Strategy for Innovation _ 2026 Course Brochure

“Our experts will guide you through a structured approach and establish a new way of working to sustain innovation. ”

Strategy for Innovation Training

*AI Included

We're ready to help you build the skills for what's ahead.

Hi, we're DesignThinkers.

What makes organizations thrive in times of change? At DesignThinkers, we believe it starts with people. Founded over 20 years ago in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, our mission has always been to help organizations design services that put people at the center. As innovation increasingly relies on both human ingenuity and technological progress, DesignThinkers empowers organizations to stay ahead. We help teams develop the critical skills needed to navigate complexity, combining human-centered design and AI-powered innovation to turn change into opportunity.

This Global Portfolio showcases our 2026 course offerings & innovation programs, alongside client success stories and ways to collaborate, preparing you to lead in a changing world.

Our work is further enriched by long-standing collaborations with leading academic institutions such as Oxford University, Harvard University, the University of Amsterdam, as well as innovation hubs such as DGA and DIFC. We’ re committed to making innovation real by building capabilities, designing for impact, and shaping services that improve lives.

The Future of Work is rapidly shifting.

These are the Top 10 Core Skills you’ll need by 2030.

The world of work is transforming at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in AI, technology, and global interconnectedness. By 2030, core skills across industries will undergo significant evolution. To navigate this shift, the future will require a unique blend of creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and a deep understanding of complex systems. As the landscape of work evolves, so too must the way we think, collaborate, and innovate.

At DesignThinkers, we are dedicated to helping you build the skills necessary to lead in this new era. Our curriculum empowers teams with the tools to innovate, collaborate, and harness technology with purpose. These are the essential skills that will drive your success in the future:

Technology skills

AI and big data

Technological literacy

Cognitive skills

Creative thinking

Analytical thinking

Self-efficacy

Resilience, flexibility and agility

Curiosity and lifelong learning

Working with others

Leadership and social influence

Management skills

Talent management

Ethics

Environmental stewardship

Source: World Economic Forum (2025), The Future of Jobs Report

Preparing your team for tomorrow's challenges.

By 2030, the core skills needed to succeed will have evolved beyond recognition. Luckily, we provide the core programs your team needs to stay ahead. We’ ve carefully selected these key competencies: Employee Experience , Customer Experience, Co-creation in Sales, AI-powered impact, and Capability Building to ensure your team is fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of 2030.

Experience it for yourself. Our approach combines tailored solutions with hands-on training, enabling your team to apply these skills directly for measurable results. Build the future today and stay ahead of the curve.

IMPACT

WITH AI CAPABILITY

BUILDING

"I am always impressed by DesignThinkers' ability to design and deliver sessions that are both highly tailored and impactful, and their approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and adaptability.

" Sterre van der Laken, Salesforce Executive Program Manager Design-Led Data & AI Programs, EMEA

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CO-CREATION IN SALES

We ignite change

Culture

We shape AI-aw

innovation cultu

Our experts will guide you structured approach that in emerging technologies like establishes a future-proof w working to sustain innovat

Content

We solve tomorrow's challenges

We provide the means to bring real and viable solutions to your challenge, using AI-driven insights and validating those with real customers and key stakeholders through masterful presentation.

Capability

We train innova ready teams

Through hands-on training g, we empower your team to adopt a solutionoriented mindset and build confidence in applying emerging AI learning technologies to drive innovation.

Culture

Capability

Content

Now, let's get started!

4-Day Strategy for Innovation Training

The 4-Day Strategy for Innovation training blends Systems Thinking, Futures Thinking, and Design Thinking to equip innovation leaders with the mindset and tools to navigate complexity and shape strategic initiatives. Working in a hands-on environment, participants will apply Systems Thinking tools such as Rich Picture and Causal Loop Diagrams to make sense of interconnected systems. Building on this, Futures Thinking methods, and Scenario Building will help explore multiple future directions.

"This training was engaging and hands-on, encouraging creative thinking, collaboration, and a holistic approach to problem-solving. "

Inês Santos, ABN AMRO Bank

To address current challenges, firms must incorporate sustainability and social impact factors into their Business Models and think more holistically and systemically. Furthermore, they must be able to explore emerging changes and trends and transform them into far and near-future scenarios. In this course bundle, you will learn to approach problems more systematically and detect emerging trends to transform them into innovation strategies.

4-Day Strategy for Innovation Training

*AI Included

Systems Awareness & Understanding

Designing Systems Solutions

Introduction to Design & Systems Thinking

Presenting Challenge

Research in Systems Design Research (*AI)

Framing the System, STEEP Canvas. What does Human-centered design mean?

