4.2 Consultation hours and team support

The fact that the teams work independently doesn't mean they are left on their own and receive no further support. In fact, the responsiveness of the facilitators and support for the teams during the entire course is crucial. After trying out several versions of consultation, we would recommend the following approach.

• During the entire working time of the teams, the facilitators / coaches / teachers should be available in writing or by telephone for interim questions, since the teams choose very different rhythms for their collaboration, and questions may arise at different points in time.
• By the halfway point, at the very least one appointment should be available for questions about tools and the spirit of Design Thinking. Although it would be desirable for all participants to participate and listen to the different teams, this would take up too much time. Therefore, these meetings take place on a voluntary basis. From experience it does not make any difference whether the facilitator asks to be sent the questions in advance or simply offers an open virtual consultation.
• For team support on team dynamics, we tried out various options. Our conclusion was to recommend a mandatory appointment for each team at about halfway through their work period. The reason for this is that when we asked teams to meet us voluntarily, those who urgently required support due to tension in their team, did not show up. We also tried asking teams to fill out a checklist. This, however, exerted a lot of pressure on the teams. It transpired that organising a mandatory meeting, taking the time with some (or ideally all members of a team) and posing a few questions to check the team climate was the most successful approach. Team members usually opened up and appreciated the support. In case teams are graded for their work, as is often the case at universities, it is advantageous to delegate this supervision to a person who has no assessment function.
• Whether an additional fixed consultation hour is needed for pitch preparation or facilitators react on demand depends on the target group. We experienced that consultation hours with fixed dates were rarely attended.

Apart from the kick-off meeting and a few other meetings and consultations, the teams work in a self-organised manner.