Nairobi, Kenya

254728269396

Unlocking Innovation: Training Course On Design Thinking Applied To Complex Project Challenges

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...

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ONSITE OR VIRTUAL

Aug 17 - Aug 21
Programme Overview
Training Description

Who Should Attend

  • 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
Session 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.
  • Integrate Design Thinking into existing project management methodologies.
  • Integrate Design Thinking into existing project management methodologies.
About the Course

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.

Curriculum & Topics

15 Topics | 10 Days

  • play Subtopic 1.1: • What is Design Thinking and its relevance

  • play Subtopic 1.2: • Why traditional methods can fall short

  • play Subtopic 1.3: • Mindsets of a Design Thinker

  • play Subtopic 1.4: • Case studies of Design Thinking in action

  • play Subtopic 2.1: • Techniques for conducting user research

  • play Subtopic 2.2: • Creating user personas and empathy maps

  • play Subtopic 2.3: • Conducting effective interviews and observations

  • play Subtopic 2.4: • Uncovering hidden user needs and insights

  • play Subtopic 2.5: • The importance of genuine empathy

  • play Subtopic 3.1: • Synthesizing research to find key insights

  • play Subtopic 3.2: • Crafting a meaningful problem statement

  • play Subtopic 3.3: • The "How Might We" question format

  • play Subtopic 3.4: • Defining the scope of the challenge

  • play Subtopic 3.5: • Aligning the team on a shared understanding of the problem

  • play Subtopic 4.1: • Techniques for effective brainstorming

  • play Subtopic 4.2: • Moving from quantity to quality in ideas

  • play Subtopic 4.3: • Structured ideation frameworks

  • play Subtopic 4.4: • Encouraging a safe space for radical ideas

  • play Subtopic 4.5: • Leveraging diverse perspectives

  • play Subtopic 5.1: • The purpose of prototyping

  • play Subtopic 5.2: • Different types of prototypes (low-fidelity, high-fidelity)

  • play Subtopic 5.3: • The "build to think" mindset

  • play Subtopic 5.4: • Building prototypes that answer specific questions

  • play Subtopic 6.1: • Designing effective user tests

  • play Subtopic 6.2: • Gathering and analyzing feedback

  • play Subtopic 6.3: • Synthesizing learnings from testing

  • play Subtopic 6.4: • Iterating on your prototype based on feedback

  • play Subtopic 6.5: • The importance of not being afraid to fail

  • play Subtopic 7.1: • Mapping the Design Thinking process to a project lifecycle

  • play Subtopic 7.2: • Using agile methodologies with Design Thinking

  • play Subtopic 7.3: • Defining roles and responsibilities in a Design Thinking project

  • play Subtopic 7.4: • Managing timelines and deliverables in an iterative process

  • play Subtopic 7.5: • Overcoming organizational barriers to a new approach

  • play Subtopic 8.1: • Identifying and engaging key stakeholders

  • play Subtopic 8.2: • Managing expectations in an ambiguous environment

  • play Subtopic 8.3: • Techniques for co-creation workshops

  • play Subtopic 8.4: • Building consensus and buy-in for a new approach

  • play Subtopic 8.5: • Communicating progress and results effectively

  • play Subtopic 9.1: • Breaking down large, complex problems

  • play Subtopic 9.2: • Using Design Thinking for strategic planning

  • play Subtopic 9.3: • Applying the framework to organizational challenges

  • play Subtopic 9.4: • Using Design Thinking for process improvement

  • play Subtopic 9.5: • Case studies in applying the framework to enterprise-level issues

  • play Subtopic 10.1: • Digital tools for collaboration and ideation

  • play Subtopic 10.2: • Templates for empathy maps and user journey maps

  • play Subtopic 10.3: • Techniques for structured brainstorming

  • play Subtopic 10.4: • Methods for synthesizing research and defining problems

  • play Subtopic 10.5: • Tools for prototyping and testing

  • play Subtopic 11.1: • Fostering a culture of experimentation

  • play Subtopic 11.2: • Encouraging empathy and curiosity

  • play Subtopic 11.3: • Providing psychological safety for risk-taking

  • play Subtopic 11.4: • Empowering team members to take ownership

  • play Subtopic 11.5: • The role of the leader in championing the process

  • play Subtopic 12.1: • Defining success metrics for a Design Thinking project

  • play Subtopic 12.2: • Measuring the impact on user satisfaction

  • play Subtopic 12.3: • Tracking improvements in efficiency and effectiveness

  • play Subtopic 12.4: • Quantifying the value of a human-centered approach

  • play Subtopic 12.5: • Demonstrating ROI to leadership

  • play Subtopic 13.1: • What is a Design Sprint and when to use it

  • play Subtopic 13.2: • The five-day sprint framework

  • play Subtopic 13.3: • Roles and responsibilities within a sprint team

  • play Subtopic 13.4: • Key deliverables of a successful sprint

  • play Subtopic 13.5: • Applying the sprint to a specific project challenge

  • play Subtopic 14.1: • Addressing resistance to change

  • play Subtopic 14.2: • Dealing with limited resources and time constraints

  • play Subtopic 14.3: • Managing stakeholder expectations

  • play Subtopic 14.4: • Avoiding analysis paralysis

  • play Subtopic 14.5: • Learning to trust the iterative process

  • play Subtopic 15.1: • Group workshop on a new product development scenario

  • play Subtopic 15.2: • Applying Design Thinking to a service design challenge

  • play Subtopic 15.3: • Role-playing a stakeholder management session

  • play Subtopic 15.4: • Facilitating an ideation session

  • play Subtopic 15.5: • Presenting your final prototype and findings

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This Programme Includes

Certificate of Comptetion

Training Materials

Reference Materials

10 o'clock Tea

Lunch

4 o'clock Tea

Course Highlights
  • icon 10 Days Intensive Training

  • icon 15 Core Learning Topics

  • icon 10 Days Professional Sessions

  • icon Training Expert-led Delivery

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore detailed answers to the most common questions about our platform and services.

How does Pebbles Institute bridge theory and practice?

Our curriculum is explicitly designed around actionable, real-world case studies and frameworks (such as IPSAS, GFS, and climate-smart agriculture models). Rather than relying purely on academic lectures, our programs utilize quantitative tools, interactive exercises, and strategic analytics to ensure immediate workplace application.

Yes. We specialize in corporate capacity building. Corporate sponsorships and group registrations can be coordinated directly through our admissions team. We also offer customized, in-house versions of our courses if you have a team of five or more participants.

While the majority of our intensive professional programs are structured for high-engagement, on-site delivery, we offer select courses in a virtual or hybrid format. If your organization requires online delivery for a specific module, please indicate this during your booking inquiry.

Most of our professional short courses are structured as intensive 5- or 10-day programs to minimize extended workplace absence while maximizing skill acquisition. We also offer compressed 1-to-3-day masterclasses.

Payments can be made via bank transfer or bank draft payable to PB Institute of Research and Technology. For corporate-sponsored participants, a formal undertaking/Local Purchase Order (LPO) from the employer is required to secure a slot before the training commencement date.

Yes. Participants who successfully complete a training program and meet the minimum attendance requirements will be awarded a globally recognized Certificate of Proficiency from the Pebbles Institute of Research and Technology.