Design Thinking Works

Course Title: How Design Thinking Works?

Design Thinking Works course is intended for a single participant.

Course Description

Design Thinking Works is an immersive course designed to introduce participants to the principles and methodologies of design thinking. Participants will learn how to approach problem-solving and innovation through a human-centered design lens. Through a combination of interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and real-world case studies, this course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to apply design thinking principles in various contexts, fostering creativity, empathy, and innovation.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the core principles and concepts of design thinking.
• Develop empathy for end-users and stakeholders to identify unmet needs and opportunities.
• Learn the step-by-step process of design thinking, including problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
• Apply design thinking methods and tools to solve complex problems and drive innovation.
• Cultivate a mindset of creativity, experimentation, and iteration in problem-solving.
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to generate innovative solutions.
• Gain confidence in using design thinking as a strategic tool for business and organizational success.
• Explore real-world case studies and examples of successful design thinking applications across industries.

Course Content

1. Introduction to Design Thinking

• Definition and core principles of design thinking.
• Importance of human-centered design and empathy in problem-solving.

2. Empathizing with Users

• Techniques for conducting user research and gathering insights.
• Developing empathy maps and user personas to understand user needs.

3. Defining the Problem

• Framing the problem statement identifying challenges and opportunities.
• Reframing problems through a human-centered lens to uncover deeper insights.

4. Ideation and Brainstorming

• Generating and prioritizing ideas through brainstorming sessions.
• Techniques for fostering creativity and divergent thinking.

5. Prototyping Solutions

• Rapid prototyping methods sketching, role-playing, and storyboarding.
• Creating low-fidelity prototypes to test and iterate on ideas.

6. Testing and Iteration

• Techniques for gathering feedback and testing prototypes with users.
• Iterating on solutions based on user feedback and insights.

7. Design Thinking in Action Real-World Case Studies

• Analysis of successful design thinking projects and applications across industries.
• Learning from real-world examples of innovation and problem-solving.

8. Applying Design Thinking to Business Challenges

• Integrating design thinking into organizational processes and culture.
• Leveraging design thinking as a strategic tool for business growth and innovation.

Course Structure

• The course is structured into 8 modules, each focusing on specific aspects of the design thinking process.
• Each module consists of interactive lectures, hands-on activities, group discussions, and case studies.
• Participants will engage in practical exercises and projects to apply design thinking principles in real-world scenarios.
• The course may span over several weeks or months, with sessions held regularly to allow for in-depth exploration and application of concepts.

Required Materials and Resources

• Presentation slides and handouts for each module.
• Design thinking tools and templates (empathy maps, user personas, prototyping materials, etc.).
• Whiteboard or flipchart for brainstorming and group activities.
• Audiovisual equipment for presentations and multimedia content.
• Training manuals or guides for participants.
• Writing materials (pens, pencils, notebooks) for participants.
• Internet access for research and accessing online resources.
• Certificates of completion for participants who successfully finish the course.
• Knowledgeable facilitators or instructors with expertise in design thinking methodologies.

With this structured outline, the How Design Thinking Works course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of design thinking principles and practical tools to drive innovation and solve complex problems effectively.

Assessment and Grading

• Quizzes: 20%
• Case Studies Analysis: 30%
• Reflective Essays: 25%
• Final Project: 25%

Courses Policies

• Participation: Active engagement in discussions and activities is encouraged.
• Academic Integrity: All work submitted must be original and cited properly.
• Grading Policy: Grades will be based on the quality of work and adherence to deadlines.

Instructor Information

• Instructor Name: Mr. Muhammad Sajwani
• Instructor Profile Link: https://www.parho.co/instructor/muhammad-sajwani/

Additional Information

• Duration: 4-Hours – Half Working Day
• Format: Online, asynchronous
• Technical Requirements: Access to a computer with internet connection
• Support Resources: Purchase Support Hours