Try It: Intro to Design Thinking from edX

Do you see problems that could be solved through innovative design? Enroll in our no-risk, Intro to Design Thinking course to see how common problem-solving tools used in UX/UI, product management, and technology industries could help you streamline some of the more complex issues you handle at your organization.

Gain the skills you need to tackle issues both big and small through new design methodologies. Throughout this course you learn about:

Implementing new design tools in organizations
Applying design methodology to solve the right problems
Utilizing the flexible, five-stage framework that prevents process rigidity

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Understand what design thinking is and how you can apply it
Know how failure can serve as a starting point for innovation
Apply the five stages of design thinking to solve your problems

This course is a perfect introduction to our Boot Camps, which are designed for learners of all backgrounds and experience levels. Learn more here.

What's inside

Learning objectives

What is design thinking? the five stages are: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
How to use design thinking to identify and solve the right problem.

How failure can serve as a starting point for innovation.

What is design thinking? the five stages are: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
How to use design thinking to identify and solve the right problem.
How failure can serve as a starting point for innovation.

Syllabus

Part I:

Design Thinking — Failing Your Way to Innovation: We will discuss how common failure happens, and how to reframe our reactions to use failure as an opportunity for innovation.

Using Design Thinking to solve the right problem:

An overview of the Design Thinking Methodology

Exploration of the five stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test

Part II:

Try It: Hands-on activity. Apply Design Thinking to Real World Examples.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the stages of Design Thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test

Provides real-world examples and opportunities to apply Design Thinking skills

Teaches how to identify and solve the right problem using Design Thinking

Strengthens a foundation for understanding Design Thinking

Develops skills in using Design Thinking to solve complex issues in various industries, including UX/UI, product management, and technology

Part of a series of courses in Design Thinking, so learners can continue their learning journey

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Intro to Design Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Product Manager

Develop and manage technology products by leveraging your design thinking skills. Through this course, you'll enhance your problem-solving abilities, refine your ability to innovate, and gain a foundational understanding to excel in product management. Using Design Thinking to solve the right problem and implementing new design tools in organizations are among the key course takeaways.

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User Experience (UX) Designer

In the UX design field, empathy is essential to understand customer needs. This is a core tenet of Design Thinking, which you'll dive into with this course. By learning this essential problem-solving methodology, you'll gain insights into the user experience design process and its practical application.

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Design Researcher

As a design researcher, problem-solving and innovation are major aspects of the job. This course introduces you to Design Thinking, helping you develop and refine these skills. You'll learn about empathizing with users, defining problems clearly, and testing solutions promptly. These skills are fundamental to success in design research.

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Service Designer

Service Design Thinking is a major focus of this course that can directly benefit your career as a Service Designer. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the five-stage Design Thinking framework, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to identify, understand, and address complex service issues.

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Information Architect

This course can provide valuable insights for aspiring information architects. By understanding the principles of Design Thinking, you'll gain a deeper understanding of user needs, navigation, and information organization. This knowledge will enhance your ability to create effective and user-centric information architectures.

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Interaction Designer

Interaction Design often overlaps with Design Thinking, and this course can provide a solid foundation for your career. You'll explore the five stages of Design Thinking, including prototyping and testing, which are essential for creating user-friendly and engaging digital experiences.

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Graphic designer

Understanding and applying Design Thinking can enhance your abilities in graphic design. This course introduces you to the principles of this problem-solving methodology, empowering you to approach design challenges with a human-centered approach, empathize with target audiences, and create visually appealing and effective designs.

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Web Designer

Web designers can benefit from the problem-solving and user-centered approaches taught in this course. Design Thinking emphasizes understanding user needs and testing solutions. This course can help you create more effective and user-friendly designs, which is crucial for web design.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers who wish to create user-friendly and easy-to-understand documentation will find Design Thinking principles valuable. This course covers techniques for defining problems, empathizing with users, and testing solutions. This knowledge will enhance your ability to write clear, concise, and effective technical documentation.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional designers can enhance their ability to create effective and engaging learning experiences by understanding Design Thinking. This course will introduce you to the principles of empathy, user-centered design, and iterative testing. These skills are essential for identifying learning needs, designing instructional materials, and evaluating learning outcomes.

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Project Manager

Project managers can benefit from the problem-solving and stakeholder engagement aspects of Design Thinking. This course will provide you with tools and techniques for defining project goals, understanding user needs, and managing project risks. These skills can contribute to the success of your projects.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts can leverage the problem-solving and analytical techniques of Design Thinking to gain a deeper understanding of business processes and user needs. This course will introduce you to the five stages of Design Thinking, enabling you to identify and solve business problems more effectively.

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Product Owner

Product owners can apply the iterative and user-centered approach of Design Thinking to enhance product development. This course will provide you with insights into understanding user needs, defining product requirements, and testing solutions. These skills can help you deliver successful and customer-centric products.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers seeking to create effective and targeted marketing campaigns can benefit from Design Thinking principles. This course will introduce you to empathy, user-centered design, and iterative testing. These techniques can help you gain a deeper understanding of your target audience, develop more effective marketing strategies, and measure the success of your campaigns.

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Sales Manager

Sales managers can leverage Design Thinking to understand customer needs, develop sales strategies, and improve customer relationships. This course will provide you with insights into empathy, user-centered design, and iterative testing. These skills can help you identify and address customer pain points, build stronger relationships, and increase sales success.

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