About the course

Design thinking has become a bit of a buzzword, yet the techniques, methods and approaches are critical to identifying and solving real problems and delivering value to customers. So, what is design thinking and how can you use it to solve problems that meet real needs?

In this course, you will learn structured creative techniques that help you develop more ideas, better ideas and leverage the knowledge of a group to move those ideas forward together. You will learn tools, techniques and a repeatable process that will help you create new value for customers and approach problem solving with a new confidence.

Modules

Crash course in creativity

Learn simple techniques that allow you to explore more ideas, bring out the best thinking in a group setting, explore the key principles of collaborative creativity, and create the conditions for real innovation.

Applying design thinking

A practical, hands-on session where participants learn a repeatable process to apply design thinking methods and techniques. Learn how to use empathy to ask better questions, create ideas to enhance a service experience, and how to bring ideas to life quickly through prototypes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to apply new design thinking skills to develop solutions in human-centred ways. You will be able to immediately apply a design thinking process to your next project or problem.

What you will learn:

  • The power of design: how to respond to the actual needs of real people
  • Creativity & collaboration: explore the key principles of collaborative creativity and how to embrace curiosity
  • The benefits of working together, particularly across silos, and how to make the most of many ideas
  • Tools to structure decision-making and understand where to go next
  • Real-world practice: put your design skills into practice with a relevant design challenge
  • Practical steps that you can start using right away to make an impact at your organization
  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “Overlap’s approach help take the fear outta learning while you insert fun. I have had this sick feeling every time I had to engage with technology–but your attitude and approach take away the scariness.”

    Intro to HCD Participant

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “Overlap was able to explain concepts and engage people effectively and emotionally in the learning process. From concept thinking to design, they brought an element of a new Human feelings approach that gave me a new perspective of incorporating an end-user approach to a problem versus a global approach.”

    H. B. Com, CPA, CGA, Director of Finance and Administration, KW Habilitation

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “Taking (Intro to HCD) rejuvenated my enthusiasm for work at a time when I was starting to feel disconnected. Not only was it refreshing to work through Launch activities with an interdisciplinary group, it gave me ideas for engaging my own team differently. I immediately applied what I learned with noted success!”

    Educational Developer | Curriculum Development and Program Improvement Centre for Teaching & Learning | Queen’s University

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “...Overlap training introduced me to a process and a wealth of tools that will take our planning to the next level. Moving to virtual training did not dampen Ryan and Nicole's enthusiasm, and their insights helped me understand how to apply these tools in my own organization. I cannot wait for my next planning session!”

    Head of Public Services Law Library, Dalhousie University

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “The training at Overlap encouraged me to fall in love with the problem and understand it deeply. The iterative design process teaches that failure is valued as a necessary step to designing the best solutions. This relieves the pressure of trying to 'get it right the first time.' Using this approach in our organization has promoted a new sense of engagement in our staff team, as people feel their voices are valued in the process.”

    Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region

Upcoming Courses

Introduction to Human-Centred Design
(Live Online Cohort)

September 13 & 15, 2022

9am-12pm EST

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Introduction to Human-Centred Design
(Live Online Cohort)

October 18 & 20, 2022

9am-12pm EST

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Introduction to Human-Centred Design
(Live Online Cohort)

November 15 & 17, 2022

9am-12pm EST

Sign Up