In this Specialization, you will master design thinking competencies in an engaging hands-on, project-based format. We will guide you through a detailed 14-Step process where you will tackle a human-centered problem that you want to solve. You will learn and practice all of the most important tools from the field of human-centered design to generate ideas and connect with your customers on a human level. You will then deepen your practice by taking an in-depth journey through six key phases of the design thinking process, from immersion to learning-in-action, and explore the shifts in mindsets and skillsets that accompany them.
Design Thinking Specialization
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Design Thinking Specialization
Embark On Your Design Journey. Master core competencies and deepen your practice.
Instructors: Jeanne M. Liedtka
11,860 already enrolled
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.7
(170 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.7
(170 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
How to complete a 14-Step process to solve human-centered problems
How to use important design tools to connect with customers
How to deepen your practice through six key phases of the design thinking process
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Brainstorming
- Human Centered Design
- User Research
- Ideation
- Process Mapping
- Persona Development
- Design Thinking
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Creative Problem-Solving
- User Experience Design
- Value Engineering
- Project Planning
- Creative Thinking
- Design Research
- Stakeholder Management
- Growth Mindedness
- Strategic Thinking
- Product Development
- Project Scoping
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
27 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from University of Virginia
Specialization - 4 course series
What you'll learn
How to navigate the design thinking process to tackle a human-centered problem
How to craft out an effective research plan
How to draw key insights from the design process to arrive at ideal solutions
Skills you'll gain
Category: Design Thinking
Category: Innovation
Category: Growth Mindedness
Category: Project Scoping
Category: Customer Insights
Category: Human Centered Design
Category: Qualitative Research
Category: User Feedback
Category: User Research
Category: User Experience Design
Category: Design Research
Category: Project Planning
Category: Strategic Thinking
Category: Empathy
What you'll learn
How to turn insights gathered during the design thinking process into action
How to generate solutions and turn ideas into key concepts
How to move from ideation to experimentation
Skills you'll gain
Category: Design Thinking
Category: Prioritization
Category: Brainstorming
Category: User Feedback
Category: Creative Thinking
Category: Strategic Thinking
Category: Constructive Feedback
Category: Product Design
Category: Stakeholder Engagement
Category: Customer experience improvement
Category: Innovation
Category: New Product Development
Category: Creative Problem-Solving
Category: Ideation
Category: Collaboration
Category: Data-Driven Decision-Making
Category: Performance Measurement
Category: Product Development
What you'll learn
How to use a variety of important design thinking tools to generate ideas
How to connect with customers on a human level
How to think creatively in order to discover more about potential clients
Skills you'll gain
Category: Design Thinking
Category: Persona Development
Category: Stakeholder Management
Category: Interviewing Skills
Category: Value Engineering
Category: Customer experience improvement
Category: Consumer Behaviour
Category: Human Centered Design
Category: Strategic Thinking
Category: Innovation
Category: Process Mapping
Category: Customer Insights
Category: Qualitative Research
Category: Business Workflow Analysis
Category: User Research
What you'll learn
How design thinking done well can impact your practice and outcomes
How to navigate six key phases of design thinking - Immersion, Sensemaking, Alignment, Emergence, Imagining, and Learning in Action
How to develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to chart your progress
Skills you'll gain
Category: Design Thinking
Category: Cognitive flexibility
Category: Curiosity
Category: Empathy
Category: Open Mindset
Category: Strategic Thinking
Category: Adaptability
Category: Innovation
Category: Dealing With Ambiguity
Category: Visionary
Category: Creative Problem-Solving
Category: Creativity
Category: Human Centered Design
Category: Collaboration
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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Frequently asked questions
No prior experience or specific background is needed to participate in and benefit from this specialization.
We suggest you take the courses in the order presented to get maximum benefit from the materials.
Coursera courses and certificates don't carry university credit, though some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.
More questions
Financial aid available,