Design Thinking: Methods and Tools for Inventive Problem-solving



Overview

What is 'Design Thinking'

“Design Thinking is a method for practical, creative resolution of problems. It is a form of solution-based thinking with the intent of producing a constructive future result.”

Design Thinking is about solving problems to create products. It is concerned with developing a deep understanding of human needs, wants and desires through ethnographic research and close observation.

Design Thinking is a collection of methods and tools for inventive problem solving. It can be used to generate commercial products and services of the type that then might be developed within an Innovation Management framework and brought to market.

Design Thinking employs an adaptive approach to solution development – it is Agile. Design Thinking is 'experimental' in the sense that solutions are discovered by developing rapid prototypes (normally called 'experiments') and then improving them through fast iteration.

It is important to emphasise – Design Thinking is not 'about design'. It is not overly concerned with the history of art and design or what constitutes 'a good design' - 'design' as a noun. Design Thinking is about 'design' as a verb; it is a practical, knowledge and skills-based, methodological approach to problem solving.

This course is an ideal entry point for managers and entrepreneurs who want to quickly understand this subject area and/or find a route into creative problem solving.

This course can be taken separately or as part of Tech for Managers: Discount Registration

Spring 2021 Dates To Be Confirmed

Certification

Participants who attend the full course will receive a University of Oxford certificate of attendance. This will be presented to you prior to the end of the course wherever possible.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. Participants who attend the full course will receive a University of Oxford certificate of attendance. This will be presented to you prior to the end of the course wherever possible.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £895.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the “book now” button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or personal records, please complete an online application form. The Course Administrator will then email you an invoice. Payment is accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer. Please do not send card or bank details via email.

Tutor

Dr Rob Collins

Dr Rob Collins

Visiting Fellow

Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford

Dr Rob Collins is a visiting fellow of Kellogg College Oxford and regularly teaches courses at the University – both through Continuing Professional Development and through the Computing Laboratory.

As well as his academic teaching work Dr Collins regularly provides consultancy to industry in the area of Business Process Excellence and Systems Engineering.  He gained his Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma from Lockheed Martin – the world's largest Systems Engineering company and a world-leader in advanced technology.

As well as his undergraduate degree in Physics and Computing, Dr Collins holds a PhD completed within a Psychology Department. Dr Collins’ PhD focussed on training, psychology and processes for introducing complex technology into learning environments. Dr Collins’ completed an MBA in 2012 at Henley Business School. He thus has a strategic business view as well as deep understanding and practical experience of hands-on process improvement in technology and service.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click Contact Us at the top of this page.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support