Design Thinking Coach Course – English
Interactive on-site and online practice - Incl. IHK certification
Newly introduced: Learn Design Thinking coaching skills on-site and online to master the Design Thinking Process, team facilitation and coaching, as well as workshops and projects in both realms.
Design Thinking is often referred to as a methodology, but it encompasses much more: approaches, a toolbox of methods, collaborative pathways, and much more.
Design Thinking describes the mindset of practicing designers and integrates their human-centered approach into the entire organization. The result is cross-functional collaboration for better and forward-thinking development of new products, services, strategies, and processes. This is beneficial not only for digitalization but also for the continuous evolution and transformation of companies.
Design Thinking for Sustainable Innovation
In addition to the different levels at which Design Thinking operates (mindset, skills, and methods), Design Thinking iteratively addresses three central elements: human desirability, technological feasibility, and economic viability. Considering all these factors leads to sustainable innovations, starting from the perspective of people, that is, the customer or user.
Double Diamond: Embracing the Iterative Process
The Design Thinking Process does not follow a linear approach but rather emphasizes iterative work cycles to go through the formally described six phases of Design Thinking: Understand, Empathize, Synthesize, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. In Design Thinking, the aim is always to first explore the context, uncover complex problems and needs, and develop concepts and solutions through hypotheses (How might we questions). Divergent and convergent thinking are essential disciplines in Design Thinking. Strategically shifting, we open ourselves to new problems or ideas or focus on a few for further exploration. This creates what is called a double diamond in the process, overlaying the problem space and the solution space.
From Problem to New Services, Business Models, and Processes as a Team
The end result is a carefully researched landscape of problems, for which solutions are developed through targeted decision-making. This leads to new products and services with novel or successful business models. Additionally, Design Thinking creates a demonstrably more relaxed work atmosphere, increasing enjoyment and satisfaction in the workplace. The cross-functional approach also promotes exchange and closer collaboration among different departments and disciplines throughout the organization.
What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking Definition
Design Thinking is an approach to developing new ideas and solving problems from the customer or user perspective. It is based on various methods that help interdisciplinary teams to understand the needs of customers and to solve the underlying problems. Creative prototypes make this tangible.
See also: Design Thinking Definition
Design Thinking Process
The Design Thinking process is a method for creating fresh concepts and resolving issues by focusing on the viewpoints of customers or users. It encompasses six key stages: Understand, Empathy, Synthesis, Ideation, Prototyping, and Testing. These stages are crucial for achieving a fruitful design thinking process, as previously explained in the definition of Design Thinking.
See also: Design Thinking Process
Learn the Craft of Creative Teamwork in Our Design Thinking Coach Course
Our Design Thinking Coach Course consists of four modules. Two modules take place on-site in a city within the Federal Republic, and 2 modules are conducted remotely. In this multi-day training, you will learn all the fundamentals to successfully guide teams. After completing the training, you will be able to conduct Design Thinking projects on your own, guide and support groups, and drive them towards results.
We have a maximum of 12 participants in each session. Our training sessions are interactive, which means that in addition to lectures, you will primarily work together with your colleagues in exercises. We prioritize practical relevance. Examples, simulations, and exchanging practical experiences will help you integrate Design Thinking into your work.
In our Design Thinking Coach Course, you will learn how to quickly arrive at solutions using a human-centered process. You will acquire Design Thinking methods that can be easily applied in your everyday work, as well as understanding the structure and execution of a Design Sprint. The second part of the training focuses on coaching. You will learn how to create the foundations for teams that want to work in an agile and creative manner. The modules also involve exploring different personalities within a design team. Additionally, you will develop skills in designing and facilitating workshops, as well as setting up a long-term Design Thinking project as a coach.
What does “hybrid” mean?
With our training format “hybrid,” our participants learn the best of both worlds. We practice and exercise Design Thinking both in-person and online. In today’s hybrid world, with appointments in the office as well as online, it is important for a coach to master both. That is precisely why we have designed a Design Thinking Coach Course that incorporates both approaches. As a result, everyone is prepared directly for practical work and is familiar with online and offline tools and methods.
What knowledge do I need to bring?
No prior knowledge is required for the Design Thinking Coach Course. Bring your interest, enthusiasm for collaboration, and an open mind. Design Thinking has a playful, experimental aspect to it. An open attitude helps to internalize the Design Thinking mindset.
