Training: Design Thinking Foundations
A Human-Centred Approach to Problem Solving
Context
In this workshop, participants get to know design thinking, which is
an innovation method that can be applied to solve a broad range of
problems from product development to social innovation. Participants
will engage in collaborative team exercises to learn about and directly
apply the five typical design thinking steps – empathize, define,
ideate, prototype and test – by solving a real-world challenge.
Learning objectives
Participants will learn how to
- Apply the design thinking methodology or parts of it
- Empathize with users: simple interview techniques, observation, etc.
- Formulate a clear problem statement
- Develop ideas through brainstorming techniques
- Prototype ideas with simple means
- Test ideas with potential users through simple test structures.
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Assess whether design thinking is a useful methodology to solve the challenges they face at university or work
- Use elements (i.e. a novel brainstorming technique, a novel feedback method, etc.) in their daily projects
The training will take place on Friday, 20 March 2026, 08:00-17:00 and Saturday, 21 March 2026, 08:00-17:00 @ PBLabs RZ D8 (ETH Zentrum).
external page Sign-up form for Design Thinking Foundations
Please note: This 2-day training is not extensive enough to provide full-scale design thinking training that enables participants to design, organize and run their own design thinking workshops and projects. For this, further courses, training and self-guided learning are necessary. References to courses, institutes, books and other materials will be provided.
We are looking forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us via .
Your Trainer: Dr. Florian Rittiner
Florian Rittiner studied Mechanical Engineering at ETH Zurich and earned his PhD in Technology and Innovation Management. After working in research and consulting at the intersection of architecture and innovation, he returned to ETH Zurich, where he now leads PBLabs - a strategic initiative dedicated to promoting and enabling project-based education. He is passionate about creativity, innovation, and learning, and how these evolve in the interplay of cultural, organizational, and spatial aspects. Florian is Head of PBLabs.