Kyushu Institute of Technology Adopts Fujitsu's Human-Centered Design Approach to Formulate Campus Master Plan

Tokyo and Fukuoka, Japan, July 10, 2012

Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and Fujitsu today announced that from August 2011 they have collaborated on clarifying a 30-year vision for the university's campus, and have formulated a campus master plan (CMP) to bring this vision to fruition. The CMP is comprised of a long-term vision and a medium-term plan, and Kyutech and Fujitsu have developed a basic policy and framework that will serve together as pillars of the long-term vision.

In developing its long-term vision, in addition to consideration of the customary planning that starts with facility development, Kyutech also adopted Fujitsu's Human-Centered Design approach. After clarifying the expectations of faculty members, students, local residents and others who utilize the campus, a vision for the university was developed and a consensus was built among the community. As a result, Kyutech was able to successfully define an appealing and enjoyable campus.

Moreover, throughout the formulation process, Kyutech held open discussions with the aim of promoting interaction between those who utilize the university. This, in turn, helped to improve the social environment for students, in addition to helping to brand Kyutech as a university that is both loved by and contributes to the community.

Going forward, Kyutech plans to outline a more specific mid-term plan by March 2013 that is based on its long-term vision.

Background

National universities in Japan underwent partial privatization with the adoption of the National University Incorporation Act. This act required new efforts by universities to achieve independent autonomous administration and to employ management practices drawn from the private sector. Amid intensifying competition between universities due to Japan's declining birthrate and other factors, Kyutech resolved to create a CMP for the development of its campus in order to make it even more appealing for students, the local community, and faculty alike. This CMP was to be decided through an open process that would be accessible to the entire community of those who utilize Kyutech's campus.

Result of Deploying Fujitsu's Human-Centered Design Approach

Fujitsu's proprietary Human-Centered Design approach involves the use of observational research and interviews to shed light on the perspectives and tacit knowledge of an organization's stakeholders, as well as the challenges they face. From there, specialized workshops are held to promote mutual understanding between the different parties involved, while also developing a framework for the organization and its vision for the future.

Starting in August 2011, Kyutech and Fujitsu worked together to deploy this approach and began to formulate a CMP that took into consideration the various needs and challenges experienced by different people who utilize the university's facilities. In March 2012, the university and Fujitsu completed the development of its long-term vision, comprised of a five-part basic policy—human resource development, pragmatism, mutual growth, self-expression and coexistence—and a framework which form pillars of the long-term vision. By deploying this approach together with traditional planning guidelines, beginning with a focus on facility development, Kyutech has clarified its vision for the future, including the university's role in the community and the kinds of activities that should take place on campus.

Future Plans

Going forward, Kyutech will continue facilitating interaction between members of the university community, an effort that was launched during the process of formulating its CMP through the Human-Centered Design approach. In addition to implementing the plan while repeatedly evaluating, improving and revising its details, Kyutech will work to bring about a campus that can foster people with the character and technological skills necessary to succeed in the global marketplace, while also serving as an educational and research environment that contributes to the technological development of local industry.

By leveraging the know-how it has accumulated through the management strategy design and planning consulting activities conducted by the Fujitsu Research Institute, Fujitsu will continue to serve as a partner and support Kyutech in formulating its CMP.