Workshop

Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)

Overview

The Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW) is back

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). You will work in small, interdisciplinary teams over one week and get 3 ECTS, guided by coaches from our international network. 

Want to learn more about the focus of the current program edition? You’ll find detailed information on the respective SDG challenge and thematic focus in the program overview available for download below.

Join us online: Info-Session 

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
21.08.2026 - 02.09.2026
Date
21.08.2026 - 02.09.2026
Duration
6 days, August/September 2026
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 June 15, 2026.
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.

  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Lecture Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Final presentations Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)
  • Global Design Thinking Workshop (GDTW)

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

All dates

  1. 21.08.2026 - 02.09.2026

    Duration

    6 days, August/September 2026

    Place

    Potsdam, Germany

    Languages

    English
    100.00 €
    Apply now

Frequently asked questions

Contact

Do you have any questions? We will be happy to help you.

Janet Klonower
Program Coordination and Finance
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