For Graduates & Postgraduates · 3 Days · 20 Hours

    Design Thinking & Innovation

    From Empathy to Prototype — In Days, Not Months

    A 20-hour intensive using the Stanford d.school framework where participants observe real users, ideate with AI tools, and build tested prototypes.

    20 Hours Total
    8 Hours Conceptual
    12 Hours Applied

    Stanford d.school 5-Stage Framework

    Empathise
    Define
    Ideate
    Prototype
    Test

    The Workshop

    Human-Centred Innovation for Industry 5.0

    Most graduates learn to solve problems they're given — but real innovation starts with finding the right problem. This workshop adapts the Stanford d.school methodology for Indian institutions, combining empathy-driven research with AI-assisted ideation. Participants don't just learn design thinking — they practise it on real, sector-relevant challenges, moving from observation to tested prototypes in three intensive days.

    Workshop Structure

    Three Days. Five Stages.

    Each day maps to the d.school framework — from deep empathy to confident presentations.

    Day 1

    ~6.5 Hours

    Observe & Empathise

    Human-centred design foundations with Indian case studies — Ola driver onboarding, IRCTC redesign, Bengaluru hospital experience mapping. Participants conduct context interviews, observation walks, and build empathy maps leading to sharp POV statements.

    Human-centred design & Industry 5.0 context
    Context interviews & observation walks
    Empathy mapping & persona creation
    Point-of-View (POV) statements
    Outcome: Validated problem statements rooted in real user needs
    Tools: Empathy map worksheets, Miro, post-its
    Day 2

    ~7 Hours

    Define & Ideate

    From problem to possibilities — structured divergent and convergent thinking using proven frameworks. AI-assisted ideation sprint where participants generate, evaluate, and converge on the most impactful solutions using impact/effort matrices.

    HMW questions & reframing techniques
    SCAMPER, Crazy Eights & brainstorming
    Double Diamond & Jobs-to-be-Done
    AI-assisted ideation (ChatGPT/Claude)
    Outcome: Top 2-3 solution concepts ready for prototyping
    Tools: Miro, ChatGPT/Claude, impact/effort matrix
    Day 3

    ~6.5 Hours

    Prototype, Test & Present

    Rapid paper prototyping, peer testing with structured feedback, and iterative improvement. Optional digital prototyping using Canva AI and Lovable. Workshop concludes with 8-minute presentations + 4-minute Q&A sessions.

    Paper & digital rapid prototyping
    Peer testing with structured feedback
    Rapid iteration cycles
    8-min presentations + 4-min Q&A
    Outcome: Tested prototypes and confident presentations
    Tools: Paper, Canva AI, Lovable (optional digital)

    Frameworks & Methods Covered

    Stanford d.schoolDouble DiamondSCAMPERCrazy EightsHow Might WeJobs-to-be-DoneEmpathy Mapping

    Outcomes

    What You Walk Away With

    A tested prototype built from real user research

    Mastery of the Stanford d.school 5-stage framework

    Experience with AI-assisted ideation tools (ChatGPT, Claude)

    Empathy-driven problem-solving skills applicable across sectors

    Confidence to present and defend solutions to a panel

    A portfolio-ready design thinking case study

    Audience

    Who This Is For

    Graduate and postgraduate students across all disciplines — engineering, management, sciences, humanities

    Adaptable to healthcare, civil/urban engineering, agriculture, and education sectors

    No prior design or technology experience required

    Bring Design Thinking to Your Institution

    Interested in running this workshop for your students? Let's talk.