Problem Solving Training: Design Thinking & Social Innovation


Course Delivery

Live Instructor-Led Training

Course Description

Widely used in the IT world, strategic thinkers in many fields can apply the techniques of user-centered design to innovate better solutions to a vast array of problems - housing, health care, environmental sustainability, community planning, counter terrorism, poverty, social exclusion, client service. Design thinking can take you anywhere your imagination leads you. Through case studies, The course Design Thinking & Social Innovation (Problem Solving Training) demonstrates the principles of design thinking and the benefits of a human/client-centered approach to problem-solving, how to use research methods such as fast prototyping, experimentation and pilots, options for financing, and how to host a launch a facilitated design session.

Course Dates and Pricing


Nov 20 - 22, 2024$2,250.00Jan 22 - 24, 2025$2,750.00Feb 19 - 21, 2025$2,750.00Mar 19 - 21, 2025$2,750.00Apr 23 - 25, 2025$2,750.00May 21 - 23, 2025$2,750.00Jun 18 - 20, 2025$2,750.00Jul 23 - 25, 2025$2,750.00

Course Outline

What is Design thinking?

Introduction
Theory versus reality
Understanding Social Engineering - solving societal problems through practical approaches
Principles of Human-Centred Design - keeping the human perspective in the process
Strengths and limitations of design thinking
Launching a social design process

Research Methods for Inspiration and Innovation

Randomised Control Trials
Whole System Demonstration Pilots
Open testing
Prototyping, Social prototyping
Fast prototyping
Slow prototyping
Proof of concept testing
Beta testing
Partnership pilots
Public pilots and experimentation
Critiques and limitations

Options to Finance Social Innovation

Paying for time
Vouchers
Collective voice and credits
Funding public private social partnerships
Direct commissions
Tendering for results
Creating new markets through procurement
Grants and support for early ideas
Small grants
Challenge funds
Prizes and public challenges
Funding of networks
Funding for incubation
In-house venturing capacities

Hosting a Facilitated Social Innovation Lab

Planning - who, what, when, where, why and how much?
Facilitating - layout, pace, group dynamics
Taking Stock
Analyzing the information
Reporting Back to participants and Next Steps
Evaluating the Session

From Theory to Reality - Putting Design into Practice

Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Case Study 3

Course Locations

  • Ottawa

  • Montreal

  • Toronto

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