Any more questions?
Do you have any questions or would you like to get to know us personally beforehand? Contact us for our free information sessions or during a agile consultation call we answer questions such as:
Do I need prior knowledge to participate in the Design Thinking Coach Course or the Design Thinking Workshop (in German)?
When should I opt for the in-house version (in German) of the training?
What are the requirements for obtaining the IHK certificate (for training only)?
How exactly are the training modules structured?
IHK Design Thinking Coach Certificate
At our organization, you can become certified as a Design Thinking Coach through the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce). The requirements for the certificate include attending all modules, completing practical transfer assignments between modules (non-evaluated), and successfully passing the practice-oriented final project.
You can find further information about the certification process →
What makes our Design Thinking Coach Course special
Practical Relevance
Our training places a strong emphasis on practical work and the direct application of Design Thinking in real projects and situations.
Experienced Approach: We have been working as Design Thinking Coaches for many years and firmly believe that one can only effectively introduce others to Design Thinking if they have sufficient practical experience in various organizations in this field.
Training Style
PowerPoint is rarely used in our training sessions at Veraenderungskraft. Instead, we rely on numerous practical exercises, simulations, and group discussions. This allows each training group to delve deeper into the topics that they find particularly interesting. Rather than just learning theory, participants gain their first practical experiences with the learning content through our program.
Curriculum (Content)
Our curriculum covers both Design Thinking for practitioners and the topic of coaching. Our training program is based on the teachings of the d.school at Stanford University, as well as our own 10 years of Design Thinking practice. Design Thinking is constantly evolving, and our curriculum reflects the latest developments, such as “life-centered design.”
Modules – Design Thinking Coach Course (English)
Training hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Module 1: Design Thinking Experience
- The module takes place on-site for 3 days.
- Getting to know other participants in the room
- Practicing with whiteboards, post-its, and flipcharts
Understanding the principles and values of Design Thinking
Experiencing teamwork, creativity, and speed firsthand
Trying out and learning Design Thinking methods:
Conducting qualitative interviews
Learning ethnographic methods
Experimenting with various brainstorming techniques
Analyzing qualitative data
Trying out prototyping techniques
Module 2: Design Thinking Sprints
- The module takes place online for 2 days, using Zoom and Miro
- Collaborating and working interactively with others online
- Getting to know online tools like Zoom, Trello, and Miro as a facilitator and coach
Understanding Design Thinking methods in the context of online collaboration
Planning and conducting a mini Design Sprint
Deepening the testing phase of Design Thinking
Understanding and experiencing Design Thinking as an agile approach (iterations)
Learning how Design Thinking teams work online
Module 3: Design Thinking Flow & Coaching
The module takes place on-site for 3 days
Role of the Design Thinking Coach (moderator, facilitator, advisor)
Learning how to guide and support teams
Learning how to structure a Design Thinking workshop
Creating the framework for a Design Thinking workshop
Module 4: Design Thinking Project Design
The module takes place online for 2 days, using Zoom and Miro
Sharing and reflecting on practical examples from Design Thinking coaching
Method: Peer consultation
Developments and trends in Design Thinking and coaching
Learning how to set up a larger Design Thinking project
Introduction to Practical Transfer Tasks
For 2-day trainings the practical transfer tasks will be introduced in the evening of Day 1
For 3-day trainings the practical transfer tasks will be introduced on Day 2
Here is an overview of all the dates for the pre-discussions and follow-up reviews of your practical transfer tasks, which you need to complete as part of your Design Thinking Coach Course with IHK certification.
Prices
-
Direct payers 6.499 €
You bear the costs yourself. Plus 19% VAT.
-
Payment through company 6.999 €
Your employer pays the tuition fee for you. Plus 19% VAT.
Payment through an employer: Invoice, which must be paid in full no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course.
Direct payers: Invoice in full or payment per module: Invoice will be issued 4 weeks ahead with the payment due within 14 days.
Individual payment in instalments is possible on request.
SAVE UP TO 60 %: With further education grants from the federal states.
- Catering (only face-to-face training): Snacks, fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, lunch [also vegetarian/vegan].
- IHK Certificate
- Accompanying material: Literature list for consolidation, photo protocols.
- Free support: Agile Consultation Hours for your questions before and after the training.
Costs for the examination and the issuance of the IHK certificate, on the part of the IHK, are included in the price. These are only collected by us and forwarded to the IHK.
