What topics are typically covered in design thinking courses?

Design thinking courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and applying the design thinking methodology to solve complex problems creatively . These include the basics of design thinking principles, the five stages of design thinking (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test), and user-centered design. Learners will explore topics such as brainstorming techniques, prototyping methods , and user testing . Advanced courses might cover areas like design research, advanced prototyping tools, and integrating design thinking into organizational processes. Practical exercises and projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to innovate and create user-centered solutions.

How can I choose the right design thinking course for my career goals?

Choosing the right design thinking course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of design thinking, including an overview of its principles, stages, and fundamental techniques. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced ideation methods, user research techniques, and more sophisticated prototyping tools. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on integrating design thinking into business strategy, facilitating design thinking workshops, or preparing for certifications like a Design Thinking Certificate. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in design thinking?

A certificate in design thinking can open up various career opportunities across multiple industries. Common roles include UX/UI designer , product manager , innovation consultant, and design thinking facilitator. These positions involve applying design thinking methodologies to develop innovative products, improve user experiences, and solve complex problems creatively. With the increasing emphasis on user-centered design and innovation in business processes, earning a certificate in design thinking can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as technology, healthcare, education, and consulting.

Top Design Thinking Courses - Learn Design Thinking Online

Explore the Design Thinking Course Catalog

University of California San Diego
Information Design
Skills you'll gain: Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Mockups, Responsive Web Design, Design, Typography, Wireframing, Design Elements And Principles, Usability, Interaction Design, Prototyping, User Experience Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
575 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Introduction to Data Science
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Jupyter, Data Mining, Data Modeling, Databases, Data Science, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, R Programming, Database Design, Query Languages, Database Management, Big Data, Computer Programming Tools, GitHub, Data Visualization Software, Application Deployment, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
97K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Arizona State University
Futures Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Visionary, Strategic Thinking, Proactivity, Forecasting, Creative Thinking, Optimism, Brainstorming, Curiosity, Open Mindset, Strategic Decision-Making, Contingency Planning, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Platform Thinking: what’s beyond Uber?
Skills you'll gain: Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Systems Thinking, Technology Strategies, Digital Transformation, Business Modeling, Business Transformation, Business Development, Market Opportunities, Business Strategy
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Multiple educators
Innovación en los Negocios y Disrupción Digital
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Storytelling, Design Thinking, Business Strategy, Business Modeling, Marketing Communications, Data Visualization, Brand Strategy, Project Portfolio Management, Business Planning, Growth Strategies, Technology Strategies, Business Process, Strategic Planning, Digital Transformation, Risk Management, Business, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Market Opportunities
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Platform Thinking: Innovation in digital business models era
Skills you'll gain: Data Strategy, Business Modeling, Data Ethics, Data Sharing, Design Thinking, Innovation, Customer Data Management, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Market Opportunities, Data Governance, Business Architecture, Systems Thinking, Technology Strategies, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Product Development, Big Data, Customer Insights, Strategic Thinking, Digital Transformation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
89 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
California Institute of the Arts
Web Design: Wireframes to Prototypes
Skills you'll gain: Wireframing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Mockups, Responsive Web Design, User Interface (UI), Web Design, User Experience, Prototyping, Web Language, Graphic and Visual Design, HTML and CSS, Design Elements And Principles, Typography, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Peer Review, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
853 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Platform Thinking: designing a Platform
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, Innovation, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Product Development, Strategic Thinking, New Business Development, Business Modeling, Growth Strategies, Business Transformation, Business Strategy, Customer Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Design Principles: an Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Graphic and Visual Design, Usability Testing, User Interface (UI) Design, Design, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Prototyping, Design Elements And Principles, Human Centered Design, Web Design and Development, Typography, Design Research, A/B Testing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Design Thinking and Predictive Analytics for Data Products
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Predictive Modeling, Predictive Analytics, Data Manipulation, Design Thinking, Machine Learning Algorithms, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data Cleansing, Machine Learning, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Regression Analysis, Data Processing, Tensorflow, Statistical Methods
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Basic Elements of Design: Design Principles and Software Overview
Skills you'll gain: Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design Software, Design, Storytelling, Typography, Adobe Creative Cloud, Content Creation, Design Research, Information Architecture, Color Theory
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
978 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Leveraging Design Methods to Identify Business Opportunities
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Market Opportunities, Business Risk Management, Strategic Thinking, Process Design, Human Centered Design, User Experience Design, Innovation, Design, Business Modeling, Creativity, User Research, Lean Methodologies, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks