DesignThinkers
Global Portfolio 2026 “Our experts will guide you through a structured approach and establish a new way of working to sustain innovation.”
Storytelling for Impact Course *AI Included
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© DesignThinkers
Global Portfolio 2026
We're ready to help you build the skills for what's ahead.
Hi, we're DesignThinkers.
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What makes organizations thrive in times of change? At DesignThinkers, we believe it starts with people. Founded over 20 years ago in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, our mission has always been to help organizations design services that put people at the center. As innovation increasingly relies on both human ingenuity and technological progress, DesignThinkers empowers organizations to stay ahead. We help teams develop the critical skills needed to navigate complexity, combining human-centered design and AI-powered innovation to turn change into opportunity.
This Global Portfolio showcases our 2026 course offerings & innovation programs, alongside client success stories and ways to collaborate, preparing you to lead in a changing world.
Our work is further enriched by long-standing collaborations with leading academic institutions such as Oxford University, Harvard University, the University of Amsterdam, as well as innovation hubs such as DGA and DIFC. We’re committed to making innovation real by building capabilities, designing for impact, and shaping services that improve lives.
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The Future of Work: Top 10 Core Skills You'll Need by 2030
Our Propositions & Preparing you for Tomorrow's Challenges
A Profile for Every Level: Creating Your own Innovation Path
Reach out: We love to guide you to take the next steps
Global Portfolio 2026
The Future of Work is rapidly shifting. These are the Top 10 Core Skills you’ll need by 2030. The world of work is transforming at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in AI, technology, and global interconnectedness. By 2030, core skills across industries will undergo significant evolution. To navigate this shift, the future will require a unique blend of creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and a deep understanding of complex systems. As the landscape of work evolves, so too must the way we think, collaborate, and innovate.
At DesignThinkers, we are dedicated to helping you build the skills necessary to lead in this new era. Our curriculum empowers teams with the tools to innovate, collaborate, and harness technology with purpose. These are the essential skills that will drive your success in the future:
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Technology skills
AI and big data Technological literacy Cognitive skills
Creative thinking Analytical thinking Self-efficacy
Resilience, flexibility and agility Curiosity and lifelong learning Working with others
Leadership and social influence Management skills
Talent management Ethics
Environmental stewardship
Source: World Economic Forum (2025), The Future of Jobs Report
Global Portfolio 2026
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Preparing your team for tomorrow's challenges. By 2030, the core skills needed to succeed will have evolved beyond recognition. Luckily, we provide the core programs your team needs to stay ahead. We’ve carefully selected these key competencies: Employee Experience , Customer Experience, Co-creation in Sales, AI-powered impact, and Capability Building to ensure your team is fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of 2030. Experience it for yourself. Our approach combines tailored solutions with hands-on training, enabling your team to apply these skills directly for measurable results. Build the future today and stay ahead of the curve.
"I am always impressed by DesignThinkers' ability to design and deliver sessions that are both highly tailored and impactful, and their approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and adaptability."
Sterre van der Laken, Salesforce Executive Program Manager Design-Led Data & AI Programs, EMEA
IMPACT WITH AI CAPABILITY BUILDING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CO-CREATION IN SALES
Global Portfolio 2026
We ignite change Culture
Content
We shape AI-aware innovation cultures
We solve tomorrow's challenges
Our experts will guide you through a structured approach that integrates emerging technologies like AI and establishes a future-proof way of working to sustain innovation.
We provide the means to bring real and viable solutions to your challenge, using AI-driven insights and validating those with real customers and key stakeholders through masterful presentation.
Culture
Capability
Capability
We train innovationready teams Through hands-on training and coaching, we empower your team to adopt a solutionoriented mindset and build confidence in applying emerging AI learning technologies to drive innovation.
Content
Now, let's get started!
Global Portfolio 2026
Storytelling for Impact Course *AI included Sign up
Story is one of the primary mediums through which we communicate and make sense of the world. In an increasingly automated world, the power of story offers the opportunity to create impactful connections, allowing us to re-imagine and co-create the future. You will discover how design thinking and storytelling converge to create customer-centered opportunities. You will learn about the performance, science, and structure of storytelling, including how to choose the right story to tell. Practical tools will be introduced to help you foster an innovative and collaborative mindset.
Language
English
Location
DT Amsterdam Studio or Online
Involvement
1 day of 8 hours
"Great team of people, very relaxed atmosphere, excellent amount of detail and breaks to keep up the energy!"
Gemma Richards, Eversheds Sutherland
Capabilities: Audience Storytelling
Empathy Building
Critical Thinking
Dates
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See full calendar Activation into the craft of storytelling offers a deeper understanding of why story matters, what it means to ‘think in story’ and how to apply storytelling to influence an audience. Is the message you communicate about your product, service or idea presented in a way that is memorable and impactful? Do you understand your audience so that you are able to connect to your customers or stakeholders needs and share their story? Are you willing to take bigger risks in the way you make creatives choices about your story delivery?
