Recently, I earned my Design Thinking certification, and I want to share my insights and reflections on this training. It was a step I decided to take after years of a break from my first workshop experience in Toruń. Looking back, I can confidently say that anyone involved in design, especially digital interface design, should give this approach a try.

Design Thinking in Toruń

My first encounter with Design Thinking took place during a workshop in Toruń. It was a relatively short session but incredibly inspiring. I particularly remember one exercise—designing a wallet. Sounds simple, right? However, this exercise opened my eyes to a completely different approach to design. Until that point, I had focused mainly on digital projects, but this method was so accessible that I could incorporate elements of Design Thinking into my daily work even back then.

Returning to Design Thinking

Years passed, technologies evolved, and design approaches changed, so I decided to dive back into the world of Design Thinking. This time, I chose a longer and more comprehensive training. My primary goal? To find inspiration, explore new perspectives, and break out of routine thinking in design.

Design Thinking allows you to think outside the box, stepping away from the patterns we so easily adopt in everyday work. Interface design is very pragmatic, which often leads us to rely on pre-made solutions and templates. Yet, even seemingly similar design problems can actually require entirely different approaches.

Design Thinking in Practice

During the training, I had the opportunity to participate in many practical exercises. This was its greatest value. For me, it was largely a review of knowledge I had already acquired, but the format of the sessions left a strong impression. Practical examples, insightful discussions, and exchanging experiences with other participants made this time well spent. At the end, we received materials and a list of books that will undoubtedly enrich my library.

Design Thinking in Digital Products

Interestingly, Design Thinking isn’t only applicable to traditional design processes. For example, Google has incorporated elements of this method into its UX Google Certificate course, expanding it with additional stages tailored to digital product design. This demonstrates just how versatile this approach can be.

Who Can Benefit from Design Thinking?

I believe that Design Thinking is an excellent training not only for designers but also for Business Analysts and Product Owners. These professionals often make key decisions about products, and understanding this method can significantly enhance the quality of their work.

My Conclusions

At the end of the day, I was very satisfied with the training. Although it was a review of previously acquired knowledge, the practical exercises and new inspirations ensured that I gained a lot from the experience. Design Thinking is an approach that helps you look at design from a different perspective, which is invaluable in today’s fast-changing world.