ebstevenson

[ebstevenson]

Mastery Journal Entry Product Design and Development

When I first started this course, my main goal was to really get into the mindset of product design. I didn’t just want to learn how to build something functional, I wanted to understand what makes a product resonate with real people. I know what hits me like those St Jude commercials! I was especially interested in how design can bridge the gap between a great idea and real-world impact, particularly in underserved communities. My aim was to learn how to create solutions that are meaningful, not just marketable, and of course profitable.

Looking back, this course has completely delivered on that goal and then some. We covered the full product development cycle and used tools like the SmartStart Canvas that helped me think both creatively and strategically. The material pushed me to look past surface-level features and focus on what users truly need. It changed how I see design not as just something visual or trendy, but as a powerful way to solve problems with intention and clarity.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning just how iterative product development really is. Gathering feedback early, making data-driven pivots, and launching MVPs before scaling all of that was a game-changer for me personally. I had never heard of any of those methods and processes. I also gained a solid grasp of human-centered design. Tools like empathy maps, customer journey maps, and design sprints helped me zero in on real pain points and challenge my assumptions which are generally wrong. These are definitely now part of how I approach every problem.

Over the past month, I also revised my SmartStart Canvas. I added two key customer segments: displaced students and VA patients. This came out of deeper customer discovery work, where I realized these groups are often overlooked in traditional design frameworks but they have real, unmet needs here in our area.

The decision to focus on these segments wasn’t just based on course feedback. It came from doing research and diving into actual user insights. What really hit me was how critical empathy and stakeholder alignment are in the early design phase. My previous approach was too broad, and narrowing it down helped me sharpen my business model with Evuitton in a much more meaningful way.

Professionally, I’m already applying what I’ve learned. These frameworks will shape how I design new programs and workshops through my consulting work especially around entrepreneurship and innovation. On a personal level, I’ve gained a clearer, more structured way to think through creative challenges, test ideas fast, and adjust as I go instead of waiting.

This course has given me more than just knowledge, it’s given me a new lens for turning my ideas into actionable, purpose-driven solutions that are profitable!

[ebstevenson]

Creativity, Innovation, and a Clearer Path Forward

When I first began this course, my goal was to sharpen my creative problem solving skills and find practical ways to use innovation to grow my consulting business. I also wanted to align what I was learning with my deeper personal mission helping veterans transition into fulfilling civilian careers. Throughout this Creativity and Innovation course, that initial goal didn’t just stay relevant; it evolved into something even more impactful.

One of the biggest turning points came when we explored the concept of social entrepreneurship. That idea building a business model that tackles a social issue while still being sustainable immediately resonated with me. I’ve always been passionate about supporting veterans, and this course gave me a real framework for turning that passion into a business venture that could drive real change. Learning that companies can be both mission driven and profitable opened up a new perspective for me. I realized I don’t have to choose between doing good and building something successful.

Another standout moment was the panel from Week One, The Rise of the Creative Entrepreneur. Hearing from Full Sail grads who turned their creative passions into successful businesses helped me connect the dots between mindset, execution, and long-term growth. Tim Naylor’s story about resilience hit home for me. In my consulting work, I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to pivot and adapt. Rick Veers’ take on networking and relationship building reminded me that the most valuable opportunities often come through connection. And Kim Alpert’s approach to leadership, where empowering others takes center stage, helped me rethink how I want to build and grow my team.

What I’ve taken away from this course is that innovation isn’t always about the next big tech solution it’s about listening, observing, and creating space for meaningful, lasting ideas to take root. It’s also about moving forward even when the path isn’t clear. I’ve become more intentional about applying the Build Measure Learn loop and other Lean Startup concepts we covered. They’ve helped me get more comfortable with testing ideas early, gathering feedback, and refining quickly. This is something I now use in my consulting practice and plan to integrate into the veteran-centered initiative I’m developing.

Professionally, I see a clear path where I can merge consulting expertise with a socially driven mission. Personally, this course reinforced that my creativity is a strength, not just a background trait. I’ve got more clarity now—not just about what I want to build, but about why I want to build it.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on turning my concepts into action whether it’s launching pilot programs for veterans or expanding my consulting services to be more inclusive of mission based startups. The Creativity and Innovation course did exactly what I hoped it gave me tools, inspiration, and a deeper sense of purpose.