What topics are typically covered in design thinking courses?

Design thinking courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and applying the design thinking methodology to solve complex problems creatively . These include the basics of design thinking principles, the five stages of design thinking (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test), and user-centered design. Learners will explore topics such as brainstorming techniques, prototyping methods , and user testing . Advanced courses might cover areas like design research, advanced prototyping tools, and integrating design thinking into organizational processes. Practical exercises and projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to innovate and create user-centered solutions.

How can I choose the right design thinking course for my career goals?

Choosing the right design thinking course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of design thinking, including an overview of its principles, stages, and fundamental techniques. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced ideation methods, user research techniques, and more sophisticated prototyping tools. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on integrating design thinking into business strategy, facilitating design thinking workshops, or preparing for certifications like a Design Thinking Certificate. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in design thinking?

A certificate in design thinking can open up various career opportunities across multiple industries. Common roles include UX/UI designer , product manager , innovation consultant, and design thinking facilitator. These positions involve applying design thinking methodologies to develop innovative products, improve user experiences, and solve complex problems creatively. With the increasing emphasis on user-centered design and innovation in business processes, earning a certificate in design thinking can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as technology, healthcare, education, and consulting.

What are design thinking methodologies?

Design thinking methodologies are problem-solving frameworks that prioritize user needs through stages like empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. They’re widely used in product design , innovation, and business strategy . Courses like Design Thinking for Innovation from the University of Virginia on Coursera offer a practical introduction to applying these methods.

Best Design Thinking Courses & Certificates [2025]

Find the best Design Thinking course for your goals

Status: Free Trial
University of Virginia
Design Thinking for Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Innovation, Creativity, Strategic Thinking, Case Studies, Market Opportunities, Human Centered Design, Curiosity, Storytelling, Growth Mindedness, Business Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
9.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Virginia
Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Innovation, Ideation, Stakeholder Analysis, Creative Thinking, User Research, Human Centered Design, Creative Problem-Solving, Design Research, Open Mindset, Project Scoping, Persona Development, Project Planning, Process Mapping, Value Engineering, Product Development, Growth Mindedness, Strategic Thinking, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
261 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Healthcare Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship
Skills you'll gain: Product Development, Health Systems, Business Planning, Lean Six Sigma, Social Determinants Of Health, Performance Improvement, Process Improvement, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Stakeholder Analysis, Statistical Process Controls, New Product Development, Risk Management, Innovation, Sustainable Business, Decision Making, Health Equity, Operations Management, Operations, Problem Solving, Leadership
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
IIT Bombay
Design Thinking and Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, User Research, Ideation, Prototyping, Human Centered Design, Product Design, Sustainable Business, Innovation, Brainstorming, Empathy, User Feedback, Product Development, Customer experience improvement, Case Studies, Product Testing, Collaboration
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Ideation, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Cognitive flexibility, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Sustainable Design, Prototyping, Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
869 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design
Skills you'll gain: User Research, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Centered Design, Usability, Persona (User Experience), User Interface (UI), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Wireframing, Prototyping, Sprint Retrospectives, Sprint Planning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
75K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
The University of Sydney
Design-Led Strategy: Design thinking for business strategy and entrepreneurship
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Innovation, Business Modeling, Product Design, Product Development, Business Strategy, Strategic Communication, Market Research, Corporate Strategy, Case Studies, User Feedback, Product Testing, Customer Insights
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
Design Thinking for Innovators
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Business Transformation, Process Design, Business Process, Human Centered Design, Business Solutions, Innovation, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Creativity, Overcoming Obstacles, User Research, User Feedback, Empathy, Adaptability, Needs Assessment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IESE Business School
Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Ideation, User Research, Culture Transformation, User Experience Design, Qualitative Research, Problem Solving, Brainstorming, Creative Problem-Solving, Solution Design, Human Centered Design, Strategic Thinking, Organizational Change, User Experience, Customer experience improvement, Innovation, Creative Thinking, Empathy, Systems Thinking, Leadership
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Sydney
Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Innovation, Service Design, Prototyping, Ideation, Product Development, Design, Case Studies, User Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Virginia
Agile Meets Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Agile Product Development, User Story, Design Thinking, Product Improvement, Agile Methodology, Agile Software Development, Product Design, Product Development, User Centered Design, User Research, Persona Development, Innovation, Product Management, Discussion Facilitation, Software Development, Testability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Virginia
Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation, Prototyping, Brainstorming, Storytelling, Human Centered Design, Ideation, User Experience Design, Creativity, Customer experience improvement, Service Design, Design Research, Process Mapping, User Experience, Problem Solving, Complex Problem Solving, Qualitative Research, Data Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
417 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks