Why you should do IDEO.org’s Introduction to Human-Centered Design Course
Ever done an online course? Was it any good? There are thousand of MOOCs, learning paths and certificates out there and if you only ever do one online programme this is the one you should do. Here are three reasons why you should at least consider it:
It’s the best overview on a Design Thinking approach you will get
Whether you’re already involved in the fuzzy world of Design Thinking or have no idea at all, this is a great course to either give you a step by step approach or really deepen and solidify the knowledge you already have. This course and the additional materials offer you a neatly structured process, an introduction on all the methods as well as the option to decide what you want to focus on and read up more on — if you want to.
It’s a good mix of learning methods
In terms of didactics the course is set up with a balanced mix of videos, readings and tasks that involve individual and group work. You can do the course on your own, but it is highly recommended that you team up with people. There are deadlines for the milestones, but you’re relatively free to decide when you want to learn. It’s easy to do the individual work in evenings, after work or during a lunch break. Depending on what your goal is and your team constellation, you can make the project as big or small as you please — who know it might end up in a successful business idea or an innovative project within your company.
You’ll have an approach you can implement on anything
Once you’ve applied the approach on one or more projects you can start using the methods on everything and anything. The great thing about this method is that whether you work in farming, marketing, the hospitality business, it’s really a mind set that can be used anywhere. You can use single parts for a workshop, or focus on one chapter for a specific prototype. It’s all sorted nicely in a book and you can also get a hard copy of the book or the pdf here.
So what are you waiting for? Think of a cool project, get together with some friends, colleagues or find your team in the IDEO.org community — and go for it! The course starts every few months and I’ve saved the best for last: it’s free — see the newest starting dates here!
