Online learning from an accredited institution
Design Thinking Innovation Lead
In an era of rapid technological transformation, the ability to think creatively and lead with innovation is more critical than ever. This course equips learners with the skills to guide teams through the design thinking process—a proven, people-centered approach to solving complex challenges.
As a Design Thinking Innovation Lead, you will learn to immerse yourself in the environments and contexts of problems, conducting applied ethnographic research to enhance stakeholder engagement and empathy. You'll master methodologies that drive creativity, redefine problems, and synthesise insights to develop innovative, actionable solutions
“I have done three short courses with R&Y thus far and all three have been incredible. The content, case studies and assignments were refreshing, interesting, practical, insightful and inspirational. Can’t recommend them enough and I will continue to stay curious and enroll for more courses in the future. Thank you R&Y, keep up the creativity & innovation!”
Shelley Daniels
National Sales Leader at Flight Centre Independent
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The course emphasises the role of design thinking in navigating the complexities of digital transformation and 4IR challenges, ensuring businesses remain agile and competitive.
With growing demand for design thinking professionals, this course prepares you to lead transformative initiatives, foster a culture of innovation, and guide organisations toward success in an ever-evolving digital world.
What you’ll learn
- Master the principles and methodologies of design thinking to drive impactful innovation.
- Lead and inspire teams to create cutting-edge solutions using design thinking techniques.
- Apply the design thinking process to spark creativity and develop breakthrough innovations.
- Use applied ethnographic research to deeply understand problems and connect meaningfully with stakeholders.
- Present ideas effectively and persuasively, tailoring your communication to engage audiences at all levels.
This online certification is perfect for:
- Aspiring design thinking innovation leaders.
- Astute problem solvers and leaders with a creative flair.
- Anyone who wants to learn how to solve business-related problems and lead positive change in this context.
Red & Yellow courses are made to future-proof your career
Our courses are designed to accelerate opportunities and give a boost to your CV. Top businesses across industries recognise Red & Yellow graduates as having the practical skills and the theoretical background to hit the ground running with confidence and creative flair.
Course curriculum:
INNOVATE
The main focus of the learning in these modules is to build an understanding of human Centered innovation as it applies to design thinking innovative solution creation. These modules function as your launchpad to a world of groundbreaking ideas. We’ll delve into the exciting world of human -centered innovation, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to tackle challenges creatively. Master the innovation cycle, unlock your creative potential, and explore powerful brainstorming techniques to generate game -changing solutions. We’ll also navigate the legal landscape of innovation, ensuring your ideas are protected by copyright and patents.
THINK LIKE A DESIGNER
The main focus of the learning in these modules is to build an understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques applied in the design thinking methodology and process. These modules unlock the secrets of Design Thinking! Explore its core principles and techniques, mastering the entire process from observation to experimentation. Develop key design thinking skills – like open -mindedness and emotional intelligence – to transform any challenge into an innovative solution.
COLLABORATE
The main focus of the learning in these modules is to acquire knowledge and skills on how to develop a meaningful collaboration mindset. These modules ignite the power of collaboration! Learn the secrets of teamwork, mastering different styles and fostering effective communication. We’ll delve into group dynamics specifically for design thinking (for leads!), transforming you into a collaborative powerhouse. These modules go beyond design thinking – it’s your personal development passport to success.
APPLY POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY PRINCIPLES
These modules equip you with the secrets of positive psychology, transforming your interactions with teams, users, and stakeholders. Master the science of happiness with the PERMA Model and harness the power of positive emotions to build stronger connections and foster a thriving collaborative environment.
DO RESEARCH TO SHAPE DESIGN THINKING
These modules equip you with the power of applied ethnography, a secret weapon for design thinking success. Become a master detective, uncovering user needs and uncovering breakthrough solutions through qualitative and quantitative research methods. Learn to analyse data, synthesis findings, and translate insights into compelling reports and presentations. These modules serve as keys to unlocking the secrets behind user behaviour and crafting game-changing innovations.
