06/03/2026
How can digital solutions contribute to making healthcare more accessible? How can people be supported in living healthier and more resilient lives? These questions are at the centre of the Global Design Thinking Workshop, or GDTW for short, which will take place at the HPI d-school from 21 August to 2 September 2026.
At first glance, the GDTW may appear to be a workshop focused only on Design Thinking methods. However, the format goes beyond methodological training. Twice a year, the HPI d-school dedicates the workshop to a thematic area related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program brings together international students and project partners to work collaboratively on real-world challenges.
In addition to introducing participants to Design Thinking methods, the workshop offers the opportunity to engage with current future-oriented topics, learn from international perspectives and develop key competencies such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork.
At a glance
Next workshop: Aug 21 – Sep 2, 2026
Target group: Enrolled Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students from all universities and disciplines.
Credits: 3 ECTS, a grade and an official certificate
Application deadline: June 15, 2026
Apply here
Why is the Workshop oriented around the Sustainable Development Goals?
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a global framework for challenges that affect societies worldwide – from health and education to climate action and sustainable cities.
For the Global Design Thinking Workshop, these goals serve not only as a point of reference, but also as the starting point for concrete questions and project work. In this way, complex global challenges become more tangible and are translated into topics that students can work on together with project partners.
The SDGs at a Glance
- 17 global goals defined by the United Nations
- Focus on social, environmental and economic challenges
- Topics ranging from health and education to climate action and innovation
2026/2027 Focus Topic: Good Health and Well-Being
This year, the focus is on SDG 3, “Good Health and Well-Being”, with particular emphasis on physical and mental health, prevention, modern and efficient healthcare, and health management.
Around the world, societies are facing growing challenges such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and global health risks and crises. The need for accessible, effective and holistic solutions for healthcare and health management is increasing, and digital health and health technology have become key levers for achieving this goal.
In this year’s workshop, the teams will therefore explore questions such as:
- How can digital concepts support physical and mental health?
- How can health services become more accessible and more effective?
- What kinds of ideas can contribute to healthier and more resilient lifestyles?
The GDTW creates space to explore how future systems, services and digital solutions for health and well-being can contribute to healthier and more resilient lives. The solutions are designed to support our partners in discovering product and service innovations, exploring new business models or developing new approaches for the healthcare sector.
From Global Challenges to Real-World Projects
Unlike theoretical case studies, project partners bring concrete questions and real-world challenges into the workshop. Participants work together in international teams on topics with direct practical relevance and develop new perspectives, ideas and initial solution approaches.
The starting point is always real needs, lived experiences and human perspectives — with the aim of developing concepts and ideas that can make a meaningful contribution.
More news
Last change: 03/06/2026, Patrick Lenz