Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Design Thinking Program

The 'Design Thinking Program' aims to develop key skills in innovation, problem-solving, empathy, and entrepreneurship in young people through user-centered pedagogy. Specially designed for African students, it relies on local contexts to create concrete and sustainable solutions.

Design Thinking Program

Overview

Program Objectives

  • Understand fundamental principles of design thinking.
  • Develop strong empathy and a user-centered approach.
  • Master ideation, prototyping, and testing techniques.
  • Design social impact solutions by integrating sustainability and technology.
  • Strengthen communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurship skills.

Curriculum

Module 1

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Overview of Design Thinking
  • The process: Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test
  • African innovation cases
Module 2

Empathy and User Understanding

  • User research techniques
  • Field visits and interviews
  • Creating personas
Module 3

Problem Definition

  • Data synthesis
  • Formulating clear statements
  • 'How Might We...?' questions
Module 4

Ideation Techniques

  • Brainstorming, mind mapping
  • Using local resources
  • Sketches and creative ideas
Module 5

Prototyping

  • Prototype types: low vs high fidelity
  • Rapid prototyping exercises
  • Peer feedback
Module 6

Testing and Iteration

  • User testing methods
  • Analyzing feedback
  • Iteration cycles
Module 7

Storytelling and Communication

  • The art of telling an idea
  • Storyboard and pitch
  • Presentation techniques
Module 8

Collaboration and Teamwork

  • Conflict management
  • Working in multicultural teams
  • Strengthening individual roles
Module 9

Designing for Social Impact

  • Social innovation
  • Sustainable development goals
  • Local impact projects
Module 10

Technology and Innovation

  • Emerging technologies (AI, data, digital tools)
  • Technology integration in design
  • Sessions with tech experts
Module 11

Implementation and Scaling

  • Implementation planning
  • Risk assessment
  • Impact indicators
Module 12

Final Presentation and Reflection

  • Project presentations
  • Feedback and discussions
  • Future development paths
890 €
Duration
12 modules
Level
All levels
Format
In-person or Hybrid
Spots filling up fast