Global Design Thinking Workshop - March 2027

10. – 16.03.2027

The Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW) is a compact, hands-on program at the HPI d-school in Potsdam where you use human-centered design to work on global challenges. Each edition focuses on one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Building on last semester’s focus on SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being, with a special emphasis on digital health and the future of health services, this semester we will continue our exploration while shifting our attention toward Well-Being: How can we design environments, services, and solutions that help people live healthier, more balanced, and more resilient lives?

Working in interdisciplinary teams and together with real partner organizations – including public institutions, companies/startups, and NGOs – you’ll learn how to turn real human needs into actionable ideas: from research and insight generation to identifying opportunity areas and developing concepts and prototypes that can be tested and refined.

The GDTW runs as a 6-day intensive format (virtual kick-off + on-site workshop week) and awards 3 ECTS upon completion.

Time commitment & schedule
The program will require a total investment of 50 hours in March 2027. Part of this (43 hours) are the designated mandatory program days on the following times:

Tuesday, 02.03.2027: 09:00 – 12:00 (3 hours online)
Wednesday, 10.03.2027: 09:00 – 17:00 (8 hours on-site)
Thursday, 11.03.2027: 09:00 – 17:00 (8 hours on-site)
Friday, 12.03.2027: 09:00 – 17:00 (8 hours on-site)
Monday, 15.03.2027: 09:00 – 17:00 (8 hours on-site)
Tuesday, 16.03.2027: 09:00 – 17:00 (8 hours on-site)

Application process
After completing the application form, please make sure to click the Submit application button. You will then receive a confirmation email. To finalize your application, you must click the confirmation link provided in that email.

Please submit your application by January 10, 2027 at 11.59 pm CET (midnight!).
All applicants will be informed of the status of their application by January 19, 2027, at the latest.
We wish you the best of luck in your application process!

Online Application

Global Design Thinking Workshop - March 2027
10. – 16.03.2027

General Fields

Personal Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Nationality *

Gender *

Date of Birth *

Place of Birth *

I need a visa and request prioritized processing of my application *

yes no

What is your status for this application? *

Have you participated in Design Thinking Programs at HPI d-school? *

Participation in other Design Thinking Programs

Please specify the program(s) you have attended (including semester hours/ECTS) at other academic institutions and add the name of the institution

Contact Information

Street Address *

Postal Code *

City *

Country *

Mobile Phone Number

E-mail address *

Please use an E-mail address that will remain active for the next few years, as we will use it to register you on other platforms during your time with us.

Education (graduated)

University

Field of Studies

Study Program

Degree

Year of Graduation

Education (ongoing)

University

Field of Studies

Study Program

Degree

Expected Year of Graduation

Motivation

What is your motivation to apply for our Design Thinking Program? *

(max. 500 characters)

Miscellaneous

Portrait Photo *

Maximum allowed filesize is 5 MB. Supported filetypes: JPEG, PNG

Financial Contribution *

Yes I confirm

In case of acceptance to this program, I confirm that I am aware that the financial contribution for the program is 100 €. The program is free for students from HPI & University of Potsdam.

Certificate of enrollment *

Maximum allowed filesize is 5 MB. Supported filetypes: JPEG, PDF, PNG

How did you hear about the HPI d–school? *

Please specify your choice!

Data privacy *

Yes, I confirm.

I confirm that I have taken note of the data privacy policy of the Hasso-Plattner-Institute.

Submit data …

By completing and submitting this form you give permission to collect, process and save your data by Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH for the purpose of the program “Global Design Thinking Workshop” in March 2027 and for the forwarding of further information offers. Under no circumstances is the data disclosed to unauthorized third parties, unless required by law. You may revoke the consent you have given at any time and/or object to the future use of your data. Please find here our data privacy statement.

**Contact**
Janet Klonower
HPI d-school
Programm Coordination
Phone: +49 (0)331 5509-507
E-Mail: [email protected]