Here you will find the requirements for obtaining the certificate.
Payment in installments (term up to 12 months) is possible for self-payers. Please use the corresponding field in the order process.
We answer further questions on our FAQ page (in German).
Dates & Booking
We use Zoom as a video chat tool and Trello as a digital whiteboard for our live online training sessions and pre- and post-practice task discussions. We also use Miro for practical exercises.
Please make sure you can use these tools in your browser on your device. A paid license does not need to be purchased for this. The function of a free basic account is sufficient.
Modules
Training hours : 9.30am to 5.30pm
-
1. Design Thinking Experience to be announced
-
2. Design Thinking Sprints to be announced
-
3. Design Thinking Flow & Coaching to be announced
-
4. Design Thinking Projekt Design to be announced
Practical transfer dates
The meetings take place online (Zoom). At the beginning of the training you will choose a slot of 60 minutes within the blocks. Together with you will be 1 to 2 other people in the appointment.
| Module | Pre-Discussion | Time | Post-Review | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 |
| 2 | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 |
| 3 | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 |
| 4* | to be announced | 14:00 – 18:00 | – | – |
* Final assignment
Course with IHK certificate
The IHK, which stands for Industrie- und Handelskammer (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), is a German organization that plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting the interests of businesses, industries, and trade within Germany. It is a central hub for economic development, vocational training, and certification.
The IHK offers a wide range of services, including professional training programs and certifications that are highly respected and recognized both nationally and internationally. These certifications hold significant value as they are a testament to an individual’s expertise and skills in a particular field.
By undergoing an IHK certification, professionals can demonstrate their competence and proficiency in their respective domains, enhancing their credibility and career prospects. The IHK’s rigorous evaluation process ensures that certified individuals possess the necessary knowledge, practical experience, and adherence to industry standards.
Attending our Design Thinking training, understanding the value of IHK certifications is essential. The IHK certification provides a seal of approval and assurance of quality, indicating that the individual has met the stringent standards set by the German business community. This recognition can be particularly valuable for those seeking to work or collaborate with German companies or seeking international recognition of their qualifications.
In summary, the IHK is a highly respected organization in Germany that offers certifications widely recognized for their quality and credibility. Their certifications can provide individuals with a competitive edge in their professional endeavors and serve as a valuable asset for everyone seeking to enhance their skills and establish themselves in the global marketplace.
Our Design Thinking Coach Course can be completed with the IHK certificate “Design Thinking Coach (IHK)”. Prerequisite is the attendance at all modules as well as the completion of practice transfer tasks between the modules and the passing of an online test as well as a practice-oriented final assignment.
The practical transfer tasks are discussed before and after with one of our trainers. This individual coaching gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge. The prerequisite is that you accept feedback, take a self-critical look at yourself and learn from your mistakes.
You will receive the IHK certificate at the end of the training if you have completed the practical transfer tasks between the modules (not assessed) and passed the online test and the practice-oriented final paper.
Participation in all modules is a prerequisite. For the implementation of the final task, you need your own team or access to a team in your own or in another company.
If this is a problem for you, you have the option of completing the final task together with another participant in their company. Alternatively, you can search for a team online on a suitable portal or contact us. We will then forward your request within our network. To take full advantage of the training, a team or access to a team would also be desirable for modules 1-4.
If necessary, you will have to ensure that you are released for the necessary time commitment. This usually amounts to 4 to 6 hours per module as well as 3.5 – 4 days for the final assignment. In addition, we require a high level of personal commitment and the ability to self-direct.
The documentation of the practical transfer as well as the final assignment must be submitted in time before the date of the debriefing. Please also allow sufficient time for any rework that may result from the trainer’s feedback.
The costs, in the amount of 500 EUR, for the examination and the issuance of the IHK certificate, on the part of the IHK, are included in the price. These are only collected by us and forwarded to the IHK.
Your Design Thinking Trainer
Tobias Schreier
DESIGN THINKING PARTNERTobias studied Product Design (BSc) and has been working in the world of startups, innovation and agility for many years. As a trainer and consultant for large and medium-sized companies, he accompanies many employees on their way to an innovative and agile way of working. Latest developments around team development, organizational structures and technology are part of his daily work. Tobias lives Design Thinking through and through, and enjoys passing on the user-centered mindset and methods to as many employees as possible.