
"Design Thinking for Researchers" is a 12-hour programme designed for PhD students in engineering who wish to strengthen their ability to define, test, and communicate impactful research questions. Applying the principles of Design Thinking to the academic context, the course guides participants through four stages: understanding the Design Thinking mindset and tackling wicked research problems; using empathy to refine and frame research questions; aligning research purpose with stakeholder needs; and communicating research through storytelling and visual thinking.
Through interactive lectures, hands-on exercises, and peer coaching, participants learn to approach research as an iterative, human-centred process. They develop creative confidence to navigate uncertainty, connect their research to broader societal challenges, and improve the clarity and relevance of their proposals.
By the end of the programme, students will be able to define well-structured research questions, iterate through feedback, and communicate their research focus with purpose and impact.
Through interactive lectures, hands-on exercises, and peer coaching, participants learn to approach research as an iterative, human-centred process. They develop creative confidence to navigate uncertainty, connect their research to broader societal challenges, and improve the clarity and relevance of their proposals.
By the end of the programme, students will be able to define well-structured research questions, iterate through feedback, and communicate their research focus with purpose and impact.
- Professor: Katja Christina Tschimmel
Período: 1ºSemestre
Unidade Orgânica: FEUP
Ano Letivo: 2025/2026
Código: MDTI01