What topics are typically covered in design thinking courses?

Design thinking courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and applying the design thinking methodology to solve complex problems creatively . These include the basics of design thinking principles, the five stages of design thinking (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test), and user-centered design. Learners will explore topics such as brainstorming techniques, prototyping methods , and user testing . Advanced courses might cover areas like design research, advanced prototyping tools, and integrating design thinking into organizational processes. Practical exercises and projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to innovate and create user-centered solutions.

How can I choose the right design thinking course for my career goals?

Choosing the right design thinking course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of design thinking, including an overview of its principles, stages, and fundamental techniques. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced ideation methods, user research techniques, and more sophisticated prototyping tools. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on integrating design thinking into business strategy, facilitating design thinking workshops, or preparing for certifications like a Design Thinking Certificate. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in design thinking?

A certificate in design thinking can open up various career opportunities across multiple industries. Common roles include UX/UI designer , product manager , innovation consultant, and design thinking facilitator. These positions involve applying design thinking methodologies to develop innovative products, improve user experiences, and solve complex problems creatively. With the increasing emphasis on user-centered design and innovation in business processes, earning a certificate in design thinking can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as technology, healthcare, education, and consulting.

Top Design Thinking Courses - Learn Design Thinking Online

Explore the Design Thinking Course Catalog

University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Databases, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Software Installation
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Linux Commands, Unit Testing, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Software Design, Version Control, File Management, Jupyter, Scrum (Software Development), Application Deployment, Collaborative Software, Automation, Flask (Web Framework), Web Scraping, Python Programming, Software Testing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
47K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
IBM
IBM Relational Database Administrator
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, SQL, Database Administration, MySQL, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Transformation, Data Store, IBM DB2, Jupyter, Generative AI
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
58K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Disaster Recovery, Algorithms, Design Thinking, Simulations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Alberta
Design Patterns
Skills you'll gain: Model View Controller, Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Design, Code Review, Software Architecture, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Technical Review, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Android Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
California Institute of the Arts
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Design Software, Logo Design, Digital Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe Creative Cloud, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Presentations, Peer Review, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Business Correspondence, Public Speaking, Business Communication, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Verbal Communication Skills, Design, Visual Design, Storytelling, Writing, Organizational Skills, Project Design, Concision, Writing and Editing, Proofreading, Drive Engagement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Typography, Adobe InDesign, Design Reviews, Adobe Photoshop, Design Elements And Principles, Peer Review, Color Theory, Editing, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Alberta
Object-Oriented Design
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Unified Modeling Language, Software Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Maintainability, Software Architecture, Android Development, Technical Design, Conceptual Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of Sydney
Critical Thinking Skills for University Success
Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking, Deductive Reasoning, Analytical Skills, Writing, Research, Higher Education, Complex Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Model Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Modeling, Systems Thinking, Diversity and Inclusion, Game Theory, Innovation, Behavioral Economics, Analysis, Strategic Decision-Making, Social Studies, Decision Making, Network Analysis, Trend Analysis, Economics, Probability, Human Learning, Market Dynamics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Design Thinking and Predictive Analytics for Data Products
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Predictive Modeling, Data Manipulation, Applied Machine Learning, Design Thinking, Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning Algorithms, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data Science, Data Cleansing, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Regression Analysis, Data Processing, Tensorflow, Statistical Methods
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months