Indian Institute of Technology Madras
BS Degree Programme · Examination & Study Paper
Design Thinking for Data-Driven App Development
Most repeated questions
Examination Instructions & Guidelines
- Solve on notebook/paper first before checking solutions.
- MCQ: Exactly 1 option is correct. Negative marking applies.
- Scientific calculator allowed for all calculations.
- Official answer key is sealed at the end of this sheet.
Type 1 · asked 6 times · TRIZ inventive principles
Identify the TRIZ principle illustrated by a product or app feature
Read the passage below, then answer Q1–Q3

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q1MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓An AI-based grammar tool offers phrasal predictions as you type, without needing to finish the document first.
Which TRIZ principle applies?- ABeforehand cushioning
- BPeriodic action
- CUniversality
- DPreliminary action
- Q2MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
A pen has both a ballpoint tip and a stylus tip for touchscreen devices in one tool.
Which TRIZ principle applies?- AMechanics substitution
- BMerging
- CComposite materials
- DUniversality
- Q3MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
An e-learning platform adapts the difficulty of quiz questions in real time based on the learner’s performance. Which TRIZ principle applies?
- AFeedback
- BCopying
- CSegmentation
- DSelf-service
Read the passage below, then answer Q4–Q6

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q4MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓In a productivity app, the search bar not only finds documents but also allows users to send payments, schedule meetings, and request support from the same interface. This eliminates the need for multiple separate features. Which TRIZ principle does this illustrate?
- ASegmentation
- BUniversality
- CPrior action
- DNested doll
- Q5MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓

- ATaking Out
- BUniversality
- CNested Dolls
- DPrior Action
- Q6MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
To improve the comfort of e-readers like Kindle, designers added a lightweight cover with a built- in hand strap, allowing users to hold the device easily without feeling its weight during long reading sessions.
Which TRIZ principle does this design improvement illustrate?- AAnti-weight
- BCopying
- CSegmentation
- DMechanics substitution
Type 2 · asked 2 times · Agile + Design Thinking basics
Identify correct statements about the Agile Manifesto values
- Q7MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Which of the following are core principles of Agile project management? 1. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation 2. Responding to change over following a plan 3. Comprehensive documentation over working software 4. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools Select the correct answer from the options below:
- A1, 2, and 3 only
- B1, 2, and 4 only
- C2, 3, and 4 only
- D1, 3, and 4 only
- Q8MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
In Agile, what does the principle “working software over comprehensive documentation” imply? 1. Prioritize functional product 2. Documentation is not needed at all 3. Deliver incremental value quickly 4. Focus more on code than communication Select the correct answer from the options below:
- A1, 2, and 3 only
- B1 and 3 only
- C2, 3, and 4 only
- D1, 3, and 4 only
Type 3 · asked 2 times · UX principles & user psychology
True/false: simplicity vs minimalism in UX design
- Q9MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
State whether the following statement is true or false “In UX design, while simplicity aims to reduce complexity, minimalism is about reducing the elements to a strict minimum.”
- ATRUE
- BFALSE
- Q10MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
State whether the following statement is true or false “In UX design, while simplicity aims to reduce complexity, minimalism is about reducing the elements to a strict minimum.”
- ATrue
- BFalse
Type 4 · asked 2 times · Analyze: Multi-Whys, journeys, HMW
True/false: contents of a modified customer journey map
- Q11MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
State whether the following statement is True or False: “A modified customer journey map includes emotional highs and lows, pain points, and opportunities identified during the Analyze phase in addition to the standard steps of the journey.”
- ATRUE
- BFALSE
- Q12MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
State whether the following statement is True or False: “A modified customer journey map includes emotional highs and lows, pain points, and opportunities identified during the Test phase in addition to the standard steps of the journey.”
- ATrue
- BFalse
Type 5 · asked 2 times · Intellectual property & intrapreneurship
Pick the example(s) of intrapreneurship
- Q13MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates intrapreneurship?
- AAnanyaa, frustrated with corporate life, quits her job to start her own design consulting firm.
- BRohan, a marketing executive, creates a new customer loyalty app for his company and leads its rollout.
