The Global Design Thinking Week (GDTW) is the introductory Design Thinking study program designed by the HPI School of Design Thinking. This Introductory program offers students a first-hand experience of Design Thinking as a human-centered approach to solve complex innovation problems with a creative mindset in diverse teams.
Our program is open to students who are up to 35 years old, from all disciplines. Student must either be in the final phase of the university degree program for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or “Diplom” degree or the degree must have been completed within a year of application (cutoff date: October 1). Bachelor’s students need to have studied at least four semesters in order to have the subject-oriented background required by the program.
In the Basic Track you get to know Design Thinking and can try out different subject areas. The semester starts with a one-week project that introduces the method and mindset of Design Thinking. In the following one-, three-, and six-week projects you can actively investigate users, familiarize yourself with intensive teamwork and make amazing prototypes.
Benefits
In this intensive and particularly instructive semester it is possible for HPI D-School students to get a glimpse into a new and modern working world. Many graduates of the HPI D-School leave as pioneers. Strengthened with creative self-confidence, HPI D-School graduates enter their future career, job or business with a special mindset. Significant contributing factors are high practical relevance, close collaboration with project partners from business and institutions, newly formed contacts and friendships.
The Advanced Track is an in-depth experience for Design Thinkers with prior knowledge in this field. Your familiarity with approaches and methods further increases in the twelve-week project. Our students work closely with external partners, for instance large corporations, public institutions and non-profit organizations.