EXPLORE BENEFITS OF DESIGN THINKING
These modules aren’t just for designers. Discover how Design Thinking empowers everyone to solve problems with creativity and impact. From public entities to educators, businesses, and communities, you’ll learn how design thinking adds value by boosting innovation and business development. Master process analysis and scaling strategies to transform any idea into a reality. Embrace the maker culture and become a design thinking champion inyour field – the possibilities are endless.
MANAGE PROJECTS
These modules are your design thinking toolkit for action. Learn how to translate groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. Master project management essentials, from life cycles and structures to planning, scheduling, and resource allocation. We’ll also tackle risk and issue management for both projects and teams, ensuring your design thinking solutions are implemented smoothly and successfully. These modules empower you to bridge the gap between creativity and action, transforming innovation into reality.
EXPLORE GOVERNANCE AND LEGISLATION, AND ACT ETHICALLY
These modules equip you with the knowledge to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace. Gain a solid understanding of employment laws and their impact on both employers and employees. Explore key business planning concepts, mastering the art of costing products and services. We’ll also delve into the principles of performance management and the importance of ethical behaviour in the workplace. These comprehensive modules empower you to navigate any work environment with confidence!
DEVELOP 4IR AND FUTURE SKILLS
The future of work is here! These module equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the age of Industry 4.0 (4IR). Explore emerging trends and how they’ll impact individuals, businesses, and communities. Master the future-ready skillset – from interpersonal and interpersonal skills to communication mastery. Craft compelling written business communications and navigate committees, meetings, and stakeholder interactions with confidence. Learn to decode job descriptions and hone your customer service expertise.
MASTER COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
These modules unlock your potential in today’s tech-driven world! Sharpen your skills in applying information, computer technology, and software like a pro. Master electronic communication and software packages, transforming data into impactful presentations and visualizations. We even explore specialised computerised management information systems, empowering you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.
INNOVATION LEADERSHIP FOR DESIGN THINKING
This module introduces the foundational principles and concepts of innovation leadership and design thinking workshops. It explores the responsibilities of an innovation lead, including planning, guiding, and managing group events to foster creativity and collaboration. Learners will develop skills to facilitate solution-focused workshops, ensuring clear objectives, active participation, and collective buy-in. The module also examines the use of technology and applications to enhance the innovation process and drive impactful outcomes.
COACHING FOR DESIGN THINKING
This module focuses on the role of positive psychology in coaching and the distinctions between innovation process coaching and team facilitation. Learners will explore how positive psychology fosters psychological safety and supports goal achievement when coaching others. The module equips learners to coach effectively as Design Thinking Innovation Leads, manage team activities and progress, and guide teams toward successful project presentations while maintaining a collaborative and supportive environment.
Meet your team:
This course was created by, and benefits from, our full-time lecturers’ years of experience in the field – both in lecturing and in industry. They know how to nurture talent and bring out the best in students, resulting in many award-wins over the years.
About Red & Yellow
Creative thinking is the most important skill. Artificial Intelligence and robots are going to replace some of the jobs we know today.
Red & Yellow is the business school where talented people go to develop the career skills they need to thrive in this digital world.
R&Y unlocks creative thinking to build brilliant careers and organisations using Commercial Logic and Creative Magic.
We are vision-led and values-driven and we are developing the next generation of changemakers, creators and innovators.
We believe creative thinking is the most important skill of the future and it must be supported by uniquely human abilities such as leadership, adaptability and social intelligence.
We are a Creative School of Business that provides you with the commercial logic to grow successful organisations and more importantly the creative magic to set them apart.
We are teaching the great creators, inventors, leaders and entrepreneurs for the 21st Century.
We will be the most creative business school in the world.
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Design thinking is a process that can be used by marketers to understand their users. By applying design thinking, they understand, define, and redefine assumptions and problems and create solutions for the market. The most important characteristic of design thinking is that it is non-linear and iterative.
Because this process forces marketers to understand their users’ needs (and, in fact, broader needs), it results in ideas that can be prototyped and tested. This keeps the marketers close to the users and results in products and services that actually meet people’s needs — not just what companies think people need.
The five stages of design thinking are: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, test.
Notice that there is emphasis on prototyping and testing, as well as empathising. This is important because it is what makes design thinking so useful. Instead of working apart from customers and putting a product or service in the market that falls short, this process allows for more granular market research and iterative design.