Introduction

In the world of project management, complex challenges often arise from undefined problems, misaligned stakeholder expectations, or a lack of user-centricity. Traditional methodologies can fall short when faced with ambiguity and human-centered needs. Design Thinking offers a powerful, empathic, and iterative framework to navigate these complexities, turning seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for innovation. The Unlocking Innovation: Training Course on Design Thinking Applied to Complex Project Challenges is a 10-day intensive program designed to equip project managers with the skills to tackle their most difficult projects with creativity and confidence.

This course moves beyond the theoretical and provides practical, hands-on experience in applying each phase of the Design Thinking process—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—to real-world project scenarios. You will learn to reframe problems, foster a collaborative team environment, and build solutions that are not only effective but also truly resonate with the people they are meant to serve. By the end of this training, you will be able to lead your projects with a human-centered approach, driving better outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Project managers
• Program managers
• Business analysts
• Innovation leads
• Team leaders
• Product owners
• Operations managers
• Strategic planners
• Anyone facing complex, ill-defined problems
• Professionals seeking to improve problem-solving skills

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of Design Thinking.
• Learn to apply the five phases of the Design Thinking process.
• Develop a deep understanding of user needs and pain points.
• Master techniques for reframing complex problems.
• Facilitate effective and creative ideation sessions.
• Create and test low-fidelity prototypes.
• Integrate Design Thinking into existing project management methodologies.
• Manage stakeholder expectations in a human-centered way.
• Measure the impact of Design Thinking on project outcomes.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and learning within a team.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Design Thinking

• What is Design Thinking and its relevance
• Why traditional methods can fall short
• The five phases of the process
• Mindsets of a Design Thinker
• Case studies of Design Thinking in action

Module 2: The Empathize Phase

• Techniques for conducting user research
• Creating user personas and empathy maps
• Conducting effective interviews and observations
• Uncovering hidden user needs and insights
• The importance of genuine empathy

Module 3: The Define Phase

• Synthesizing research to find key insights
• Crafting a meaningful problem statement
• The "How Might We" question format
• Defining the scope of the challenge
• Aligning the team on a shared understanding of the problem

Module 4: The Ideate Phase

• Techniques for effective brainstorming
• Moving from quantity to quality in ideas
• Structured ideation frameworks
• Encouraging a safe space for radical ideas
• Leveraging diverse perspectives

Module 5: The Prototype Phase

• The purpose of prototyping
• Different types of prototypes (low-fidelity, high-fidelity)
• Tools and materials for rapid prototyping
• The "build to think" mindset
• Building prototypes that answer specific questions

Module 6: The Test Phase

• Designing effective user tests
• Gathering and analyzing feedback
• Synthesizing learnings from testing
• Iterating on your prototype based on feedback
• The importance of not being afraid to fail

Module 7: Integrating Design Thinking with Project Management

• Mapping the Design Thinking process to a project lifecycle
• Using agile methodologies with Design Thinking
• Defining roles and responsibilities in a Design Thinking project
• Managing timelines and deliverables in an iterative process
• Overcoming organizational barriers to a new approach

Module 8: Stakeholder Management and Collaboration

• Identifying and engaging key stakeholders
• Managing expectations in an ambiguous environment
• Techniques for co-creation workshops
• Building consensus and buy-in for a new approach
• Communicating progress and results effectively

Module 9: Applying Design Thinking to Complex Scenarios

• Breaking down large, complex problems
• Using Design Thinking for strategic planning
• Applying the framework to organizational challenges
• Using Design Thinking for process improvement
• Case studies in applying the framework to enterprise-level issues

Module 10: Tools and Techniques for Each Phase

• Digital tools for collaboration and ideation
• Templates for empathy maps and user journey maps
• Techniques for structured brainstorming
• Methods for synthesizing research and defining problems
• Tools for prototyping and testing

Module 11: Leading a Design-Driven Team

• Fostering a culture of experimentation
• Encouraging empathy and curiosity
• Providing psychological safety for risk-taking
• Empowering team members to take ownership
• The role of the leader in championing the process

Module 12: Measurement and Metrics

• Defining success metrics for a Design Thinking project
• Measuring the impact on user satisfaction
• Tracking improvements in efficiency and effectiveness
• Quantifying the value of a human-centered approach
• Demonstrating ROI to leadership

Module 13: The Design Sprint

• What is a Design Sprint and when to use it
• The five-day sprint framework
• Roles and responsibilities within a sprint team
• Key deliverables of a successful sprint
• Applying the sprint to a specific project challenge

Module 14: Overcoming Common Challenges

• Addressing resistance to change
• Dealing with limited resources and time constraints
• Managing stakeholder expectations
• Avoiding analysis paralysis
• Learning to trust the iterative process

Module 15: Practical Applications and Workshops

• Group workshop on a new product development scenario
• Applying Design Thinking to a service design challenge
• Role-playing a stakeholder management session
• Facilitating an ideation session
• Presenting your final prototype and findings

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.