Design Thinking is a systematic approach to complex problems from all areas of life. In this two-day workshop the participants will experience an introduction to the basic principles of the innovation method and all phases of the Design Thinking process in a compact way by working on openly phrased challenge.

The participants will experience a structured and professionally moderated Design Thinking workshop. The workshop will apply the innovation techniques of Design Thinking to an innovation challenge that is primarily selected for its methodological and learning value.

The phases of the process and the associated methods are witnessed and applied in the workshop in clearly defined time windows. The workshop is structured around on the didactic principle of action orientation, with work divided into an exchange of common discussions, moderated teamwork and reflection.

Day 1

Exploring and redefining the problem area from the user’s point of view.
The teams go through the phases of problem definition, user empathy, and synthesis, ending with a redefinition of the challenge from the user’s point of view.

 

Day 2

Finding ideas, building prototypes and test it with the user.
The teams enter the solution space. Based on the perspective developed on the first day, the teams develop user-centric concepts and implement them as testable prototypes.
Short reflection and contextualization of Design Thinking in everyday work.

Upon completion of this course, learners:

will have gained a deep understanding of the design thinking process and its application to solve complex problems. They will have learned how to empathize with users, define problem statements, ideate creative solutions, prototype and test them, and iterate based on user feedback,
will have developed their creative confidence and innovative mindset through hands-on exercises. They will have learned to embrace ambiguity, think outside the box, and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to generate innovative ideas and solutions,
will have acquired practical skills in using various design thinking tools and techniques, such as persona development, journey mapping, brainstorming, rapid prototyping, and user testing. They will be able to apply these skills in their own projects or organisations to drive innovation and improve user experiences.

The aim of the workshop is to convey the approach, culture and methods of the user-centered innovation method Design Thinking. The participants will run through all phases of Design Thinking in order to gain a basic understanding of the individual process steps. In addition, the participants reflect on the applicability of the principles of Design Thinking to their own innovation work. Each participant takes from the workshop first skills, which can be used directly for working in teams, in meetings, or on complex problems.