Program Overview

Expert in Design Thinking with Recognition of University Microcredential in Design Thinking

The Design Thinking process begins by defining a challenge, and this course challenges students to discover their potential. Design thinking transforms the way of developing products, services, and processes by making individuals think like designers.

Presentation

The course is based on the fact that learning occurs when moving away from familiarity and accepting uncertainty. Challenges and brilliant ideas arise when taking risks and going out of one's comfort zone. The course aims to challenge standards of thought and behavior, generating new meanings and stimulating cognitive, emotional, and sensory aspects.

Objectives

The general objective is to provide students with basic methods and techniques for solving problems creatively. Specific objectives include:

• Knowing the principles and fundamentals of Design Thinking
• Teaching students to find solutions and design products, services, and business models focused on customer needs
• Managing different tools and techniques of Design Thinking
• Applying the Design Thinking method to service design and circular design
• Instructing students in the use of dynamics for innovation management
• Enhancing professional knowledge through creativity

Competences

According to the microcredential, competences include:

• Thinking creatively and innovatively
• Designing systems and products
• Advising on sustainability solutions According to the expert title, competences include:
• Knowledge, application, and facilitation of the Design Thinking Process
• Knowledge, application, and facilitation of the Service Design process
• Knowledge, application, and facilitation of the Circular Design process
• Identifying and developing effective dynamics and tools

Programme

The course has a total of 10 credits and is taught online. Modules include:

• Module I: The Design Thinking facilitation exercise and its method
• Module II: Dynamics, techniques, and tools for facilitating innovation processes through Design Thinking
• Module III: Service Design
• Module IV: Circular Design
• Module V: Final degree project

Recipients

The course is aimed at students with a previous university degree, as well as those without a degree but with work experience in the field. Students with a degree obtained from a Spanish university or a Higher Education Institution in the European Higher Education Area can access the course. Exceptionally, students without a previous official university degree but with work experience in the field can also access the course.

Academic Management and Faculty

The faculty consists of tenured university professors and doctors with more than 20 years of experience in teaching and research. The director is Luisa Eugenia Reyes Recio, and the deputy director is Rocio Usero López.

Duration and Development

The course lasts 3 months, with 10 ECTS credits. Synchronous classes are taught through a platform every Friday, and asynchronous teaching is carried out through the University's Virtual Classroom.

Reservation of Place and Enrollment

The pre-registration period is from May 22, 2024, to September 09, 2024, and the enrollment deadline is from September 10, 2024, to September 20, 2024. The title price is 800 Euros, and there are 20 places available. The start of the course is conditioned to the minimum number of students enrolled.

Documentation to Attach, Forms, and Place of Delivery

Applicants must submit scanned documentation, including a national identity document, university degree, curriculum vitae, and responsible declaration of veracity. Students with foreign qualifications must submit additional documentation, including a passport or residence card and a foreign higher education degree.