Doctoral School

Comon Make-a-Ton. From theory to product, using design thinking and rapid prototyping in transdisciplinary teams

Cluster

Research and Valorization

Target audience

Bachelor, master and doctoral students from all Universities and University Colleges are welcome to participate in this transdisciplinary course.

Organizing and Scientific Committee

  • dr. Jeroen Bourgonjon (UGent)
  • dr. Sanne Stegen (UGent, FGE)
  • Ben Robaeyst (UGent, FPS)
  • Jamil Joundi (UGent, FEA)
  • Pauline De Wolf (Comon)
  • Nell Van Hansewyck (imec)
  • Dorien Goubert (imec)
  • Maike Somers (Bibliotheek De Krook)
  • Line Windey (Comon/UGent)
  • Prof. dr. Piet Demeester (UGent, FEA)
  • Prof. dr. Greet Cardon (UGent, FGE)
  • Prof. dr. Delfien Van Dyck (UGent, FGE)
  • Prof. dr. Bas Baccarne (UGent, FEA)
  • Prof. dr. Lieven De Marez (UGent, FPS)
  • Prof. dr. em. Freddy Mortier (UGent, FLW)

Abstract

This 3.5-day methodological and practical course empowers doctoral students to convert their research into practical solutions for critical societal challenges, utilizing design thinking, rapid prototyping, and user testing. This edition focuses on the societal challenge of getting people to move actively through the city. It fosters a transdisciplinary environment, enhancing skills in pitching, sketching, storyboarding, paper prototyping and product development. Participants will engage in 'research through design,' benefiting from a diverse student dialogue with professionals and students from a variety of backgrounds. Additionally, the course supports students in submitting their projects to funding bodies like Common LivingLabs and DO! Innovation Programs or turning it into research proposals, thereby significantly amplifying the impact of their research. This course is in Dutch. 

Objectives

  1. Students are empowered to materialize their research, by focusing on rapid prototyping and product design.
  2. Students are more impact literate and can demonstrate how their research might benefit society.
  3. Students have acquired entrepreneurial skills such as business modelling and pitching.
  4. Students have acquired a broader perspective on their research, by working closely with students and experts with different theoretical and practical backgrounds.
  5. Students have acquired hands-on experience with product development and maker skills.

Dates and venue

2-5 April 2024, 9h00-18h00

De Krook

Programme and registration

You can find more information on this website.

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 60

Language

Dutch

Evaluation method (Doctoral Training Programme)

  • Attendance: 100% attendance
  • Presentation: in front of a transdisciplinary jury (and a broader audience) at the final day of the course
  • Deliverable: tangible prototype

After successful participation, the Doctoral Schools will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.