Design Thinking: An Introduction

This course introduces the concept of design thinking, which advocates a focus on the needs of users and customers, and results in better products, services, and processes.

The course will teach you:

• how to use design thinking to solve problems more creatively,
• how to understand problems from a customer’s perspective,
• how to apply different brainstorming techniques to identify innovative ideas,
• how to use effective design research,
• how to understand the value of creating prototypes to test ideas,
• and how to ensure design ideas materialize.

Course Topics: 

Session One: Course Overview

• Setting the Stage
• Agenda Review
• Course Overview
• Learning Objectives
• Action Plans and Evaluations

Session Two: Introduction to Design Thinking

• Introduction
• Benefits of Design Thinking
• Design Thinking in a Nutshell
• Design Thinking Phases

Session Three: Empathize

• What is Empathy?
• Empathy Mapping
• Types of Questions

Session Four: Define

• Developing a Point of View
• Developing a Persona
• Defining Your Questions
• Morning Wrap-Up
• Lunch
• Energizer: Designing the Ideal Wallet

Session Five: Ideation Part 1 — Ideas and Potential Solutions

• Methods for Ideation: Brainstorming
• Limitations of Brainstorming
• Methods for Ideation: Brain Writing
• More Methods
• Tips
• De Bono’s Thinking Hats
• Value of the Six Thinking Hats
• Selecting the Best Idea

Session Six: Ideation Part 2 — Journey Mapping

• Developing a Journey Map

Session Seven: Prototyping and Testing

• Prototyping and Testing
• Prototyping
• Testing
• User Testing Methods
• Wrap-Up