IIT Delhi launches certificate programme in design thinking and innovation

IIT Delhi Launches Certificate Programme in Design Thinking and Innovation

Delhi, October 09, 2024: As global businesses continue to prioritise innovation to maintain a competitive edge, design thinking has emerged as a crucial strategy in achieving this goal. Recognising this trend, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, ranked second among Engineering Colleges in India according to the 2024 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), has introduced a new Certificate Programme in Design Thinking and Innovation. This initiative is aimed at empowering professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive innovative solutions within their organisations.

The programme launch comes on the heels of compelling evidence underscoring the importance of design in business performance. The 2023 Design Management Institute Report highlighted that design-led companies tend to outperform their peers by an impressive 211%. Similarly, a McKinsey study from the same year noted that firms with robust design practices experienced a 32% boost in revenue. These findings emphasize the critical role of design thinking in enhancing productivity and profitability.

The five-month online programme is tailored for creative managers, product developers, entrepreneurs, business consultants, and senior executives tasked with fostering innovation and developing customer-centric solutions. It offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing not only on the core stages of design thinking – empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing – but also includes modern tools such as Generative AI to augment creativity and expedite solution delivery.

This programme offers an extensive syllabus covering several key areas critical for contemporary innovation. Participants will explore Human-Centred Design (HCD) to address user needs, and engage with Iterative Design and Sustainability to foster ongoing innovation. The course also delves into Agile Design and Data-Driven Innovation, equipping professionals with the skills to employ data in resolving complex problems. Additional focus is placed on mastering techniques in Prototyping and Ideation, as well as Storytelling and Visualisation, which are essential for articulating and promoting creative ideas.

A distinctive aspect of the programme is its inclusion of two Masterclasses on Generative AI. These classes will provide participants with insights into the transformative potential of AI within the design thinking framework, particularly in areas such as product development, customer experience design, and overall business innovation. This knowledge aims to enhance participants’ abilities to generate innovative solutions efficiently and potentially make significant impacts in their respective fields.

The programme benefits from the leadership of Professor Vijayaraghavan M. Chariar, an expert celebrated for his work in Design for Sustainability, Frugal Innovation, and Traditional Knowledge Systems. Prof. Chariar brings over twenty years of experience in sustainable innovation practices, including pioneering ventures like Ekam Eco Solutions. His guidance will be instrumental in helping participants integrate design thinking with advanced AI tools to foster impactful and sustainable innovation.

Practical application is a core component of the programme, with participants given opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects alongside industry partners. This hands-on approach ensures that attendees not only acquire theoretical insight but also gain practical experience in applying AI tools and design thinking strategies to real business challenges.

As design thinking continues to be a pivotal component in corporate strategies, the IIT Delhi’s Certificate Programme in Design Thinking and Innovation is positioned to address the escalating demand for professionals equipped with both creative and analytical skills necessary for innovation in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

Source: Noah Wire Services