Design Thinking for Developers Training in Thimphu, Bhutan

This course introduces the principles and practices of Design Thinking tailored for software developers. Participants will learn how to apply human-centered design methods to understand users, define problems, ideate solutions, and build prototypes. The training combines theory, group activities, and practical application in software development contexts.

Foundations and Problem Discovery

Module 1: Introduction to Design Thinking

• What is Design Thinking and why it matters for developers
• The five stages: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test
• Design Thinking vs traditional problem-solving approaches

Module 2: Empathize – Understanding Users

• Techniques for empathy: interviews, observation, surveys
• Creating empathy maps for users
• Building user personas for software projects
• Activity

Module 3: Define – Framing the Problem

• Translating user research into insights
• Identifying pain points and opportunities
• Writing effective problem statements
• “How Might We” (HMW) technique for reframing problems
• Activity

Ideation, Prototyping, and Testing

Module 4: Ideate – Generating Ideas

• Brainstorming techniques (divergent vs convergent thinking)
• Mind mapping and SCAMPER method
• Evaluating and prioritizing ideas for impact and feasibility
• Activity

Module 5: Prototype – Building Solutions Quickly

• Purpose and benefits of prototyping in software development
• Types of prototypes: sketches, wireframes, mockups, clickable demos
• Tools for prototyping (Figma, Miro, simple HTML/CSS, etc.)
• Activity

Module 6: Test – Validating with Users

• Techniques for testing prototypes with real users
• Gathering feedback and iterating quickly
• Incorporating insights into development cycles
• Activity

Module 7: Applying Design Thinking in Development Teams

• Integrating Design Thinking into agile and DevOps workflows
• Developer’s role in cross-functional Design Thinking teams
• Best practices and pitfalls for developers using Design Thinking
• Wrap-up: Recap, best practices, and roadmap for adopting Design Thinking