Workshop on Problem-Solution Fit and Design Thinking
30th September 2026
Dr. Sahab Singh, Professor, Department of Management Studies, Dronacharya Group of Institutions, was invited as the resource person for an interactive workshop on “Problem-Solution Fit and Design Thinking”, organized at Maharishi University, Noida, on 30th September 2026. The programme was conducted by the Maharishi School of Management under the aegis of the university’s Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) and E-Cell, with a focus on fostering innovation, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills among management students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The session highlighted the importance of understanding real-world problems before developing products or services. Dr. Sahab Singh explained how identifying user pain points, validating assumptions, and evaluating customer needs are essential steps in building meaningful and viable business solutions. He also discussed the significance of Problem-Solution Fit in refining startup ideas, minimizing market-related risks, and ensuring that proposed solutions address genuine user requirements.
A key component of the workshop was an in-depth discussion on the five stages of Design Thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Participants explored how these stages help understand user experiences, define challenges, generate innovative ideas, develop prototypes, and improve solutions through testing and feedback. The interactive format, supported by conceptual explanations, real-world case studies, and collaborative exercises, encouraged participants to approach challenges with creativity and a structured problem-solving mindset.
A case study on the 1912 Theodore Roosevelt presidential campaign, titled “How a Copyright Blunder Became a Master Class in Negotiation Strategy”, offered valuable perspectives on turning unforeseen challenges into opportunities. The discussion highlighted the role of strategic negotiation, adaptability, and sound decision-making in resolving complex situations, encouraging participants to explore alternative approaches and develop effective solutions to real-world business challenges.
As a mark of appreciation for his valuable contribution, Dr. Azad Singh, Dean, Maharishi School of Business Management, felicitated Dr. Sahab Singh with a memento and a traditional shawl. The programme witnessed active engagement from IIC and E-Cell coordinators, university faculty members, student coordinators, management students, and members of the university’s leadership team.
The workshop concluded with valuable insights into the practical application of design thinking and entrepreneurial principles. Participants were encouraged to prioritize user needs, validate ideas before implementation, and view challenges as opportunities for innovation. The session reinforced the importance of developing user-centric solutions through research, collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement, contributing to a stronger culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students.