Innovation and Design Thinking

Programme Summary

Useful innovation begins with a clear understanding of user needs and a willingness to test assumptions. This programme develops practical skills in problem exploration, idea generation and rapid experimentation. Participants investigate a service challenge, create simple prototypes and interpret user feedback, then prepare a feasible pilot proposal with learning objectives, resource needs and measurable success criteria.

Training Objectives

1 Strengthen understanding of user needs and problems; 2 Develop diverse practical ideas and solution options; 3 Build low cost prototyping and testing skills; 4 Improve evidence based learning and iteration; 5 Connect innovation concepts with feasible business pilots.

Learning Outcomes

1 Frame a user centred problem statement; 2 Generate and compare alternative solution ideas; 3 Build a simple testable prototype; 4 Interpret feedback without overstating evidence; 5 Prepare a pilot plan with learning measures.

Target Audience

Innovation Managers; Service Designers; Product Managers; Business Analysts; Operations Managers; Project Leaders.

Target Industries

Digital Services; Healthcare Administration; Retail; Hospitality; Manufacturing; Public Services.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Innovation Purpose and Context: Business challenges and user value; Incremental and more substantial innovation; Constraints ethics and organisational priorities.
• Module 2 Understanding Users: Observation interviews and contextual inquiry; Needs behaviours and pain points; Consent privacy and inclusive participation.
• Module 3 Research Synthesis: Patterns evidence and conflicting observations; Distinguishing insights from assumptions; Avoiding unsupported user generalisations.
• Module 4 Problem Framing: Clear user needs and desired outcomes; Scope boundaries and opportunity questions; Reframing symptoms into useful challenges.
• Module 5 Idea Generation: Divergent thinking and structured creativity; Building on ideas without early dismissal; Including operational and stakeholder perspectives.
• Module 6 Concept Selection: Value feasibility and risk criteria; Assumptions and evidence gaps; Choosing concepts for learning potential.
• Module 7 Prototype Design: Low fidelity representations and service scenarios; Matching prototypes to test questions; Safe inexpensive and reversible experiments.
• Module 8 User Testing: Test objectives tasks and observation plans; Neutral questions and realistic contexts; Recording feedback and unexpected behaviours.
• Module 9 Learning and Iteration: Evidence quality and limits of small samples; Refining rejecting or retesting concepts; Preserving learning from unsuccessful experiments.
• Module 10 Business and Delivery Fit: Resource capability and process implications; Cost service and adoption considerations; Risks dependencies and stakeholder support.
• Module 11 Pilot Planning: Learning objectives and measurable outcomes; Scope ownership milestones and safeguards; Decision gates for scale or stop.
• Module 12 Innovation Challenge Workshop: Developing and testing a simple concept; Presenting feedback and revised assumptions; Preparing a feasible pilot recommendation.

Assessment

• 60 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 90 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack permitted; external internet and AI assistance prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (45 minutes): Create a prototype for a supplied service challenge, interpret test feedback and prepare a pilot proposal with clear learning objectives and decision criteria.
• Assessment criteria: Traceability from user evidence to concept; Quality of prototype test and learning; Feasibility of pilot and success measures.
• Pass each component separately: 45/60 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records assessed innovation and design thinking skills; it does not confer a design profession qualification or guarantee commercial success.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

333

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Suitable for professionals involved in service, product or process improvement. No design or technical qualification is required.Suitable for professionals involved in service, product or process improvement. No design or technical qualification is required.Suitable for professionals involved in service, product or process improvement. No design or technical qualification is required.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a fictional service challenge and identify assumptions during a 25 minute preparation exercise.Review a fictional service challenge and identify assumptions during a 25 minute preparation exercise.Review a fictional service challenge and identify assumptions during a 25 minute preparation exercise.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.