Design Thinking: Innovation & Creative Problem Solving Training Course

The Design Thinking Mindset & Innovation Landscape

• The 5 Stages: A comprehensive exploration of Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
• Innovation Theory: Examining the connections between DT, disruptive innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• The Problem Space: Learning to identify patterns and precise problem definitions, understanding why identifying the correct problem is often more critical than finding the solution.
• Group Exercise: Distinguishing between "Why" and "How" to identify a real-world complex problem to address throughout the day.

Empathy, User Research & Problem Definition

• Empathy Mapping: Techniques for understanding user pain points, needs, and motivations.
• Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying key stakeholders and strategies for engaging them effectively.
• The Persona: Creating representative archetypes of the target audience.
• Defining the Problem: Crafting effective Problem Statements (Point-of-View statements) and using "How Might We" (HMW) questions to frame challenges.
• Workshop: Drafting personas and problem statements for the group’s selected case study.

Ideation & Divergent Thinking

• Generating Ideas: Techniques to overcome creative blocks, such as SCAMPER, brainstorming rules, and the "Worst Possible Idea" method.
• Idea Selection: Methods for filtering and prioritizing concepts, including Dot Voting and the Impact/Effort Matrix.
• Agile Estimation: Introduction to basic techniques for assessing the viability of ideas.
• Group Exercise: A rapid ideation sprint to generate solutions for the defined problem.

Prototyping & The Art of Failing Fast

• Prototyping: Principles of rapid prototyping using paper, cardboard, storyboarding, and role-play.
• Testing: Formulating test plans and gathering meaningful feedback.
• Iterative Approach: Embracing the "Build-Measure-Learn" cycle and viewing failure as a valuable learning tool.
• Tools: Introduction to Customer Journey Maps and Service Blueprints for visualizing solutions.
• Workshop: Creating low-fidelity prototypes for the top-ranked solutions.

Testing, Evaluation & Refinement

• Running the Test: Strategies for presenting prototypes and asking insightful questions.
• Feedback Loops: Differentiating between constructive feedback and personal preferences.
• Model Drift: Recognizing when a solution begins to deviate from the user’s core needs.
• Group Exercise: Peer testing of prototypes and refining solutions based on gathered feedback.

Scaling Impact & Leadership Readiness

• Business Model Innovation: Aligning the developed solution with the Business Model Canvas.
• Critical Thinking & Leadership: Integrating the DT mindset into daily operations and decision-making processes.
• Cultural Implementation: Overcoming resistance to change and fostering an environment of psychological safety.
• Final Reflection: Reviewing key takeaways, developing personal action plans, and concluding the learning journey.