our website have answered most questions, but here are some other questions we get asked.

You will be assigned to a supervisor who has extensive experience in the field. The supervisor will guide you, grade your work and provide feedback routinely. At the outset of the programme, the supervisor will also run a training session on "Introduction to Environment, Social and Governance" topic.

Additionally, you will benefit from the other supervisors in qNomics programme who will be delivering training sessions on topics "Business Planning", and "Funding Support", which can greatly aid your research work as well as many aspects of life outside of the university.

You are expected to dedicate around 4-6 hours per week for ESG project. Keep in mind however, that everyone works hard to maintain a high standard in qNomics programme, and you and your group may be required to do a few drafts before your final project is accepted.

Additionally, qNomics cannot be used as an excuse for falling behind on your regular studies. Therefore, if you normally have trouble keeping up with work, this project may not be for you. However, if you are a well-organized person, who enjoys doing research, producing resources to educate audience regarding key concepts and thrives in group projects, then this project should not take up more than a few hours per week. From the surveys with current and previous participants, they reported to spend around 45 hours each semester attending meetings, conducting research and prototyping and building resources.

The qNomics Team will assign you to a Group and a Supervisor at the outset of the programme. You will continue to be a part of the same group during both semester A & B. You are expected to deliver your responsibilities assigned by your Supervisor, Team leader and qNomics Team.

qNomics programme expects an estimated learner effort throughout the academic year. Following to the successful completion of your group assignment, provided that you have met the required programme standards, you will be eligible to receive HEAR accreditation (The qNomics programme will be listed on your digital transcript).

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