We are HPI d-school
Crafting Tomorrow – Imagine, Innovate, Impact
The HPI d-school at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam is a leading global university education provider and a pioneer in the areas of Design Thinking and innovation.
At the intersection of human and technology, we prepare students, professionals, and executives for the challenges of tomorrow. We foster creativity, teamwork, and agility to solve complex problems with a human-centered approach.
Our Vision
Shaping the future – that’s what drives us at the HPI d-school. By combining human-centered design with technologies like AI, and equip you with everything you need to create impactful solutions for tomorrow.
HPI d-school combines three areas
Academic Programs
Additional studies in Design Thinking
In the Design Thinking additional studies program at HPI d–school - Academic Programs, you will learn how to solve complex problems creatively, in a team, and from the user's perspective. Our programs are aimed at students from all disciplines (bachelor's, master's, PhD) – regardless of your university or nationality.
The right entry point depends on your previous experience: The Foundations for Design Thinking program takes place in both the winter and summer semesters and is particularly beginner friendly. In addition, we offer the Global Design Thinking Workshop twice a year, which is a compact international program.
In both programs, you will get to know the mindset, methods and tools of Design Thinking, work in small, interdisciplinary teams on real world challenges and are supported by experienced Design Thinking coaches.
The Wayfinder program complements the portfolio and shows how Design Thinking can be used for personal development and career advancement.
Contact Person
Become a Project partner
Each semester, we collaborate with partner organizations – from NGOs to established companies and startups to universities and political institutions. Together, we develop a specific question, known as the Design Challenge, which our interdisciplinary student teams work on using the Design Thinking method.
Whether it's product or service development, interior design, or sustainable process optimization – there are virtually no limits to the topics we cover. The decisive factor is always that the focus is on people.
Close cooperation results in practical ideas and valuable insights into market opportunities and user needs. Our project partnership approach brings organizations together with highly motivated, talented students to analyze real challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Our team is happy to provide more information and discuss cooperation opportunities.
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Professional Development
Future skills through professional development
Our Professional Development department trains professionals and executives at the intersection of people and technology.
Our workshops and programs combine practical methods such as design thinking and agile leadership with current topics such as AI and digital upskilling. The goal is to strengthen your innovative abilities and support organizations in sustainable change processes.
Our offerings are available as open formats for individuals, but also as customized solutions for teams, tailored to the needs of your company.
At a glance
- Further education for corporates clients & individuals
- Customized workshops, tailored to companies needs
- Certification programs for Design Thinking
- Design Thinking, leadership, artificial intelligence, digital upskilling
- On campus, on premise-, online-, hybrid and blended-formats
- Languages: English & German
Portfolio
Certification program
This program combines an intensive introductory workshop on Design Thinking with a wide range of in-depth topics, such as the interplay between Design Thinking and artificial intelligence.
The ideal introduction to your learning journey to becoming a Design Thinking professional.
This program provides practical training on how to implement innovation projects in a co-creative manner using design thinking and AI. It is ideal for professionals and executives who want to expand their innovation skills and successfully advance projects.
In this program, you will deepen your knowledge and learn how to effectively teach and coach design thinking and guide teams confidently through the design thinking process.
This program is the culmination of the Design Thinking training. It enables you to professionally support innovation projects, develop formats, and confidently guide teams through agile processes. Ideal for specialists and managers, coaches, and consultants who want to take their facilitation and coaching skills to the next level.
Customized Solutions
Tailor-made programs for companies
We develop customized programs that are precisely tailored to your company's goals and challenges. Our process begins with listening: Together, we identify core challenges, think beyond standard solutions, and design formats that create real added value.
We draw on the expertise of HPI and our network – with a clear focus on users, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, and solutions that can be implemented immediately.
Our topics at a glance
Contact Persons
Dr. Julia Oberhofer
Program Manager - Customized Solutions
Phone: +49 331 5509-565
Mail: info-pdt@hpi.de
Design Thinking Research and Innovation
The “Design Thinking and Innovation Research” research group examines how the adaptation and integration of human-centered design (HCD) and design thinking in companies leads to sustainable business innovations. There is a particular focus on software-driven product, process and service innovations.
We are the Design Thinking hub in Europe
Would you like to develop creative and innovative solutions for complex problems in a goal-oriented way? The Design Thinking innovation approach we teach offers you the right mindset and methods.
With Design Thinking, you promote your agile learning and working culture, which is essential alongside the introduction of digital technologies. You work in multidisciplinary teams in a flexible environment and apply an iterative process to develop human-centered products, services or business models. Empower yourself and your projects with Design Thinking!
More about Design Thinking
Last change: 27/05/2026, Julia Porstendörfer