Use a structured user-centred approach to investigate a problem and test an idea.
Design Thinking Essentials is a 6-hour Professional Short Course in Design & Digital Experience. Develop focused capability through practical examples and user-centred thinking.
Who this course is for
Business, product and design professionals exploring problems from the user perspective.
Entry guidance
No design qualification is assumed. Bring a fictional or anonymised problem for discussion. Confirm software access, delivery arrangements and any learning adjustments with RDE before enrolment.
Learning themes
Indicative themes describe the intended focus. RDE confirms the delivery syllabus and activities before enrolment.
- Understanding needs and framing a useful problem
- Generating and comparing ideas
- Prototyping, testing assumptions and refining a concept
Practical activity
Example activity: Develop a problem statement, compare solution ideas and test a low-cost prototype concept. Use fictional or appropriately anonymised information. Obtain appropriate permission before involving research participants or recording sessions.
Learning outcomes
The intended outcome is to use a structured user-centred approach to investigate a problem and test an idea. Further practice and feedback help develop professional confidence beyond the short-course scope.
How you can study
Fully virtual live online or self-paced options are subject to current availability. Confirm software requirements and any optional assessment or mentoring before enrolment.
Career relevance and recognition
Develop relevant capability for design, product, analysis or digital project contributions. The course does not guarantee employment or automatically award a vendor certification. Ask RDE what completion recognition applies.
Progression options
Explore a related short course to develop complementary skills. Its enrolment and duration are separate.
Your next step
Register your interest to discuss your goals, starting level and current availability. Content reviewed 7 October 2026.