“Introspective Creativity” Leveraging Inclusive Leadership Philosophy with Design Thinking Methodologies

Abstract: The IIPL Approach is a creative methodology developed specifically to understand how inclusive and introspective leadership tools may strengthen and empower creative process outcomes. Run in the form of a design charrette, it challenges teams of participants by fusing Personal Leadership Philosophy techniques with Design Thinking methods to discover meaningful design outcomes. The IIPL Approach outlines four criteria for success: 1) introspective – what is your formula and what is important to you today and tomorrow, 2) inclusive – honor identities and stories of others, 3) personal – channel what is important, 4) local – utilize local space as a living lab. It also leverages Creative Problem Solving (CPS) tools with the following IIPL Approach mindsets: A) elevate ideas through inclusivity and diversity, B) make it meaningful by making it personal. The IIPL Approach creative methodology was developed as a design charrette module for a Voices of Design (VOD) event. Voices of Design, created by faculty in the Department of Design at California State University, Long Beach, is a yearly event series that invites diverse creative professionals and students to participate in presentations, panels, and workshops via physical and virtual creative spaces to encourage active engagement in key objectives including fostering a connection with design professionals, understanding how design can be a catalyst for change, and discussing and exploring and meaningfulness within a creative landscape. The IIPL Approach creative methodology and corresponding VOD design charrette module is discussed regarding inclusive, introspective, and creative strategies, implementation strategies, observations, and outcomes.

Keywords: Design Thinking, Creative Methodologies, Service Design, Inclusive Design, Diversity, Sustainability, Personal Leadership Philosophy, Community

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005103

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