Design Thinking Training in Christchurch

Design Thinking is a human-centred methodology for solving problems through empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. This version of the course places a strong emphasis on the Empathise 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-centred 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 Customisation Options

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

Design Thinking is a human-centred methodology for solving problems through empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing. Focusing on the first two stages — Empathise and Define — helps teams better understand internal clients and define the right problems to solve.

This instructor-led, live training (online or on-site) 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 Customisation Options

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

This instructor-led, live training in Christchurch (online or on-site) 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.
• Utilise ideation techniques and tools to foster creativity.
• Implement Design Thinking strategies to improve processes and enhance efficiency.

This instructor-led, live training in Christchurch (online or on-site) is designed for beginner to intermediate-level participants who wish to address everyday workplace challenges through gamification techniques.

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

• Understand the principles of Design Thinking and their 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 Christchurch (online or on-site) is designed for emerging 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:

• Gain access to tools and methodologies that foster innovation and team engagement.
• Develop skills in empathy mapping, ideation, and prototyping to tackle complex challenges.
• Apply Design Thinking principles to leadership and HR scenarios.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation within technology teams.

In this instructor-led, live workshop training in Christchurch (online or on-site), 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, and then develop the most effective approach to resolve them.

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

• Use creative strategies to align customer needs with technologically feasible solutions.
• Formulate strategies to increase customer value and enhance product and service offerings.

Overview:

The Design Thinking (DT) process comprises five distinct stages: empathise, define the problem, ideate, prototype, and test.

In an increasingly complex world, we encounter challenges that often require specialised approaches. Design Thinking provides the framework to tackle these complex issues effectively. Mastering design thinking enables individuals to manage complex problems efficiently, communicate more clearly, persuade with greater impact, improve business outcomes, and enhance both organisational and personal behaviour 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