Introduction to Design Thinking

Overview

Organisations, institutions, and society face challenges that are complex and multi-faceted. These challenges are often referred to as wicked problems and, as such, require multidimensional solutions. Design Thinking has its roots in industrial design and engineering and borrows from psychology, computer science and ethnography. It provides an excellent framework to explore user-centred solutions to challenges in an iterative manner. Rather than being problem-focused, Design Thinking is solution-focused and action-oriented. It involves both analysis and imagination and works most effectively in multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams.

This Masterclass introduces the Design Thinking methodology. You will discover how to apply the principles of Design Thinking to address real-world challenges in your own business or organisation. You will learn how to apply a user-centred, iterative approach when tackling complex problems and developing products and services. You will examine the use of empathy mapping as a process for understanding a customer’s journey to your product or service.

The masterclass is offered in two formats:

• Taster Session
• Masterclass

The Taster Session and Masterclass are both designed and delivered independently.

The Taster Session will introduce you to the core concepts of Design Thinking and will give you a practical understanding of essential Design Thinking skills and mindsets. It provides a unique opportunity to sample the topic, interact and engage with the material and meet those involved in developing and delivering the Masterclass.

The Masterclass provides a more comprehensive in-depth understanding of Design Thinking and how it could be applied as a problem-solving process.

Completion of the Taster Session is not a pre-requisite for Masterclass participation.

What topics will you cover?

Taster Session (1 x 90-minute online workshop)

• Core elements of Design Thinking;
• Design Thinking with empathy.

The Taster Session aims to provide students with:

• An introduction to Design Thinking processes and methods;
• An appreciation of the importance of empathy in Design Thinking.

On completion of the Taster Session, a Certificate of Attendance will be provided.

Masterclass (1 x 3-hour online workshop)

• Design Thinking skills, and how they relate to creativity, innovation and brainstorming;
• Problem definition; identifying customer needs and user groups;
• Customer journeys and empathy mapping.

On completion of the Masterclass, you will be able to:

• Apply the key principles of Design Thinking as a process for creative problem-solving;
• Identify how Design Thinking could be applied within a wide variety of contexts, including your work environment;
• Reflect on how you could use empathy mapping as a process for building the customer’s journey to your product or service.

On completion of the Masterclass, a Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Who is this Masterclass for?

The Taster Session and Masterclass are designed for individuals and teams working in the product or service industries who want to drive innovation and improve the customer experience. This includes but is not limited to professionals such as accountants, solicitors, engineers, bankers, healthcare professionals, public service employees, research and development teams, start-ups and technology professionals.

Who Teaches the Masterclass?

Jonathan Bannister - Design Thinker

As a facilitator and strategist, Jonathan helps business leaders and their teams exploit their creativity and collective intelligence to strengthen their business models, marketing and innovation programmes, and organisational development.

Time, Date, and Place

Taster Session: 90-minute interactive online live webinar.

Masterclass: One 3-hour interactive online live webinar.

Attendees should have a computer with microphone and video capability and are expected to participate in these interactive sessions.