Stakeholder Influence Map

Behavioral Insights & Data Iceberg model, Persona

Dynamics & drivers within the system

Opportunity Areas (*AI)

Desired Future System

Actants and Causal Loops

Sharing Observations & Reflections

Team Assignment

Social Ecosystem Map

Design Thinking Behavioral Thinking

Find key leverage points

How might we transition?

Ideation Techniques

Reframing the challenge

Active analysis of framing & purpose, Scenario Building

Defining present state and desired purpose

Nudging Techniques for Behavioral Change

Rapid Prototyping and System Value Proposition

Creating a road map with expert coaching & review

4-Day Strategy for Innovation Training

*AI Included

Sign up

and Scanning

Forecasting and Visioning

Introduction to Futures Thinking

Methodology & cases

Present team-specific challenge

Reflection & Discussion

Model introduction

Vision Narrative

Sense making & Reframing

Deepen Values Piramid

Personal Project

Futures Narrative

The

Narrative

Traditional Design vs. Design & Systems Thinking

Innovation teams often struggle with biases and entrenched behaviors. Forbes and Harvard Business Review note that traditional approaches, with their linear and rigid processes, too often lead to inflexible solutions. Over the last decade, DesignThinkingand SystemsThinkinghave evolved to focus more on tangible outcomes and active 'doing, ' emphasizing empathy, user feedback, and continuous refinement for innovative, user-centered, and systemic results. Together, Design Thinking and Systems Thinking provide powerful, tools that help organizations break free from linear thinking, offering greater flexibility, innovation, and resilience in tackling today' s complex challenges.

Thinking

Avoid Failure

Thinking & Planning

Rigorous Analysis

Focus on Solutions Giving the right answers

Periodic

Telling

Getting it right first time

Certainty is Key

Subject Experts

Design Thinking

Aware of Failure Doing Rigorous Prototyping

Focus on Human value

Asking the right questions Continuous (iterative)

Showing Learning is key

Embrace Ambiguity Process Expert

Contextual Failure

Seeing Interconnections

Holistic Thinking

Focus on System Purpose

Questioning deep-held Beliefs

Closed Loop Thinking

Mapping complex systems

Adapting based on insights

Certainty to Approximation

Epistemic Intelligence Systems Thinking

Why choose us? We're best in class for innovation.

Extensive Tools

We provide an extensive set of innovation tools that you can immediately put into practice (e.g., Stakeholder map & CJM) . After completing the course, you 'll gain exclusive access to our L&D library, packed with resources to continue your learning journey.

Expert Masterclasses

During each day, you 'll gain insights from expert-led masterclasses, where seasoned innovators share real-world strategies and lessons from the field. These sessions give you the tools and perspectives to navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Real-Life Challenges

You won ’t be working on hypothetical case studies - you ’ll tackle real-life challenges. By solving tangible problems, you 'll gain practical experience, refine your problem-solving skills, and leave with actionable strategies you can apply immediately.

Official Certification

DesignThinkers is accredited by the Dutch Council for Training and Education. After completing any of our courses, you ’ll receive a recognized official certification, validating your expertise and equipping you with a valuable credential to advance your career.

Prompting

We'll Support your process by using the latest AI applications. Prompt AI to generate ideas on your problem statement, present your persona to AI and ask your research questions, or make a prompt to enrich your CJM by simulating different situations.

Global Community

We’ re proud to welcome a diverse, global community of participants, bringing together professionals from different industries and cultures. That means plenty of opportunities for networking, fresh perspectives, and connections that can shape your future.

Participant Profile

Innovation Professionals

…needing to understand why and how to take a more Systemic Approach in their projects.

Executives or Desicion

Makers

…wanting to understand how Futures

Thinking can help them in enriching the Strategy building process

Managers or Team leaders

...wanting to understand why Systems Thinking is needed and how you can apply it to develop a Sustainable Future for their organizations.

Freelancers and consultants

…who want to understand the needs and behaviour of their target groups, and how to help them kickstart innovation.

Iceberg Model STEEP Canvas Causal Loops

Rich Picture

Actants Map

Behavioral Design

Systems Iceberg Model

The Systems Iceberg Model helps distinguish between surface-level symptoms and deeper, systemic causes of problems within your company. By uncovering underlying issues you can develop more targeted, long-lasting interventions, leading to sustainable improvements and meaningful change. minutes re team cky notes, sharpies

Stakeholder Exchange Map

Rich Picture STEEP Canvas

The Rich Picture is an effective start to mapping out complex situations, uncovering interrelationships, and identifying key actors, processes, and perspectives. It helps teams gain a shared understanding of a system' s complexity and communicate insights visually.

Causal

Loops

When dealing with a systemic challenge many internal and external stakeholders have an effect on how a new service is developed and launched. Use the information to assess how the interests of those stakeholders should be addressed in driving forward systemic transitions.

Causal loop diagrams show how different parts of a system influence each other. They help us see where things grow out of control and where we can take action to keep the system balanced. By identifying these feedback loops, we can make better decisions to create stability and improve system performance.

