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 Virginia
Digital Product Management
Skills you'll gain: Usability Testing, Agile Product Development, New Product Development, Continuous Delivery, User Story, Product Management, Agile Methodology, Product Testing, Agile Project Management, Team Management, Design Thinking, Team Leadership, DevOps, Innovation, Analytics, Product Improvement, Business Analytics, Ideation, Product Lifecycle Management, Sprint Retrospectives
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
9.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
University of Minnesota
User Research and Design
Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, User Research, User Experience, User Centered Design, Ideation, Qualitative Research, User Interface (UI) Design, User Story, Data Collection, Persona Development, Data Analysis, Interviewing Skills, People Analytics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
463 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
Status: Free
Coursera Instructor Network
Legal Design: Crafting User-Centric Legal Solutions
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Service Design, Human Centered Design, Visual Design, User Centered Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Developing Training Materials, Cross-Functional Collaboration
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Web Design, User Interface (UI) Design, User Experience Design, Prototyping, Web Language, Graphic and Visual Design, HTML and CSS, Typography, Peer Review
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
853 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
IBM Relational Database Administrator
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, SQL, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Transformation, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, Jupyter, Generative AI
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
57K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Virginia
Pensamiento de diseño para la innovación
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Brainstorming, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Innovation, Creativity, Storytelling, Human Centered Design, Strategic Thinking, Data Visualization, Business Strategies, Test Tools, Empathy, Adaptability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
97 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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
91 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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
980 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
63 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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