Foundation Programme in Design Thinking

Foundation Programme in Design Thinking

We currently have a Foundation Programme running and the next one runs in the second semester of 2021.

Have a look at this page on 28 June 2021 when applications open for the next Foundation Programme.

Every semester, the Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking at UCT, also called the d-school, runs its flagship Foundation Programme in Design Thinking.

This programme is tailored for under-graduate or post-graduate students registered at institutions of higher learning in South Africa. The only limitation is that applicants must be aged 19 to 35.

Successful applicants are usually from a range of fields and form diverse teams to solve real world challenges. Together, they come up with proposals to challenges that d-school project partners are facing. This has previously included coming up with innovative ways to save water; get men and boys involved in countering gender-based violence; and creating meaningful interactions that encourage transformation in the workplace.

It is currently online only.

This programme is an exciting and even life-changing adventure!

Participants are expected to attend every session as the vigorous journey through Design Thinking tools and principles is not only demanding but also deeply rewarding.

Team members learn so much from each other. They spend time doing interviews with people who could benefit from the solution they are working on. And they meet project partners who introduce them to more than just an academic exercise.

The d-school’s Foundation Programme in Design Thinking is very practical in its approach. It enhances participant’s skills such as building empathy, creative confidence and team-work.

Participants will be exposed to the following skills:

•          Critical thinking and human-centred innovation
•          Abductive reasoning for creative problem-solving skills
•          Collaboration in diverse and multidisciplinary teams
•          Empathetic approach to problem solving
•          Build creative confidence
•          Social and cross-cultural skills

BENEFITS TO THE PARTICIPANT

Intellectual Capital:
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Action-based Learning: learn by doing

Social Capital:
Build new networks
Benefit from diverse and multidisciplinary teams

Certificate:
Program certificate of completion from UCT HPI d-school
UCT Plus credits added to the UCT transcript (for UCT students only)