What are the Global Design Thinking Workshops?

In addition to the “Foundations for Design Thinking” we offer the Global Design Thinking Workshops (GDTW). In this program you will experience Design Thinking as a life-centered approach and work with different teams on complex innovation problems. The program takes place over six days - one day online and five consecutive days on-site at the HPI d-school.

How can I take part in the Global Design Thinking Workshop?

Applications for the Global Design Thinking Workshop are open to enrolled students from all academic disciplines at universities and colleges. No prior experience in Design Thinking is required, as all essential knowledge and methods will be taught during the program.

How many students are accepted per semester?

We offer a maximum of 40 places in the Global Design Thinking Workshop. The program takes place over five consecutive days on-site at the HPI d-school.

How much time do I have to invest in the program?

Global Design Thinking Workshop, approx. 60 hrs total (approx. 45 hours onsite+ 15 hrs independent work) You can download the descriptions of the scope of the individual courses and the semester overviews with the planned times directly in the respective courses. Most of the courses take place on-site at the HPI d-school. You can find details in the semester overviews. You can find an overview of the current courses on our page about the Design Thinking Academic Program.

What financial contribution do I have to make for the Global Design Thinking Workshop?

Participation is free of charge for students of the Hasso-Plattner-Institut and the University of Potsdam. Enrolled Students from other universities and colleges are required to pay a processing fee of 100 €. If you change your mind, a refund of the fees is only possible if you cancel your registration by the deadline on the first day of the program. This applies to all programs with fees (Foundations and Global Design Thinking Workshops).

How do I receive credit points (ECTS) for my participation in the GDTW?

As a student participant in our programs, you will not only receive a unique experience but also a digital certificate and a proof of achievement (ECTS). You will receive 3 credit points (ECTS) each for the Global Design Thinking Workshop. The recognition of credits and grades depends on the study and examination regulations of your home university. We recommend that you check with your examination office in advance to find out whether recognition is possible.

Are there recommendations for accommodation during the GDTW?

We do not provide accommodation for the duration of the Global Design Thinking Workshop. However, we are happy to recommend the following options in Potsdam: Youth Hostel Potsdam (Babelsberg)https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/potsdamSeminaris Avendi Hotel Potsdam (near the train station)https://www.seminaris.de/en/hotels/conference-hotel-potsdam-avendiHoliday Inn Express Potsdam (city center)https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotelsYouth Hostel Berlin (Wannsee)https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/berlin-am-wannsee

Workshop

Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)

Design Thinking

Overview

Experience Design Thinking in an International Workshop on the SDGs

We’re inviting creative minds from around the globe to gather in Potsdam, Germany, for an immersive and impactful experience.

Together with real-world partners – from public institutions to companies and NGO’s – we will uncover human insights and develop innovative concepts that can contribute the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Over the course of one week, you will work in small, interdisciplinary teams and get 3 ECTS, guided by coaches from our international network.

Building on last semester’s focus on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, the workshop in March 2027 will continue this exploration while shifting the focus toward Well-Being: How can we design environments, services, and solutions that help people live healthier, more balanced, and more resilient lives?

Further detailed information on the respective SDG challenge and thematic focus will follow soon, which you will then be able to download below in the program overview.

Key Facts

Is this program for me?

You have not yet had any experience with Design Thinking and would like to get to know it during the semester break in an international team? Then this 6-day course is for you. Our workshop is open to students of all disciplines.

Why participate?

Learn by doing: Explore Design Thinking methods and tools while addressing sustainability challenges and innovation opportunities.
Tackle real-world issues: Hands-on work with partners on challenges, designing solutions that can make a real impact.
Join a vibrant community: Guest speakers, exploration journeys, and social activities enrich your learning experience.
Collaborate globally: Join a diverse and multidisciplinary team, guided by experienced Design Thinking coaches from our international network.
Shape what’s next: Envision and prototype solutions for sustainable futures that align with the needs of people, businesses, and the planet.

Program includes

You will receive a digital certificate from a renowned Design Thinking school with a description of the achievements.
You get ECTS points.

ECTS points

You can complete the course with 3 ECTS points.

Book your place

Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)

Date

02.03.2027 - 16.03.2027

Date

02.03.2027 - 16.03.2027

Duration

6 days, March 2027

Languages

English

Format

In Person

Place

Hasso-Plattner-Institut
Campus II
August-Bebel-Str. 88
14482 Potsdam
Link to Location

Application Period

Please apply until January 10, 2027.

Availability

The course is limited to a maximum of 40 participants.

Costs

100.00 €
For students enrolled at any academic institution worldwide. The course is free for students from HPI and University of Potsdam.

Contact & Advice Apply now

Objectives

Our workshop dives into human-centered design to address pressing global challenges. In this workshop, we address a specific challenge in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which cover topics such as social justice, sustainability, health, climate protection, and livable cities. The aim is to develop creative and implementable solutions that promote the well-being of people, communities, and our planet. The GDTW offers you the space to explore new perspectives and design innovative approaches – always with the goal of developing innovations with impact.

What will you take from it?

Skills that matter – creative, human-centered, future-focused
Hands-on projects – tackling real SDG challenges
Ideas, concepts and prototypes for sustainable innovations – shaped by real-world insights
Global teamwork and inspiration – from diverse peers and coaches
3 ECTS and a unique experience you’ll carry forward

Requirements

You can apply if you are enrolled as a student at any academic institution.

For international students:
Please note that visa applications can take up to 6 weeks to process. To ensure that all documents are received in time, we recommend that international applicants tick the fast-track option on the application form and indicate that a visa is required. This will allow us to prioritize your application and facilitate the process.

What makes the program global?

The Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW) program combines innovative learning methods with an international network to address global challenges. Find out what makes it so special:

The content: You will work on a real-world problem from a systemic perspective, using a problem-based learning approach. You will work with an international project partner to develop creative and practical solutions.

The program team: Our international Design Thinking coaches bring expertise from our global network, including the Global Design Thinking Alliance (GDTA). You will benefit from interaction with experts and colleagues from institutions in the USA, South Africa, Sweden, Malaysia, Mexico, Egypt and many other countries.

The participants & coaches: The focus is on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Together with your team members, an experienced coach and a project partner, you will work on a real problem. You will learn from different perspectives and ways of thinking from all over the world – a unique opportunity that will help you grow professionally and personally.

The format: The GDTW is an on-site course at our inspiring campus in Potsdam, supplemented by digital tools and platforms. You will work in a team of no more than five people and be closely supported by a coach. With a workload of around 50 hours, the program offers you a mix of fixed dates and flexible teamwork.

Agenda

Your program lead

Dr. Claudia Nicolai

Academic Director

Show Profile

All dates

02.03.2027 - 16.03.2027

Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)

In Person

Duration
6 days, March 2027

Place
Potsdam, Germany

Languages
English

100.00 €
Apply now

Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)

Overview

Experience Design Thinking in an International Workshop on the SDGs

Content