Chapter 1: What is Design Thinking

How to use this module?

This course has been designed to be used in asynchronous way. The user will be guided though the different chapters and tasks with detailed instructions provided through the platform.

Recommendations for the users:

• Watch each video/chapter from beginning to the end;
• Complete the self-assessment test at the end of each module;
• Have a look to the external documents to which some videos make reference; these documents are related to specific tools which will help you to manage the different phases of Design Thinking; furthermore, the external documents are integral part of the course, and the self-assessment questions also concern these contents;
• The course includes an exercise that develops from video 3 to video 7; it will allow even those who have no previous experience to practice with the methodology and the different phases of Design Thinking;
• To complete each step of the exercise use the templates provided in the Annex and upload them in the apposite space.

Learning objectives in this chapter

The learner can:

• distinguish what Design Thinking represents as methodology, but also as a paradigm of thought and culture at an organisational level;
• distinuguish the main characteristics, aims and benefits of Design Thinking and its advantages over other design approaches;
• interpret and distinguish the main steps of Design Thinking, what are the main management activities they correspond to and their correct sequence and management.