WHAT WE DO
At the core, Design ThinkTank is a vehicle for social good. OSU students fuel the vehicle using design thinking and steer us toward our final destination, social change.
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Our mission is to expose a diverse group of students to the creative problem solving framework of design thinking and empower them to solve real-world problems with a social impact focus. We run a Design Thinking workshop at the beginning of each semester that challenges our members to view problems through a user-centered lens. More details about design thinking and our workshop can be found here.
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For the remainder of the semester, members dive into a hands-on project in partnership with nonprofits, startups, and social enterprises in the Columbus area. In Spring 2021, we partnered with 3 Tree, a social enterprise working to empower individuals through friendly and accessible habit adoption, making sustainability a way of life. We utilized the design thinking framework to help 3 Tree tackle problems related to business strategy and user accountability. In 2022, we partnered with Eyes Up Appalachia, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit focusing on outreach in the Appalachian region. Using design thinking, we helped scalable outreach plans and effective social media guides.
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HOW WE STARTED
Design ThinkTank started after our cofounders, Lauren Saggar and Caroline Wallace, met in a design thinking class at Ohio State. Coming from different backgrounds in engineering and business, they quickly realized how design thinking thrives off of diverse perspectives. The unique problem-solving style is applicable to nearly any field of study, providing an ideal framework for solving social problems. Eager to engage the greater OSU community and expand their reach beyond the classroom, Design ThinkTank was born where we teach you the basics of design thinking and tackle exciting projects in partnership with social enterprises and nonprofits in the local community.
Member Benefits
Innovate solutions to real world problems using Design Thinking
Drive impactful social change for nonprofit and social enterprise partners
Think creatively and critically in a collaborative, team-based environment
Grow network through guest speakers and company connections
Gain professional advice from exec members through weekly tidbits
Expose members to unique opportunities in the Columbus area
AND MORE...
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In addition to our semester workshop and client project, we host guest speakers, offer professional tidbits, and connect members with industry opportunities.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
President
HARSITHA KALAIARASAN
Harsitha is a junior studying computer science. DTT’s partnerships with organizations that focus on real impact motivated Harsitha to get involved in DTT. She believes that helping these organizations succeed through design thinking builds a mindset of problem-solving and innovation, as well as an understanding of how people and businesses work together to affect their communities. Outside of DTT, Harsitha enjoys reading (especially classic literature), learning languages (German currently), playing tennis, and watching Korean dramas (favorite is Start-Up). She is also involved in Competitive Programming club, a place she can geek out about tech.
Client Connector
Ria Kakarla
Derek is a senior at Ohio State studying data analytics. Outside DTT, Derek is a cofounder of The Buildternship startup accelerator, enjoys lifting, and loves to read. Ask Derek about his favorite reality dating show! Rumor has it he’s juggling three dating shows as you read this.
Vice President
CAMRYN REITZ
Camryn is a junior studying Public Policy Analysis and Economics. She joined DTT early on in college a really loved the way design thinking can be applied so broadly to so many subjects! The club has been a great growth opportunity and she has lived the work we provide for our clients. Outside of DTT Camryn is involved in Model UN and undergraduate research in workforce development and food policy.
Client Connector
Ria Kakarlapudi
Ria is a junior studying Real Estate and Urban Analysis, with a minor in Computer and Information Sciences. In DTT, she like how she gets to use creative problem solving techniques to address real-world social issues. It's very hands-on and she gets to form close relationships with the people she's working alongside. Ria is also part of OSU's Business Builders Club, Undergraduate Student Government, and Buckeye Ventures. Outside of school, she enjoys listening to music and watching YouTube.
Media Master
Amanda Newberry
Amanda is a second year studying History and Pre-Law. The opportunity to apply unique problem solving approaches to real world issues originally drew Amanda to DTT. She is excited to work with her peers on projects they are passionate about to make a real impact. DTT has encouraged her to think outside the box and develop skills that can be applied in other areas of study. Amanda is also involved in the Sustains Learning Community and can often be found working at Connecting Grounds! In her spare time she loves to read, bake, and listen to music.
President
HARSITHA KALAIARASAN
Harsitha is a junior studying Computer Science. DTT’s partnerships with organizations that focus on real impact motivated Harsitha to get involved. She believes that helping these organizations succeed through design thinking builds a mindset of problem-solving and innovation, as well as an understanding of how people and businesses work together to affect their communities. Outside of DTT, Harsitha enjoys reading, learning languages, playing tennis, and watching Korean dramas. She is also involved in Competitive Programming club, a place she can geek out about tech.
Treasurer
Aayushi Dubey
Aayushi is a senior studying Communication Technology. She likes that DTT is a very hands-on club organization. Outside of school she loves to travel and volunteer.
Recruitment Head
Kayanaat Chaudhry
Kayanaat is a second year majoring in Industrial Design. She enjoys being a part of DTT because she is able to help people around her through collaboration. She learned so many new things from all the people in the club as they all come from different majors, which makes it so fun so take those skills and work together! In her free time, Kayanaat enjoys spending time outside, hanging out with friends and family, cooking, exploring new adventures like ziplining and rafting, and binge watching tv.