- CMohak’s firm hires an external agency to design an innovative supply chain system.
- DAastha, co-founder of a small startup, pitches his product idea to venture capitalists for funding.
- Q14MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Which of the following could possibly be considered examples or concepts of intrapreneurship and intrapreneurial development? 1. Google’s “20% time” initiative, where some employees devote 20 percent of their time to side projects. 2. Facebook’s “Like” button developed during the company's hackathon. 3. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos developed by a Frito-Lay janitor who pitched the idea to executives.
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- COnly 3
- DAll of these
Type 6 · asked 2 times · Human-centred design (Don Norman)
Don Norman's Law of Product Development: launches come with what?
- Q15MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
As per Don Norman’s Law of Product Development, product launches are always accompanied by ______ and ______.
- ADeadlines; marketing campaigns
- BSchedules; budgets
- CPrototypes; customer reviews
- DDesigns; test reports
- Q16MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
As per Don Norman’s Law of Product Development, product launches are always accompanied by ______ and ______.
- ADeadlines; marketing campaigns
- BSchedules; budgets
- CPrototypes; customer reviews
- DDesigns; test reports
Type 7 · asked 2 times · Solve & Test: ideation and prototypes
Count the correct user-testing principles for a prototype
- Q17MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
When testing a prototype, which of the following practices align with effective user testing principles? 1. Select participants who closely match the target population. 2. Test prototypes in conditions that mimic real-world use as closely as possible. 3. Use paired participants occasionally to encourage open discussion of thoughts and frustrations. How many of the above statements are correct?
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- CAll 3
- DNone
- Q18MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
When testing a prototype, which of the following practices align with effective user testing principles? 1. Select participants who closely match the target population. 2. Test prototypes in conditions that mimic real-world use as closely as possible. 3. Ensure that prototypes are tested individually always, and never in pairs, to capture unbiased user behavior. How many of the above statements are correct?
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- CAll 1, 2, 3
- DNone of these
Type 8 · asked 2 times · UX principles & user psychology
What the peak-end rule says shapes memory of an experience
- Q19MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
In practical web design, applying the peak-end rule means focusing on:
- ALoading speed and bounce rate metrics only
- BCreating a highly engaging moment during the experience and ending on a satisfying note
- CIncreasing the total time users spend on the site regardless of content quality and ending on a satisfying note
- DMaximizing the number of clickable elements on each page
- Q20MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
According to Kahneman’s Peak-End Rule, which aspect(s) of an interaction primarily shape a person’s long-term memory of it?
- AThe beginning of the interaction and the end of the interaction
- BThe duration of the interaction and the end of the interaction
- CThe experience when disengaged
- DThe most intense moment and the end of the interaction
Type 9 · asked 2 times · Intellectual property & intrapreneurship
Who is the inventor and who owns the IP for an idea from a work meeting
- Q21MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
An engineer develops a novel algorithm entirely on their own time, using personal equipment, but based on an idea discussed in a company meeting where the engineer is under employee contract. Who is the inventor, and who typically owns the IP?
- AThe company is the inventor and company is typically the owner
- BThe engineer is the inventor; the company may own the IP
- CThe engineer is both the inventor and owner by default
- DThe company is the inventor; the engineer owns the IP
- Q22MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
An UX researcher designs a new software tool at home on their personal laptop, outside office hours. However, the concept for the tool emerged during a brainstorming session at work, while they were under contract with the company. In this case, who is legally the inventor, and who is most likely to own the IP rights?
