CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING WITH DESIGN THINKING
Unlocking Innovation and Empathy-Driven Solutions for Complex Challenges
Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 19 – 21 May 2026 | Manama, Bahrain | USD 2495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
In a world of constant change and growing complexity, organizations need innovative approaches to problem-solving. Traditional linear thinking often fails to generate fresh ideas or address users’ real needs. Design Thinking provides a human-centered, iterative, and creative framework to tackle complex problems with clarity, collaboration, and imagination.
This 3-day hands-on course empowers professionals with the mindset, tools, and processes of Design Thinking to develop breakthrough solutions. Participants will work on real-world challenges using techniques such as empathy mapping, ideation, prototyping, and testing, while learning how to embed creative problem-solving into their everyday work.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand and apply the five phases of the Design Thinking process
• Use empathy tools to uncover customer/user insights
• Define core problems from a human-centered perspective
• Generate and prioritize creative ideas through structured ideation
• Build low-fidelity prototypes and test solutions for feedback and refinement
Key Benefits of Attending
• Break away from conventional problem-solving and encourage creative thinking
• Develop solutions that are truly user-centered and value-driven
• Use proven Design Thinking tools to navigate ambiguity and complexity
• Enhance cross-functional collaboration and innovation capability
• Transform organizational challenges into innovation opportunities
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Innovation and product development professionals
• Project leaders and team managers
• Marketing, customer experience, and service designers
• HR and organizational development specialists
• Anyone involved in solving customer, process, or business challenges
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Design Thinking mindset and user-centric orientation
• Creative problem framing and redefinition
• Structured ideation and brainstorming techniques
• Rapid prototyping and experimentation skills
• Collaborative teamwork and co-creation methods
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• Increased innovation across products, services, and processes
• Stronger user engagement and satisfaction
• Faster and more effective problem resolution cycles
• Cross-functional innovation culture and collaboration
• Improved ability to turn insights into actionable ideas
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Interactive Briefings – Design Thinking concepts and frameworks
• Empathy Fieldwork – Persona building, interviews, and mapping exercises
• Ideation Labs – Creative sessions using lateral thinking techniques
• Prototyping Studio – Hands-on design and feedback rounds
• Toolkits – Templates, canvases, and journey maps for real-world use
Course Outline
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee Breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Empathy and Problem Framing
- Module 1: Introduction to Design Thinking (07:30 – 09:30)
• The five-phase model and innovation mindset
• Design Thinking vs traditional problem-solving - Module 2: Empathy and User Understanding (09:45 – 11:15)
• User interviews, observations, and empathy maps
• Identifying pain points and unmet needs - Module 3: Defining the Real Problem (11:30 – 01:00)
• Point-of-view statements and problem reframing
• Aligning challenges to user insights - Module 4: Workshop – Build Empathy Maps and Define the Problem (02:00 – 03:30)
• Team-based user scenario analysis
Day 2: Ideation and Prototyping
- Module 5: Brainstorming Techniques for Idea Generation (07:30 – 09:30)
• SCAMPER, reverse thinking, and mind mapping
• Idea sorting and selection tools - Module 6: Prioritization and Solution Concepting (09:45 – 11:15)
• Value vs feasibility matrices
• Creating concept posters and user stories - Module 7: Prototyping for Feedback (11:30 – 01:00)
• Types of prototypes: paper, mockups, role-plays
• Iteration and feedback loops - Module 8: Workshop – Create and Present Initial Prototypes (02:00 – 03:30)
• Group presentation and critique session
Day 3: Testing and Implementation Planning
- Module 9: Testing Prototypes with Users (07:30 – 09:30)
• User testing setup, feedback capture, and analysis
• Iterating based on insights - Module 10: Scaling and Embedding Design Thinking (09:45 – 11:15)
• Integrating into agile, lean, and project workflows
• Building internal capability and momentum - Module 11: Communicating Innovation Outcomes (11:30 – 01:00)
• Storytelling and visual presentation of ideas
• Design Thinking business cases - Module 12: Final Capstone – Solve a Real-World Challenge (02:00 – 03:30)
• End-to-end Design Thinking sprint and reflection
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Creative Problem-Solving with Design Thinking, affirming their ability to use structured, user-centered innovation techniques to solve complex challenges and develop creative solutions.