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
Thinking for Positive Change "
A
training
The 2-Day Systems Thinking for Positive Transformation course offers an actionable approach to mastering Systems Thinking, turning complex challenges into opportunities for positive change. Whether you ’ re working to strengthen communities against challenges, improve employee health and happiness, or achieve sustainability targets, this course equips you with the skills to analyze, design, and optimize systems for effective transformation.
that triggers your creativity and challenge you to be openminded on all possible problems and solutions"
Jelle Schippers, Jacobs Douwe Egberts International
Capabilities
:
This course provides a holistic problem-solving framework to navigate complex issues, identify patterns, and develop sustainable solutions. You'll gain hands-on experience with tools like the Social Ecosystem Map, Iceberg Model, and Causal Loops to design adaptable strategies. Learn to drive meaningful change by focusing on highimpact actions that maximize resources and minimize unintended consequences. Connect with a like-minded community of peers and experts, fostering collaboration and sparking fresh ideas for lasting impact.
Systems Thinking for Positive Change
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
Design Thinking
Actants and Causal Loops
Sharing Observations & Reflections
Team Assignment
Social Ecosystem Map
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
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.
Now, let's get started!
Participant Profile
Working professionals and field experts
…looking to understand their customers and users, and who want to gain confidence in using Design Thinking to do so.
NGO's and Government workers
…who want to understand their audience' s needs and create impactful solutions for the public.
Executives or decision makers
...looking to strengthen their ability to lead innovation and enhance the organization’ s innovation capability.
Freelancers and consultants
…who want to understand the needs and behaviour of their target groups, and how to help them kickstart innovation.
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
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?
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.
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.
Elmo Diederiks
Dimitra Tsertou Adela Cristea
Christina Lennartz
Joey Piliero Marjo Staring
Jeroen v/d Weide
Tim Schuurman
Ilana v/d Boel
Price list*
Get in touch via Whatsapp for questions big or small.
Other courses that may interest you
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 ”
