Design Thinking: putting people at the centre of innovation
Solve real problems with people at the centre — from understanding users to testing prototypes.
Why this seminar matters
Many good ideas fail because they solve the wrong problem. Design Thinking starts with the people you serve, moves quickly from insight to prototype and tests early — so teams learn what works before they invest heavily.
What you will learn
- Run the Design Thinking cycle end to end
- Turn user insights into clear problem statements
- Generate ideas and build quick prototypes
- Bring the method into your own team
The seminar programme
The seminar is built around four modules. Each one combines a short input with practical exercises, so you apply what you learn straight away.
Run the Design Thinking cycle end to end
In a compact design sprint you move through the phases — understand, observe, define, ideate, prototype and test — on a real challenge, and see how they connect.
Turn user insights into clear problem statements
You practise interviews and observation, cluster what you learn, and write problem statements in the “How might we…?” format that open up good solutions.
Generate ideas and build quick prototypes
Brainstorming rules, sketching and paper or role-play prototypes help you make ideas tangible within minutes, so they can be tested before anyone invests in them.
Bring the method into your own team
We look at how to run short Design Thinking sessions at work, which tools to start with, and how to win support from colleagues and managers.
How we work
Most of the time you work in small teams on a hands-on challenge, with short methodological inputs and reflection after each phase. Expect sticky notes, sketches and real feedback from fellow participants.
What you take home
- A step-by-step guide to the Design Thinking phases
- Interview and observation templates
- Prototyping and testing checklists
- A plan for a first session with your own team
Who it is for
Teams, managers and educators who develop products, services or programmes. No prior knowledge is needed — we start from your own questions and cases.
Practical details
- Length: two to four days on site in Vienna, depending on the group
- Group size: from eight participants
- Language: German or English, set per group
- Fee: €220–€400 per person, depending on length — we help you look for funding
- Certificate of participation for every participant
Try this before the seminar
Next time someone brings you a solution, ask “Who has this problem, and how do we know?” — the shortest route into Design Thinking.
Join the next group
Pre-register by email to training@acceleras.io with the seminar name. A pre-payment reserves your place, and we confirm the dates as soon as eight participants have joined. After your first seminar you also get free access to seminars from our EU-funded projects.