Mastering Design Thinking

Transform services and product development with design thinking

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

October 31, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

3 months, online
6–8 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

US$2,937

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

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Emeritus is collaborating with MIT Sloan Executive Education to help you build future-ready skills. Enroll before and get up to 11% tuition assistance along with a complimentary 1-year Wall Street Journal subscription.

Application Details

Tuition assistance is live as per below schedule. The full program fee is $3300 as of the start date.

program fee

US$2,937

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Why Master Design Thinking?

Design thinking has emerged as a powerful methodology, revolutionizing how we tackle complex challenges, cultivate creativity, and engineer breakthrough solutions. The global market size was valued at US$7,404.29 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.38 percent during the forecast period, reaching US$11,352.7 million by 2028, as per a 2023 report by Industry Research Company.

Design-driven organizations, including Apple, Coca-Cola, IBM, Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Whirlpool, have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 10 years by an accumulated 211 percent in what's called the Design Value Index — a portfolio of 16 publicly traded organizations that integrate design thinking into their corporate strategy.

Developed by renowned MIT Sloan faculty, the Mastering Design Thinking program empowers participants to leverage the potential of design thinking with a focus on applied creativity to craft innovative solutions for improving an existing product or setting up a new product.

Who Is It For?

This program is for teams and individuals who want to learn a proven, systematic approach to new product development. Anyone responsible for driving innovation, growth, and the customer experience should attend, including functional and cross-functional teams.

Roles of past participants include professionals from creative, design, customer experience, engineering, innovation, product, R&D, strategy, and UX, such as:

  • Product marketing managers, business analysts, marketing managers, growth managers, R&D managers, product heads
  • Senior designers, UX researchers, UX designers, design engineers, creative managers, UX design consultants, art directors
  • C-suite executives, including chief executive officers, chief operation officers, and chief strategy officers, managing directors, founders, presidents
  • Innovation and growth consultants

Learning Journey

The program presents a meticulously curated learning journey, strategically designed to empower participants in leveraging its benefits without compromising their professional commitments.

Begin your design thinking learning journey with the essential knowledge and hands-on application of learnings from the program.

  • Learn the concepts that drive design thinking
  • Submit your project ideas around user innovations
  • Identify customer needs and user groups
  • Translate needs into product specifications
  • Create a prototype
  • Build out the product architecture
  • Analyze the economics of the innovation
  • Choose the right development process
  • Present your final ideas and get real-time feedback

Program Experience

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140+ Video Lectures

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3 Live Teaching Sessions

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3 Group Projects

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10 Assignments

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1 Capstone Project

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6 Real-World Applications

Proven results

How our learners saw them grew
89%
Awarded promotion within org
63%
Saw improvement in salary
95%
Created more impact at work

Program Topics

Seamlessly blending in-depth faculty sessions with group projects and assignments, this program fosters collaborative learning through peer interactions and a team-based capstone project, creating a lasting peer network of value beyond program completion.

Module 1:

Design Thinking Skills

Understand the critical design thinking skills needed to either improve an existing product or design a new product.

Module 2:

Identifying Customer Needs

Learn to identify customer needs and draft customer needs statements as your first step towards user innovations.

Module 3:

Product Specifications

Learn how to translate user needs into product specifications quantitatively, and how establishing product metrics can help to define those specifications.

Module 4:

Applied Creativity

Learn to apply creativity, brainstorming, and concept generation process in designing needs solutions.

Module 5:

Prototyping

Explore prototyping methods, strategies, and real-life examples where these have been applied to create a design that represents customer needs and product specifications.

Module 6:

Design for Services

Understand design of services, identify the potential for innovations within them, and learn how to apply product development frameworks to the service context.

Module 7:

Product Architecture

Learn to use modular and integral product architectures in determining the building blocks of a product.

Module 8:

Financial Analysis

Learn to perform financial analysis of your project idea and decide if it is backed by a strong business rationale.

Module 9:

Design for Environment

Learn how to apply design for environment principles to a product life cycle.

Module 10:

Product Development Process

Learn to select and implement a product development process (staged, spiral, and agile) that's aligned to your project needs.

Module 1:

Design Thinking Skills

Understand the critical design thinking skills needed to either improve an existing product or design a new product.

Module 6:

Design for Services

Understand design of services, identify the potential for innovations within them, and learn how to apply product development frameworks to the service context.

Module 2:

Identifying Customer Needs

Learn to identify customer needs and draft customer needs statements as your first step towards user innovations.

Module 7:

Product Architecture

Learn to use modular and integral product architectures in determining the building blocks of a product.

Module 3:

Product Specifications

Learn how to translate user needs into product specifications quantitatively, and how establishing product metrics can help to define those specifications.

Module 8:

Financial Analysis

Learn to perform financial analysis of your project idea and decide if it is backed by a strong business rationale.

Module 4:

Applied Creativity

Learn to apply creativity, brainstorming, and concept generation process in designing needs solutions.