- AThe company is the inventor and retains ownership
- BThe researcher is the inventor; the company still owns the IP
- CThe researcher is automatically both inventor and owner
- DThe company is the inventor, while the researcher owns the IP
Type 10 · asked 2 times · Intellectual property & intrapreneurship
Select the correct statements about copyright, patents, trade secrets, trademarks
- Q23MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Which of the following statements about Intellectual Property (IP) are correct? 1. Copyright protects original expressions, not ideas. 2. Patents protect inventions even if not novel and obvious. 3. Trade secrets must be publicly disclosed to be protected. 4. Trademarks protect brand identifiers like logos and names. Select the correct answer:
- A1, 3, and 4 only
- B1 and 4 only
- C1, 2, and 4 only
- D2, 3, and 4 only
- Q24MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Which of the following statements correctly describe Intellectual Property (IP)? 1. Copyright covers creative expressions such as books, art, or music but not raw ideas. 2. Patents are granted even when the invention is not novel or is obvious. 3. Trade secrets require public disclosure to remain valid. 4. Trademarks safeguard distinctive elements of a brand, like its name or logo. Select the correct answer from the options below:
- A1, 3, and 4 only
- B1 and 4 only
- C1, 2, and 4 only
- D2, 3, and 4 only
Type 11 · asked 2 times · UX principles & user psychology
Which observed aspects count as user experience in UX research
- Q25MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
While evaluating a new health-tracking mobile app, the UX research team observed several aspects as given below: 1. The emotional reactions users had while navigating the app. 2. The beliefs users held about the app’s accuracy and trustworthiness. 3. The perceptions users formed about the app’s design and ease of use. 4. The physical and psychological responses triggered during usage (e.g., eye strain, sense of accomplishment). 5. The behaviours users displayed while interacting with the app (e.g., checking it daily, avoiding certain features). Which of the above aspects are typically considered part of User Experience (UX)?
- A1, 2, 3, 4 only
- B2, 3, 4, 5 only
- C1, 3, 4, 5 only
- D1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Q26MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
While assessing a fitness-tracking app, a design team listed these user-related observations: 1. Feelings and emotions users experienced during navigation. 2. Trust and beliefs about the app’s reliability. 3. Impressions of the app’s usability and interface design. 4. Bodily or mental responses while using it (e.g., fatigue, motivation). 5. Patterns of behaviour in app usage (e.g., frequency, feature avoidance). Which of these typically fall under User Experience (UX)?
- A1, 2, 3, 4 only
- B2, 3, 4, 5 only
- C1, 3, 4, 5 only
- D1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Type 12 · asked 2 times · Marketing & presenting your app
Second story structure in the PRESENT communication method
- Q27MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
In the PRESENT method of effective communication discussed in the Design Thinking for Data- Driven App Development course, two simple story structures were introduced. The first structure is: Start, Middle, and End. What is the second structure?
- AAnalyze, Solve & Test, and Present
- BSituation, Action/Solution, and Result
- CContext, Conflict/Challenge, and Solution
- DProblem, Ideation, and Prototype/ Present
- Q28MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
In the PRESENT method of effective communication discussed in the Design Thinking for Data- Driven App Development course, two simple story structures were introduced. The first structure is: Start, Middle, and End. What is the second structure?
- AAnalyze, Solve & Test, and Present
- BSituation, Action/Solution, and Result
- CContext, Conflict/Challenge, and Solution
- DProblem, Ideation, and Prototype/ Present
Type 13 · asked 2 times · Marketing & presenting your app
Bonus thank-you question: choose 'All'
- Q29MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)Key ↓
Which of the following could the course team of Design Thinking for Data-Driven App Development do to make the upcoming term even more unforgettable? (Hint: Our team wants to give you 1 mark as a gesture of thanks for taking this course. All statements are correct.) [Check ‘All’ as answer] 1. Buy coffee for nervous participants during the project viva voce. 2. Help teams find investors if they wish to take their project work forward. 3. Award +10 bonus marks for attending all live sessions. 4. Buy Mural and Figma licenses for each team so canvases and prototypes don’t have to be drawn on napkins. Select the correct answer from the options below:
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- COnly 3
- DAll
- Q30MCQ1 Mark·Choose one optionEnd Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)Key ↓
Which of the following could the course team of Design Thinking for Data-Driven App Development do to make the upcoming term even more legendary? (Hint: Our team wants to give you 1 mark as a token of thanks for being awesome. All statements are correct.) [Check ‘All’ as answer] 1. Send each team free pizza during their late-night GP1, GP2, GP3 marathons. 2. Invite Elon Musk (or at least his Twitter bot) to the final presentations. 3. Add a “Best Meme Prototype” award alongside “Best App Idea.” 4. Give participants a lifetime supply of sticky notes so they never run out during brainstorming. Select the correct answer from the options below:
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- COnly 3
- DAll.