Social Impact Design Thinking and Analytic (SWK552)

SWK552 Social Impact Design Thinking and Analytic introduces to the principles and application of design thinking and impact analytics in addressing complex social challenges. In a rapidly evolving landscape of social needs and service expectations, social workers in leadership roles must be equipped with innovative tools to design, implement, and evaluate solutions that are user-centred, scalable, and evidence-informed. Drawing from interdisciplinary fields such as human-centred design, systems thinking, data analysis, and social innovation, the module guides students through the full cycle of social impact development—from identifying needs and prototyping interventions, to assessing outcomes and scaling impact. Students will gain practical experience in using design thinking methods (e.g., empathy mapping, ideation, prototyping) and basic analytic tools to generate insights and support data-driven decisions in programme or policy development. In this course, students will acquire the skills necessary to implement human-centered design principles for problem-solving and the development of innovative solutions for clients. Through the application of design tools and frameworks in practical, project-based contexts, students will cultivate competencies essential for navigating ambiguity in the creative process. Furthermore, this course examines the role of data analytics in facilitating transformative changes within the social sector. It includes instruction on constructing effective charts and dashboards, as well as key design principles and data mining techniques. Students will gain practical experience in applying analytics to a variety of social good initiatives, aimed at optimizing resource allocation and enhancing the effectiveness of service programs.

• Introduction to social innovation and design thinking in social work
• Ideation and creative thinking for social good
• Human-centred and culturally responsive design
• System thinking for social change
• Defining social problems through a systems lens
• Prototyping social programmes and services
• Using theory of change and logic models in social work
• Basic tools for data analytics
• Dashboards and data visualisation
• Evidence-based and data-informed practice
• Community-level impact and collective outcomes
• Communicating social impact

• Apply the principles and processes of design thinking.
• Use human-centred and system approach to design interventions that are responsive to community needs.
• Employ basic social impact analytics tools and frameworks.
• Recommend the appropriate analytics techniques for different problems.
• Critically evaluate the use of data and innovation tools in service improvement.
• Design and present a social impact prototype or concept.