Design thinking incorporates components of consulting, critical thinking and problem solving. Design Thinking is solution based thinking and methodology which is user focused. It provides the structure and methods for advanced problem solving in a collaborative and creative way. Design Thinking looks at understanding the needs users and delivering what is possible.

It is more inclusive, looking at alternatives, working to reduce limiting ideas and constraints. It involves critical questioning, data and analysis. It also involves looking at things from other perspectives to fully understand the challenges being faced by all users. With design thinking at the onset there is no predetermined outcome. The processes and steps take you through to where you need to go.

Design thinking tools and methodologies 5 phases of Design Thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test). During this course participants will be walked through each of the phases and the types of tools which can be used. Examples of different types of businesses will be used in the exercise as we work through each phase so participants can run through how design thinking can be applied as they work with clients.

This course will discuss how to apply design thinking, tools and methods for work with clients and in life. Examples of good design thinking application from public sector and private sector organizations will be reviewed as well.

Program Topics

• Basics of Design Thinking
• Understanding Good Design
• Tools and methods used in design thinking
• Breaking down problems
• Designing for the customer

Objectives

• Understand how design thinking can be applied as participants look for alternative ways of looking at increasing innovation with clients
• Understanding clients challenges
• Empathizing with client’s end customers