Module 9:

Design for Environment

Learn how to apply design for environment principles to a product life cycle.

Module 5:

Prototyping

Explore prototyping methods, strategies, and real-life examples where these have been applied to create a design that represents customer needs and product specifications.

Module 10:

Product Development Process

Learn to select and implement a product development process (staged, spiral, and agile) that's aligned to your project needs.

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Capstone Project

The capstone project is the culmination of your Mastering Design Thinking program experience, enabling you to present an in-depth analysis of a proposed product or service. It enables you to apply design thinking principles, empowering you to address intricate business challenges with ingenious solutions. This project involves a comprehensive analysis of a proposed product or service. You will utilize the Real-Win-Worth it (RWW) screening process to ensure the solution's viability, environmental impact, and financial feasibility.

Top-performing teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to Professor Steven Eppinger, based on criteria such as the solution's innovation, presentation quality, and application of RWW metrics. This challenge will showcase your design thinking expertise and strategic capabilities, demonstrating your ability to craft innovative solutions that cater to genuine customer needs.

Case Studies

Image of an iPhone and earphones to portray the case study of Apple

Apple

Learn how Apple has succeeded by designing products and services that address a key customer need: ease of use.

Image of an airplane mid air to portray the case study of Boeing

Boeing

Review an example of a fully comprehensive prototype and test via the complex system of Boeing’s 787-9 twin engine commercial airplane.

Image of a bank building to portray the case study of Bank Of America

Bank of America

Examine two innovations Bank of America developed based on customer needs regarding savings, and review their process for developing these service innovations.

Image of a hand unlocking car to portray the case study of Zipcar

Zipcar

Review Zipcar’s 11-step service experience cycle and how each step needed to be designed both from a customer and business perspective for this complex process to succeed.

Image of a Laptop computer to portray the case study of Hewlett-Packard

Hewlett-Packard

Explore how Hewlett-Packard builds products on multiple platforms using modular architectures to satisfy different markets.

Image of coffee capsules and a red cup of hot coffee to portray the case study of Nespresso

Nespresso

Study how Nespresso’s two cash flows—for machines and for coffee—affect its product development considerations, and learn about financial analysis for projects via an examination of its recycling program.

What Participants Say

"I truly believe that the program fulfilled my expectations and even exceeded them. I was a little skeptical about the online format, but I believe it provided full value for money, and I now feel equipped with cutting-edge knowledge in design thinking."

— Lars Tamstrup Axelsson, Principal R&D Engineer, Ferrosan Medical Devices A/S

"The program offers rich content and a standardized process that effectively boosts the rate of innovation success."

— Manoj Chatterjee, Cloud DevOps & Automation Lead, Shell

"I thoroughly loved the interactive networking sessions and collaborating with my team. I wanted a structured approach to design thinking with a technical edge and I believe that is what I got."

— Rangena Hotaki, Founder/CEO, DesignOvation Strategies, LLC

"The program offers numerous innovative approaches to structured problem resolution through its highly applicable content."

— Sergio Chavez, Principal Technical Data Management Consultant, Shell International

"The program consistently provided numerous exceptional real-world examples across every module, and was very product-centric."

— Ryan Hall, Director of Innovation, Radius

"It was refreshing to learn new techniques and how to see products from my own perspective and from the perspective of the customer."

— Jesus Perez, Product & Channel Coordinator, PSS

"The real-world examples and presentations by David Robertson offered relatable context that truly complemented our learning experience."

— Othel Rolle, Technical Product Management, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Faculty

Faculty Member Steven Eppinger

Steven Eppinger

General Motors Leaders for Global Operations Professor of Management; Professor of Management Science and Engineering Systems; Co-Director, System Design and Management Program

Steven D. Eppinger served as deputy dean of MIT Sloan from 2004 to 2009, as faculty co-director of the Leaders for Global Operations (formerly MIT Leaders for Manufacturing) and the System Design and Management programs from 2001 to 2003... More info

Faculty Member Matthew Kressy

Matthew Kressy

Director and Founder, MIT Integrated Design and Management (IDM); Senior Lecturer at MIT; Principal, Designturn, Inc.

Matthew S. Kressy, director and founder of the MIT Integrated Design and Management (IDM) master’s degree track, is an expert in product design and development. As an entrepreneur and founder of Designturn, he has designed, invented, engineered... More info

Faculty Member David Robertson

David Robertson

Senior Lecturer at MIT

David Robertson is a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he teaches product development and digital product management. Prior to MIT, David was a professor of practice at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania... More info

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Get a verified digital certificate of completion from MIT Sloan School of Management. This program also counts towards an MIT Sloan Executive Certificate.

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After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you, at no additional cost, in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of MIT Sloan.

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FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 participants across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the program would be made available to participants at the commencement of the program. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the participants may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall fee of the program.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program end date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.

    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.


    Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?

    Program fees for Emeritus programs with MIT Sloan Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +44 150 730 4811 (UK) / +1 401 264 8575 (US) / +65 3138 5193 (SG)

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