Design Thinking and Innovations in Information Systems

Purpose: to help other instructors teaching the same course

Common Course ID:  CIS 5040
CSU Instructor Open Textbook Adoption Portrait

Abstract: This open textbook is being utilized in an Information Systems course for graduate students by Arun Aryal at California State University Los Angeles. The open textbook provides a practical, design-focused open resource guiding users through the five phases of Design Thinking. The main motivation to adopt an open textbook was to promote equity, affordability, and sustainability in graduate education leveraging up-to-date, research-informed resources. Most student access the open textbook in Canvas, learning management systems.

Course Title and Number - CIS 5040 – Design Thinking and Innovations in Information Systems
 
Brief Description of course highlights:   Graduate-level course preparing students to evaluate, design, and manage innovative information systems aligned with organizational strategy. The course employs Design Thinking methodology emphasizing empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing to develop human centered IS solutions. It integrates open readings, design workshops, and project-based learning through Cal State LA’s Canvas LMS.

Student population: Students enrolled in the MS in Information Systems program or related graduate degrees such as MBA, MS in Healthcare Management in the College of Business and Economics. Most are working professionals with some experiences with technology or management. The students typically have some prior coursework in systems analysis, database management, or programming

Learning or student outcomes: 

• Critically analyze IT solutions to business problems.
• Apply design, systems, and innovation theories.
• Evaluate organizational approaches to technological innovation.
• Develop and document a design-thinking research project.
• Prototype and test IS solutions.

Key challenges faced and how resolved: The main challenge was dependence on a costly commercial textbook. Through the SCORE grant, the course was redesigned with OER and library e-resources, maintaining rigor while achieving zero textbook cost. The transition also addressed ADA compliance and equitable access through Canvas integration.

Textbook or OER/Low cost Title: The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design (IDEO.org)

Brief Description:  A practical, design-focused open resource guiding users through the five phases of Design Thinking. The text emphasizes empathy-driven innovation and real-world application. Supplemented by peer-reviewed journal articles, case studies, and LinkedIn Learning technical modules (programming, SQL, and networks), the materials provide a comprehensive, skill-based framework for IT innovation.

Please provide a link to the resource  https://www.designkit.org/resources/1.html

Authors:  IDEO.org

Student access:  All readings and modules are available via Canvas Reading List, LinkedIn Learning, and the University Library’s e-resources—accessible with one click and fully ADA compliant.

Supplemental resources:
-  MERLOT-shared case studies
- Library-licensed journals (e.g., Journal of Information Systems Education, Communications of the AIS)
-  Free LinkedIn Learning certifications in Programming, SQL, and Networking

Provide the cost savings from that of a traditional textbook.  Eliminated textbook cost entirely; estimated student savings ≈ $120 per student per semester.

License:  Openly licensed, freely downloadable PDF (IDEO.org, Creative Commons BY-NC-ND). 

OER/Low Cost Adoption Process

Provide an explanation or what motivated you to use this textbook or OER/Low Cost option.  To promote equity, affordability, and sustainability in graduate education while leveraging up-to-date, research-informed resources.

How did you find and select the open textbook for this course?  Reviewed library e-resources, consulted CSU librarians and SCORE workshop materials, and evaluated OER repositories including MERLOT and OpenStax. IDEO’s open text was selected for its pedagogical strength and strong alignment with Design Thinking methodology.

Sharing Best Practices: 
- Begin with backward design: align OER materials with course outcomes.
- Collaborate early with librarians and instructional designers for accessibility.
- Pilot all digital links to ensure stable student access through Canvas.

Describe any key challenges you experienced, how they were resolved  and lessons learned.  Initial challenge: finding IS-specific OERs beyond design thinking. Resolved by combining open design resources with library e-books and peer-reviewed research. Continuous curation ensures academic depth and currency.

Instructor Name - Arun Aryal, PhD
I am an Associate Professor of Information Systems at California State University, Los Angeles, in the College of Business and Economics.
Please provide a link to your university page.
https://www.calstatela.edu/business/facultyprofiles/arun-aryal
Please describe the courses/course numbers that you teach.

I teach graduate and undergraduate courses in Information Systems, Design Thinking, Cybersecurity and Enterprise Systems.

CIS 5040 Design Thinking and Innovations in Information Systems
CIS 4880 Information Security
CIS 4370 Security Risk Management
CIS 5310 Advance Topics in Enterprise Systems

Describe your teaching philosophy and any research interests related to your discipline or teaching.  My teaching philosophy centers on experiential learning and open, human-centered pedagogy. I design courses that emphasize applied problem-solving through collaboration, creativity, and technology-driven innovation. By integrating Design Thinking, systems analysis, and data-driven decision-making, I aim to help students connect theory to practice and develop solutions that are both technically sound and socially responsible. 
My research explores the intersection of Information Systems Strategy, Human–Computer Interaction, and Artificial Intelligence, with a particular focus on Explainable AI (XAI), digital innovation, and open education. I am deeply interested in how technology design can advance organizational performance while promoting equity, transparency, and sustainability.