Unlocking Innovation: The Design Thinking Academy Experience

The design Thinking Academy is poised to empower students with the skills to transform intricate problems into innovative solutions. This is achieved through the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge and cutting-edge technologies. participants will gain access to highly professional techniques and strategies, delivered through interactive sessions led by a team of recognized experts and international faculty from Bradley University in peoria, Illinois.

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including computational thinking, business acumen, empathic interaction strategies, and problem-solving methodologies applicable to both technical and entrepreneurial contexts. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern professional landscape.

Design thinking is a human-centered and iterative problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding users’ needs, generating ideas, prototyping, and testing solutions.

IDEO, a global design company

Program Structure and Time Commitment

The 2024-2025 edition of the Design Thinking Academy features a structured program designed to maximize learning and engagement. The core components include:

• Masterclass Sessions: Three masterclasses, each lasting four hours, provide a total of 12 hours of interactive classroom activity.
• Feedback Sessions: Three hours dedicated to providing feedback on classroom activities,ensuring continuous improvement and understanding.
• individual Study: 25 hours of self-reliant study to reinforce concepts and explore topics in greater depth.
• Final Project: 10 hours allocated for the creation of a short digital content piece using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, allowing students to showcase their newly acquired skills.

Eligibility and Enrollment Details

Participation in the Design Thinking Academy is open to students currently enrolled in a three-year,master’s,or single-cycle degree program. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 40 students to ensure a personalized and engaging learning surroundings.

meaningful Note: All sessions will be held in person; remote attendance is not available.

How to Apply

Interested students can apply for the program between April 22,2025,and May 5,2025,via the following link:

Application Portal

Applications will be accepted on a first-come,first-served basis,subject to availability.

Masterclass Schedule and Key Topics

the Design Thinking Academy’s masterclass series offers a comprehensive exploration of design thinking principles and methodologies:

1. May 8, 2025: Design with People at the Center – Introductory Event

   In collaboration with bradley University, this session introduces the fundamental principles of user-centered design and its applications across various fields.Students will learn how design thinking can enhance and innovate their approach to problem-solving within communities and organizations. (Location: Classroom 105, Alaria via P. Castelli)

2. may 15, 2025: Lateral Thinking and the Six Thinking Hats Method

   This masterclass introduces Edward de Bono’s lateral thinking theory and the Six Thinking Hats method. These tools provide an innovative approach to tackling complex problems, fostering creative and structured thinking through diverse perspectives. (Location: Classroom 105, Alario via P.Castelli)

3. May 21, 2025: Lightning Decision Jam

   Participants will learn the Lightning Decision Jam method, an innovative technique for collaborative problem-solving. This session will equip students with the skills to identify problems,generate solutions,and make informed decisions efficiently,enhancing decision-making processes in both professional and academic settings. (location: Classroom 105, Alario via P. Castelli)

Language and Academic Credit

The course will be conducted in English and/or Italian, depending on the primary language of the participants.

Upon successful completion of the program,students may apply for recognition of 2 CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari – university Credits) towards their degree program. These credits are non-divisible.

Unlocking Creative Solutions: The Design Thinking Academy

The Design Thinking Academy is offering a unique opportunity for students to hone their innovation skills through a completely free of charge training program. This initiative aims to cultivate design innovators capable of tackling intricate challenges with creative solutions, blending interdisciplinary skills with cutting-edge technologies. Participants will gain access to professional techniques and strategies,guided by a team of experts and international lecturers from Bradley University.

Design thinking is increasingly recognized as a crucial skill in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. According to a recent study by the Design Management Institute, companies that embrace design thinking methodologies consistently outperform their competitors by as much as 200%.

Curriculum Highlights: A Blend of Tech, Business, and Empathy

The Academy’s curriculum is designed to provide a holistic understanding of design thinking, encompassing:

• Technical Proficiency: Exploration of computer science principles.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of key business concepts.
• Communication Skills: Advancement of empathetic communication strategies.
• Problem-Solving: Methods for addressing technical and/or entrepreneurial problems.

Program Structure: Immersive learning and Practical Application

The 2024–2025 Edition of the Design Thinking Academy is structured to provide a balanced learning experience:

• Masterclasses: Three interactive sessions,each lasting four hours,totaling 12 hours of classroom activities.
• Feedback Sessions: Three hours dedicated to receiving feedback on in-class exercises.
• Individual Study: 25 hours allocated for independent learning and reflection.
• Final Project: A 10-hour project involving the creation of short digital content using a personal mobile device.

Eligibility and Application Details

The Academy is open to students regularly enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Single-Cycle Degree Program. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 40 students.

Remote attendance is not available, ensuring a fully immersive and collaborative learning environment.

How to Apply

Interested students can apply through the official call, which is open from April 22, 2025 to May 5, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled.

Apply here: Application Link

Masterclass Schedule and Key Topics

The Academy features a series of masterclasses designed to introduce participants to core design thinking principles and methodologies:

1. May 8, 2025: Designing with People at the Center

   This introductory session, in collaboration with Bradley University, focuses on the principles of human-centered design and its application across various fields. participants will learn how design thinking can enhance problem-solving within communities and organizations.

   Location: Room 105, Alario via P.Castelli

2. May 15, 2025: Lateral Thinking and the Six thinking hats Method

   This session introduces Edward de Bono’s theory of lateral thinking and the Six Thinking Hats method, providing innovative approaches to complex problem-solving through diverse perspectives.

   Location: Room 105, Alario via P. Castelli

   The Six Thinking Hats method is a powerful tool for fostering creative and structured thinking.

   Edward de bono

3. May 21, 2025: Lightning Decision Jam

   this session presents the Lightning Decision Jam technique, a collaborative method for efficient problem-solving, solution generation, and informed decision-making.

   Location: Room 105, Alario via P. Castelli

Language and Academic Credit

The course will be delivered in English and/or Italian, depending on the primary language of communication among participants.

Upon successful completion, students may request their degree Program Board to award 2 ECTS (non-divisible).