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.

Best Design Thinking Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Design Thinking Course Catalog

University of Virginia
Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Innovation, Ideation, Creative Thinking, User Research, Human Centered Design, Creative Problem-Solving, Stakeholder Management, Design Research, Project Scoping, User Experience Design, User Experience, Persona Development, Project Planning, Service Design, Process Mapping, Product Development, Growth Mindedness, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
198 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Virginia
Design Thinking for Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Innovation, Creativity, Strategic Thinking, Human Centered Design, Storytelling, Empathy, Leadership
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Instructor Network
Design Thinking for Innovators
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Business Transformation, Process Design, Business Process, Human Centered Design, Service Design, Innovation, Brainstorming, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Problem Solving, Creativity, User Feedback, Empathy
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Generative AI, Prototyping, Decision Making, Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
820 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
The University of Sydney
Design-Led Strategy: Design thinking for business strategy and entrepreneurship
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Innovation, New Product Development, Business Modeling, Product Design, Service Design, Product Development, Business Strategy, Business Strategies, Market Research, Corporate Strategy, User Research, User Feedback, Persona Development, Product Testing, Customer Insights
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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, Service Design, User Experience, Data Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
414 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
The University of Sydney
Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Innovation, Brainstorming, Prototyping, Ideation, Design Strategies, User Experience Design, Product Development, Design, Usability Testing, User Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google
Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design
Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, Design Thinking, User Research, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Usability, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Prototyping, Wireframing, Sprint Planning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
72K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, User Research, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Persona (User Experience), Wireframing, Design Research, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Interaction Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Human Centered Design, Usability, User Interface (UI) Design, User Centered Design, Figma (Design Software), Design, Mockups
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
350 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Ideation, Creativity, Resourcefulness, Curiosity, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Collaboration, Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Virginia
Design Thinking: Insights to Inspiration
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Innovation, User Research, Human Centered Design, Project Scoping, User Experience Design, Project Planning, Qualitative Research, Customer Insights, Empathy, Persona Development, Dealing With Ambiguity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
104 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, UI/UX Research, Responsive Web Design, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Research, Information Architecture, Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, User Story, Web Design, Design Reviews, Usability, Presentations, Design Research, Persona (User Experience), Ideation, User Centered Design, Mockups
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
89K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months