Design Thinking Training in Leuven

Design Thinking is a human-centered methodology for solving problems through empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. This version of the course places a strong emphasis on the Empathize stage, focusing on connecting previously identified pain points to the real needs of internal clients, and applying dynamic, collaborative activities to transform insights into actionable outcomes.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at beginner-level to intermediate-level teams and leaders who wish to deepen their empathy skills, strengthen relationships with internal clients, and translate pain points into meaningful opportunities for improvement.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Apply empathy-based techniques to uncover and validate client needs.
• Translate mapped pain points into clear, actionable needs.
• Engage in dynamic role plays and simulations to practice client-centered conversations.
• Collaboratively redefine problem statements from the client’s perspective.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and guided discussions.
• Dynamic, hands-on role plays and empathy exercises.
• Group workshops for collaborative problem reframing.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized version tailored to a specific internal process (e.g., procurement or equipment provisioning), please contact us to arrange.

Design Thinking is a human-centered methodology for solving problems through empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping and testing. Focusing on the first two stages — Empathize and Define — helps teams better understand internal clients and define the right problems to solve.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at beginner-level to intermediate-level teams and leaders who wish to strengthen their connection with internal clients, reduce resistance to change, and improve operational efficiency through practical, collaborative methods.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Use active listening and interviewing techniques to gather meaningful insights about internal clients.
• Create empathy maps and capture user needs and pain points.
• Differentiate real root problems from perceived issues using tools like the 5 Whys and problem trees.
• Draft clear, actionable problem statements (POVs) that guide solution work.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Practical, hands-on exercises and role-plays.
• Group workshops and plenary feedback sessions.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized version tailored to a specific internal process (e.g., procurement or equipment provisioning), please contact us to arrange.

This instructor-led, live training in Leuven (online or onsite) is aimed at beginner-level to intermediate-level professionals who wish to understand and apply Design Thinking methodologies to drive innovation and improve business solutions.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core principles of Design Thinking and its role in innovation.
• Apply the five phases of Design Thinking to problem-solving.
• Utilize ideation techniques and tools to foster creativity.
• Implement Design Thinking strategies to improve processes and enhance efficiency.

This instructor-led, live training in Leuven (online or onsite) is aimed at beginner-level to intermediate-level participants who wish to solve everyday workplace challenges through gamification techniques.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of Design Thinking and its application to problem-solving.
• Incorporate gamification techniques to foster engagement and innovation.
• Develop creative and practical solutions to common workplace issues.
• Collaborate effectively across teams to implement problem-solving strategies.
• Apply iterative approaches to refine solutions through feedback and experimentation.

This instructor-led, live training in Leuven (online or onsite) is aimed at beginner-level leaders and HR professionals who wish to learn and apply Design Thinking methodologies to foster innovation, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and engage teams effectively.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Equip participants with tools and methodologies to foster innovation and team engagement.
• Develop skills in empathy mapping, ideation, and prototyping for solving complex challenges.
• Apply Design Thinking principles to leadership and HR scenarios.
• Promote a culture of innovation within tech teams.

In this instructor-led, live workshop training in Leuven (online or onsite), participants will learn how to apply the five stages of Design Thinking to better understand the problems experienced by end-users of a product or service, then develop the best approach for resolving them.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Use creative strategies to match customers' needs with technologically feasible solutions.
• Formulate a strategy to increase customer value and enhance product and service offerings.

Overview:

There are Five stages in the Design Thinking (DT) process (empathize, define the problem, ideate, prototype, test).

In an increasingly complex world, we deal with problems that may need special approaches. Design Thinking helps deal with complex problems. Mastering design-thinking helps to deal with complex problems effectively, communicate better, persuade efficiently, improve business results and enhances organizational and personal behavior and performance.

• How DT works: learn from people and problem, find patterns, design model (model drift), test the model, evaluate the model and re-engineer. 
• Relationship between DT, innovation and entrepreneurship. 
• DT methods and tools: persona, stakeholder map, customer journey map, service blueprint, business model innovation. 
• Application of DT: design mindset, disruptive innovation, iterative approach, agile estimation technique, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, leadership readiness, communication skills, technology savvy, forward thinking, intercultural and ethical competency, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, negotiating skills, conflict resolution.

Objectives:

• To understand the fundamentals and nuances of DT
• To explore key concepts, factors, theories, types, and models in DT
• To experiment, experience and practice DT

Delivery:

This is a 1 day (4 hours) training course and consists of:

• lectures (40% - presentation of theories, concepts, models, and interactions),
• group exercises (30% - group dynamics, games, group discussion, and mock-conflict resolution exercises),
• individual activities (15% - writing, designing and peer discussion)
• and others (15% - videos, reading).

Note: due to the nature of this course there is a minimum group size of 3