This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of Design Thinking, tailored specifically for tackling complex, enterprise-scale technology challenges. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the Design Thinking process, emphasizing a human-centered approach to innovation. The course is structured to enhance participants' problem-solving skills, focusing on empathy, iterative development, and agile methodologies. Attendees will learn to apply these principles in real-world scenarios, making them well-equipped to drive creative solutions in technology-heavy systems like AI, data analytics, and software products.
​
Throughout the workshop, each group will be working on a specific technology problem. The exercises will enable them to progressively elaborate on their design problem, process, tool usage, solution candidates, and a plan to test and obtain feedback on them. This hands-on approach not only solidifies the learning but also simulates real-world application of design thinking in enterprise-scale technology environments.
After this workshop, you will be ready to:
-
Implement design thinking in technology-dependent products and projects: Utilize design thinking methodologies specifically tailored for complex technology environments.
-
Lead user-centric innovation: Create and use empathy maps to gain a deeper understanding of user experiences and requirements. Identify and articulate technology challenges precisely, distinguishing between symptoms and root causes.
-
Articulate clear problem definitions: Conduct effective brainstorming sessions, leveraging techniques like SCAMPER and Mind Mapping for innovative problem-solving.
-
Facilitate creative ideation sessions: Develop and test low-fidelity prototypes quickly, using agile methodologies to refine technology solutions iteratively.
-
Prototype agile solutions: Execute initial usability testing on prototypes, gathering and incorporating feedback for improvement.
-
Apply human-centric design principles to usability testing: Strategize the implementation of design thinking principles in large-scale, complex organizational structures.
-
Apply design thinking at organizational scale: Identify and overcome common bureaucratic hurdles that impede innovation in large enterprises.
-
Drive change with confidence: Return to your organization equipped with the knowledge and skills to spearhead design thinking initiatives and foster a culture of innovation in technology development.
Workshop Agenda
This workshop is crafted for individuals in roles related to AI, technology development, product management, and UX/UI design, and for anyone interested in improving their problem-solving skills in a high-tech environment. Attendees will leave with a strong foundation in Design Thinking and the confidence to apply these skills in their organizations.
1. Introduction to Design Thinking
-
Fundamental concepts and key terms
-
Importance in AI and technology solutions
-
Course goals: empathy, iterative processes, agile practices
Exercise: Setting the stage with an inventory of your technology challenges
​​
2. Design Thinking Overview
-
Principles and processes
-
The role of iterative processes and agile methodologies
-
Addressing technology-heavy systems and user-centric solutions
Exercise: Small groups will evaluate how user centricity is currently applied in their existing development processes.
​
3. Empathy & Human-Centered Design
-
Understanding end-user needs and behaviors
-
Integrating user feedback into the design process
-
Developing empathy maps to visualize user needs
Breakout session: In your small group, you will practice developing an empathy map which you'll use as a source for problem definition and user stories.
​
4. Defining Problems & Design Challenges
-
Distinguishing symptoms, problems, and root causes
-
Techniques for clear problem definition
-
Crafting problem statements and how to refine them
Exercise: Workshop groups will identify and use the tools we've discussed to define a real-world tech problem and the associated design challenge.
​​
5. Ideation and Creative Problem-Solving
-
Techniques for generating innovative ideas
-
Encouraging creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
-
Ideation techniques like SCAMPER, Mind Mapping
Exercise: Ideation session using Why-How laddering and the the "How Might We" (HMW) method
​​
6. Prototyping and Rapid Development
-
Agile practices for developing prototypes
-
Learning from iterative testing and feedback
-
Prototyping tools and materials, importance of quick iterations
Exercise: Develop low-fidelity prototypes for one of the brainstormed solutions
Testing & Iterating Solutions
-
Evaluating solutions in real-world scenarios
-
Fine-tuning based on user feedback and testing results
-
Learning to iterate based on feedback and test results
Exercise: In your groups, you'll walk through initial usability testing on your prototypes
​
Design Thinking at Scale
-
Applying design thinking principles in large, complex organizations
-
Overcoming bureaucratic and structural challenges
Group Discussion: Share experiences and strategies for implementing design thinking in large organizations. We'll catalog your challenges and produce a list of solution candidates.
​​
Conclusion and Final Assessment
-
Recap of key concepts and methodologies
-
Assessment to gauge understanding and application of course material
Final Group Exercise: Groups will present the results of their work throughout the workshop from problem identification to prototyping and testing plans and receive feedback on how to make measurable progress back at work.
This workshop is designed for:
-
Product Managers
-
User Experience (UX) Designers
-
Software Developers
-
Data Scientists and Analysts
-
Project Managers
-
AI Specialists
-
Business Analysts
-
IT Managers
-
Innovation Strategists
-
Digital Transformation Consultants
-
Technology Research and Development Leads
-
Organizational Change Managers
-
Customer Experience Strategists
-
Operations Managers in Tech Departments
-
Marketing Managers focusing on Tech Products