Resource:How to expose incoming freshman to I&E using a design blitz

Introduction

One of the greatest things about college is that it opens the door to all new experiences. There are so many different opportunities that are thrown at freshman right off the bat. But how does one actually get freshman to take interest in what they have to offer?

With innovation and entrepreneurship in particular, it is sometimes difficult to get people to understand exactly what it all entails. You need to give them a taste how to think with an I & E mindset to really get them excited. This is where you would give them that chance through the concept of the Design Blitz.

So what is a Design Blitz? A Design Blitz is a strategical method that can be used to create solutions very quickly under strict time constraints. It is brought forth with a lot of energy and enthusiasm in order to create a solution that is extraordinary. It is called a “ blitz” because of its sudden nature. With the pressure of  little time, you have to jump in full force to get the well thought out solution you need in the little time you are given.

Marketing

One of the crucial hurdles that you must jump, is getting the word out about your Design Blitz workshops. You want freshman to be intrigued enough to give your workshop a try. The most effective method of advertising your events is by word-of-mouth. In order to really spark someone's interest and persuade them to attend your event you should have a face-to-face interaction. This helps you connect on a deeper level with freshman in a more personal way. Also, involving other organizations, who share similar interests, is a great way to increase the number of personal interactions and promote the event. This provides you with many more mouths to spread the word. Another good way to attract attendees/participants is to secure a high-profile individual to talk at your event. This will not only attract freshman who will bring their friends, but many other members of the student body and even faculty. 

Organization/Logistics

Choosing a centrally located or well-known location to hold the event is in your best interest. Ideally, the location should have ample room to move around and be very open. Most campuses have an area designated for workshops or events, and some even have these areas within the campus innovation center. As for materials to bring, there are not many needed. Your basic rapid prototyping supplies, which include markers, sticky notes, etc., will be enough.

---When planning your event, it is important that you keep everything organized and well thought out. You need to plan a location, shopping list, cost, materials etc. For example, when it comes to location, you want to choose a centrally located or well-known location to hold the event is in your best interest. This makes it easy for everyone to find plus if it is central, people that are walking by tend to stop to see what is going on. Ideally, the location should have ample room to move around and be very open.

As for materials to bring, there are not many needed. Your basic rapid prototyping supplies, which include markers, sticky notes, etc., will be enough. You will want to make a detailed list of the items you already have and the items that you will need to go buy. This way you will cut costs by not purchasing items you already have.

Speaking of costs, you will want to make sure you find everything in your event that could possibly cost money. This includes materials, guest speakers, renting equipment, food (if you choose) and anything else that you could potentially need funding to cover.-----

There are also pre-existing groups which have organized innovation and entrepreneurship workshops. By identifying groups within and around campus who are involved in the I&E ecosystem, you will have more 

Finding Funding

Collaborating with existing organizations/maker spaces on campus can be a great way to not only 1) secure funding through co-sponsored projects but also 2) collaborate with more change makers on campus and therefore, get the word out about your I & E event. 

Selecting a Date and Time

Try not to schedule an event on campus close to finals or midterms, because not as many students will show up (even though they'd love to). It is also advisable to check well in advance of the event to see if your event clashes with any other high-profile and well-publicized event on campus. You don't want to lose any potential attendees.