The STEEP Canvas is a valuable tool for analyzing the broader environment of a project or business. By exploring an issue from five different perspectives, you can identify external factors that may impact the future of your initiative

Actants Map

The Actants Map zooms in to analyze both human and non-human entities (actants) that influence each other or are influenced by a system. It helps you understand how different actors interact within a system, shaping its behavior and outcomes.

Outcomes, Objectives & Certificate

Core Skills & Applications

What to expect Learning Outcomes

High-energy Training

Learning-by-Doing DT Toolkit & Certificate Learning from internationally recognized facilitators

Multiple expert masterclasses

Did you know?

All our alumni gain unlimited access to our exclusive online L&D Library.

Human-Centred Mindset

Experience with practical tools & frameworks

Ideation & Prototyping (*AI)

Collaborate across disciplines Apply analytical thinking in practi

What's Included?

Your ticket includes a daily healthy lunch, snacks, beverages, course materials for personal use, and an official DTA certificate upon completion.

We value quality! We are accredited by the Dutch Council for Training and Education, ensuring high-quality learning experiences. Participants receive an Official Certificate upon course completion, with exclusive access to our Learn & Develop Library. KHDA Educational Services Permit: 633078

Stepping stones for innovation

We open paths for innovation by helping teams rethink how they create value. Guiding organizations and individuals to see change as an opportunity, we translate challenges into clear directions for growth, building the mindset and capabilities needed to be future-ready.

& we shape capabilities. We solve challenges,

A profile for

One portfolio, infinite pathways. Whet

the top, we offer tailored programs at ev

level

Begin with the Basics. Advance with a Custom Training.

From Aspiring to Accomplished. Leadership Training for What’ s Next.

Elevate Your Leadership. Drive Strategic Success.

Foundational level

Are you an eager explorer?

Do you recognise this?

Lack structured creativity methods. Feel uncertain about where to start with innovation. Struggle to translate ideas into action. Limited confidence in using design tools or AI effectively.

What's in it for you?

Improved creative confidence and practical problem-solving skills; Ability to use and apply design & AI tools with purpose; Turn ideas into tangible results

Applied level

Are you a proactive practitioner?

Do you recognise this?

Struggles with balancing day-to-day operations and long-term goals. Difficulty making confident, wellinformed decisions. Teams lack alignment and efficiency. What's in it for you?

Improved team management and collaboration;

Stronger decision-making skills; Increased operational efficiency.

Executive level

Are you a limitless leader?

Do you recognise this?

Struggles to align teams. Faces resistance to change across departments. Limited time to explore new technologies. Finds it challenging to translate strategy into action. What's in it for you?

Enhanced strategic alignment across teams and initiatives; Strengthened leadership presence in driving transformation; Increased capacity to make future-focused decisions.

Meet some of our Facilitators

Our coaches and facilitators are all subject matter experts in the field of Human-Centred Design, and have extensive experience in providing project assistance and trainings in Design Thinking. You can find all of our coaches and facilitators on our website.

*Dr. Robert Collins is a business consultant and educator who has been delivering courses through the University of Oxford for over 25 years.

About what we do Expertise

We focus on creating value for people as the most effective way to drive project success and inspire.

"A refreshing

and

engaging experience that went beyond my expectations."

Tupo Muocha, UNICEF

Our worldwide team combines global reach with invaluable local expertise. We approach every challenge from the user ’ s perspective. We focus on creating value for people as the most effective way to drive project success and inspire growth for our clients’ businesses and organisations. inspire growth for our clients’ businesses and organisations. inspire growth for our clients.

Other courses that may interest you

Immersive DT

Bootcamp for Innovators (AI)

Learn from highly experienced Service Design & Design Thinking practitioners by Masterclasses and experiencing DT with a real case.

Design Thinking

Foundations & Storytelling Foundations of Innovative Design (Including AI)

Deep-Dive Bootcamp for Innovation leaders Future Leadership Skills (Including Strategic AI)

Build confidence and master storytelling techniques to gain buyin and foster engagement with stakeholders through effective presentations and data utilization.

This 3-day course combines the fundamentals of Design Thinking with hands-on applications of AI to help you innovate smarter, faster, and with more impact.

Learn the basics of Design Thinking and Facilitation in just 4 days. Work in co-creation in small teams to learn from participants with diverse industry backgrounds.

Gain essential skills to being a leader of the future while learning to guide your organization through disruptive and dynamic conditions, all with the support of AI. * includes latest AI techniques

Get in touch via Whatsapp for questions big or small.

Some companies we'r proud to team up with

“I have been to a lot of trainings and conferences, but nothing measures up to the 5 interactive days at DesignThinkers ”

Prof.Douglas Tschopp, Director