Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

Certificate Programme on Design Thinking and Innovation (DTI Batch 10)

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

eVIDYA

About Programme

Design Thinking is a human-centred approach to problem-solving that fosters innovation across businesses, organisations, and society. It is an iterative process that involves understanding challenges, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, testing, and refining ideas to develop effective outcomes. By encouraging creativity and structured problem-solving, Design Thinking has become a powerful tool for driving meaningful innovation and accelerating the development of new concepts.

The IIT Delhi Design Thinking and Innovation (DTI) Programme is a 20-week online programme designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Design Thinking principles and their real-world applications. Taught by esteemed faculty from IIT Delhi and industry experts, and complemented by GenAI modules, the programme covers key methodologies, tools, and frameworks to help professionals develop innovative solutions in dynamic business environments.

Participants will also gain hands-on experience through real-world projects with industry partners, applying structured problem-solving techniques to practical challenges. Whether you aim to enhance your creative problem-solving skills, drive innovation within your organisation, or develop user-centric solutions, this programme equips you with the expertise to make a meaningful impact.

Programme Content

1. Introduction to Human-centred Design (HCD)

The Paradox of Our Age

The Principles of Co-Learning

A Shift in Being

What Design is Not

What is Design

Key Concepts of Design

A Simplified Understanding of Design

A Simplified Process of Design

2. HCD and Innovation

Understanding Purpose

Letting Go of What Holds Us Back

What is Creativity?

Thinking Differently

Basic Rules of Design Thinking

The Creativity Heart Set

Everyone is a Designer

Double Diamond and Abstract-Tangible Cycle

3. Context, Environment and Users

Review - Double Diamond and Abstract-Tangible Cycle

Ethnographic Research

Participatory Research

Evaluative Research

Clean Team Case Study

Effective Research for HCD

Design in the World

User Context

Mis-design Around Us

Who are your Users?

Visible and Invisible Users

Hybrid Model of Research

Re-defining the Problem

4. Identifying User Needs

Empathy Map Canvas

Hearing the Unsaid

Designing for Extreme Users

Why is Creativity Becoming More Important?

PLATOS Case Study

Understanding Uncommunicative Users

Waterless Urinal Case Study

The Changing Wish-List

The User Value Proposition

Doing the Homework - Ecosystem

Needs vs. Wants

5. Ideation and Immersion

Creative Ideation and Pattern Recognition

Developing Creative Habits

Creative Thinking Techniques

SCAMPER

Brainstorming Tools

The Importance of True Immersion

Immersive Learning

Immersive Experience in the Design Process

Mindful Design

Automobile Design Process

Design DNA and Moodboards

6. AI, Gen AI & Applications

Introduction to AI

Fundamentals of Machine Learning and Deep Learning

Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision

Fundamentals of Generative AI

Generative AI, Ethics and Future

7. Storytelling and Visualisation

Stories vs. Narrations

Storytellers Across Time and Cultures

Experimental Storytelling

Storytelling in Research

Rural Storytelling Case Study

Storytelling in Design

Brand Stories

The Importance of Visuals and Visualisation

Visualising Human Experiences

Storyboarding or Image Boarding

8. Iterative Design and Sustainability

Iterative Design Process

Waterless Urinal Cubicle Case Study

Research as a Tool

Handloom Case Study

Types of Sustainability

Sustainability in Action

Immersive Research Case Study

Non-Immersive Research Case Study

9. MVP and NPD

What is Minimum Value?

Identifying the MVP

Rural ATM Case Study

Prototyping as a Tool

Critical Stages in Prototyping

Stages in New Product Development

Types of Prototypes

Case Study - Children during the Covid-19 Lockdown

10. Agile Design and Data-Driven Innovation

What is Lean and Agile?

Agile within Design

Designing Agile Processes

Electric Motor Case Study

What is Data-driven Innovation

Data-driven Innovation and Design

ML Lifecycle vs. Design Lifecycle

Generative Design and Nature-inspired Computing

11. Integrating Design, Technology and Business

Project Management Methodologies

Scrum, Kanban, and Scrumban

Example from UI/UX Industry

Example from Finance Industry

Customer Segmentation and Innovation

Design and Systems Thinking

Design and Systems Thinking Working Harmoniously

Business Design

Contributions of a Business Designer

12. Agentic AI & Use Cases

Fundamentals of Agentic AI

Agentic AI in Practice

Building Prompts for Agentic Behaviour

RAG and ReAct Frameworks

Evaluation, Scaling and Ethics

13. Innovation Project Lifecycle and Innovation Management Tools

Logical and Creative Thinking

Product Implementation Lifecycle

Types of Innovation

Roadblocks to Idea Generation and Implementation

Strategies for Whole Brain Thinking

Design Management

14. Innovation Strategies and Taking Ideas to Market

Entrepreneurship in Organisations

Innovation Strategies

Frugal Innovation Strategies

Challenging Assumptions

Safeguarding Your Innovation

15. Designing for Change

Elements of Organisational Culture

Organisational Change Through Design

Storytelling for Organisational Transformation

Context Canvas

Defining the Challenge - Technical vs Adaptive

What are Rituals?

Co-designing Rituals

Celebrating Rituals and Sustaining Rituals

16. Design for Leading

What Leadership is Not

Leadership and Commitment

The Triad of Leadership

Operating from your Being

Leading with Purpose

Inspiring People

The World is Your Playground

Programme Audience

Eligibility Criteria

Graduates (10+2+3) or Diploma holders (only 10+2+3) from a recognised university in any discipline.

A minimum of 50% marks in the most recent qualification. Minimum 1 year of work experience (Private Sector / Government / NGO / Entrepreneur / Self-Employed) as on March 27, 2026.

Programme Benefits

150 + Engaging Video Lectures

15 + Innovative Assignments

10 + Short Quizzes

1 Capstone Adventure Project

2 Generative AI Modules

1 Optional Campus Immersion

Testimonials

"The five-month journey of pursuing the Design Thinking and Innovations course from IIT-Delhi has been nothing short of transformative for me. As a Qualitative Researcher, this immersive program helped shift my perspective in ways I never imagined. I entered the course to enhance my skills, but I left with a newfound confidence in my ability to create and design, thanks to the thoughtfully crafted assignments and Capstone Project. However, the true heart of the course is Mr. Vijayaraghavan Chariar (VJ). His passion and approach to teaching instilled in me the importance of deep empathy and curiosity, shaping how I approach problems today"

Anonymous

"I am excited to have continued my learning journey with a certificate in Design Thinking and Innovation from IIT Delhi. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights, and I'm eager to apply these new skills to drive ongoing growth in my creative field. Its been an incredible opportunity to expand my understanding and push the boundaries of innovation"

Anonymous

"I am thrilled to have earned my Design Thinking and Innovation certification from IIT Delhi. This journey has been immensely rewarding, equipping me with valuable skills such as developing a human-centric mindset, empathizing deeply, and creating innovative, user-centric solutions. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, Vijayaraghavan Chariar and Jignesh Upadhyay, for their invaluable guidance, and to my wonderful batch mates for their collaboration and support throughout this enriching experience."

Anonymous

"Attending the IIT Delhi Design Thinking Innovation Batch 7 immersion meet was an incredible experience! It was wonderful to connect with the entire cohort and fellow co-learners in person. A special highlight was the fantastic cultural performance by VJs talented kids, Rukmini and Sudarshan, along with other children. This journey has been truly memorable, and Im grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring community."

Anonymous

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Prashansa Uttam

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+91 9403890085[email protected]Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

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Certificate Programme on Design Thinking and Innovation | IIT Delhi