The Design Thinking Mindset
A highly interactive, human-centred approach to solving complex and ill-defined problems, taking executives from conceptual understanding to practical application.
- Dates
- 14, 15 & 16 October 2026
- Venue
- Goa Institute of Management
- Format
- Face-to-face + online modules
- Accreditation
- GIM · GPEC-X · Aktivolabs
A collaboration between GIM, Aktivolabs and GPEC-X
This three-day programme introduces executives to the core principles of design thinking: empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test. It uses a highly interactive and human-centred approach to solving complex and ill-defined problems, and moves participants from conceptual understanding to practical application, culminating in a hands-on design challenge that encourages creative problem solving in real-world contexts.
By the end of the course, participants are expected to understand the foundations of design thinking, work through the different stages of the process, and strengthen their ability to articulate and frame problems more effectively. They will also develop practical solutions to complex issues and produce a solution deck focused on a recognised social problem, giving the programme both strategic and applied value.
Five stages, explored one at a time
Empathise
Comprehensive learning across design thinking
Introduction to Design Thinking
Design thinking is not just for designers, it is a problem-solving framework for anyone. Run a Quick Start challenge such as the Marshmallow Challenge or the Wallet Project, then ask why some designs failed while others succeeded. Empathy means stepping into their shoes: researching user needs through observation and interviews rather than assumptions, then building an Empathy Map and a Customer Journey Map to identify pain points.
Define and ideate
Synthesising research to create a Point of View and a clear problem statement. Use How Might We statements to turn pain points into design opportunities. Then ideate: encouraging wild ideas and quantity over quality, using SCAMPER or Worst Possible Idea to break mental blocks, and digital mind-mapping tools such as Popplet or Mural to visualise.
Prototyping and testing
Making ideas tangible through low-fidelity models. Rapid Prototyping: build a model in 30 minutes using cardboard, tape or digital wireframes. A prototype is a way to ask questions, not a finished product. Test with real users through 'I Like, I Wish, What If' sessions, and treat failure as data for the next version.
Iteration and final showcase
Building a good enough version to test with real people, then using results to return to earlier stages and improve. Explore advanced tools such as SketchUp or Adobe Express for a more polished final version. Present the final solution and the Design Diary showing all iterations, and reflect on the mindsets: empathy, optimism and embracing ambiguity.
Conceptual understanding and practical capability
This programme offers a structured and professionally designed learning journey that helps participants build a comprehensive understanding of the Design Thinking Mindset and apply it effectively in real-world contexts. It combines interactive face-to-face delivery with directed online learning, enabling participants to develop both conceptual understanding and practical capability in a flexible and engaging format.
- Face-to-face sessions: engaging and interactive delivery with experts.
- Flexible online courses: directed study for comprehensive understanding.
- Certification: triple accreditation that enhances professional credibility.
- Continuous support: ongoing resources for all participants.
Register on the programme
Join the October 2026 cohort at Goa Institute of Management.
Register Now →