Personal Stategy Development
Global Portfolio 2026
Storytelling for Impact Course Sign up
Programme
Activation into the craft of storytelling offers a deeper understanding of why story matters, what it means to ‘think in story’ and how to apply storytelling to influence an audience. During this course you will experience first hand techniques related to the following: How design thinking, innovation and story converge to design customercentered opportunities; The performance of storytelling; The science of story and the technical considerations for crafting a story, including story structure and the types of stories you might choose to tell; Practical tools to support an innovative and collaborative mindset, by drawing on a range of creative techniques and practices; How to apply story to improve your presentations, speeches or sales pitches; How to apply story to the way you speak about yourself and the brand you represent.
09:30 Kick-off
Learning Objectives - DT ABT Structure & Storytelling Clapboard Storytelling Principles & Being Hollywood Structures Hero's Journey Building Blocks for Impactful Stories
3 Act Structure
Strategy Development
Hands-On Tools Art Cards Skeleton Origin Story
Story Gathering 12:30 Lunch break
Your Storytelling Occasion
Audience Persona Audience Mapping
Define Target Group
Steller Storytelling Framework
Crafting Your Story & the Story Mountain Art of Visual Thinking Protytyping & Testing your Story
6 Stickies in a Row 6 Word Story
Showtime: Pitch your Story
Storytelling Feedback
17:30 Certification & Ceremony
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Global Portfolio 2026
Why choose us? We're best in class for innovation. Extensive Tools
Expert Masterclasses
Real-Life Challenges
We provide an extensive set of innovation tools that you can immediately put into practice (e.g., Stakeholder map & CJM) . After completing the course, you'll gain exclusive access to our L&D library, packed with resources to continue your learning journey.
During each day, you'll gain insights from expert-led masterclasses, where seasoned innovators share real-world strategies and lessons from the field. These sessions give you the tools and perspectives to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
You won’t be working on hypothetical case studies - you’ll tackle real-life challenges. By solving tangible problems, you'll gain practical experience, refine your problem-solving skills, and leave with actionable strategies you can apply immediately.
Official Certification
AI Prompting
Global Community
DesignThinkers is accredited by the Dutch Council for Training and Education. After completing any of our courses, you’ll receive a recognized official certification, validating your expertise and equipping you with a valuable credential to advance your career.
We'll Support your process by using the latest AI applications. Prompt AI to generate ideas on your problem statement, present your persona to AI and ask your research questions, or make a prompt to enrich your CJM by simulating different situations.
We’re proud to welcome a diverse, global community of participants, bringing together professionals from different industries and cultures. That means plenty of opportunities for networking, fresh perspectives, and connections that can shape your future.
Global Portfolio 2026
Participant Profile
Working professionals Executives or decision makers and field experts …looking to understand their customers and users, and who want to gain confidence in using Design Thinking to do so.
...looking to strengthen their ability to lead innovation and enhance the organization’s innovation capability.
NGO's and Government workers
Freelancers and consultants
…who want to understand their audience's needs and create impactful solutions for the public.
…who want to understand the needs and behaviour of their target groups, and how to help them kickstart innovation.
Global Portfolio 2026
Our tools for growth Preview
Exclusive Alumni Access for our L&D Online Library Full access to all tools & guidelines in the Online Learn & Development Library will be granted upon completion of the course.
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ABT Structure Skeleton Origin Story Freitag's Pyramid Audience Mapping Audience Persona Stellar Storytelling Storytelling Feedback
ABT Structure 15-30 minutes Individual or in groups Sticky notes, sharpies
Skeleton Origin Story 30-45 minutes +4 people Sticky notes, sharpies
Freitag's Pyramid 20-60 minutes Core team Sticky notes, sharpies
The “And, But, Therefore” structure helps you build a compelling and logical story. It prevents dull, episodic storytelling by ensuring each event leads to the next in a meaningful way. This structure keeps your audience engaged and invested in the outcome.
Your origin story is a powerful way to define who you are and what has shaped your journey. In the workshop, we explore this in pairs, but it can also be done individually. Understanding your own story helps clarify your values, motivations, and unique perspective.
The Service Scenario Map is a tool which will help you visualize the steps and actions your persona takes when using the service or product of your company. It is a visualization of the user experience, using the service designed based on the ideated ideas.
Audience Mapping
Stellar Storytelling
Storytelling Feedback
45-60 minutes Core team Sticky notes, sharpies
15-30 minutes Core team Sticky notes, sharpies
10 minutes +2 people
Audience Mapping helps storytellers tailor their message to the right people. Not every story fits every audience—this tool ensures your story resonates by aligning it with the motivations, needs, and challenges of different stakeholder groups.
Stellar Storytelling helps you craft compelling stories that stick. This method is powerful because it connects your message to real human experiences, making it easier for your audience to care, remember, and act, while providing you with the foundational structure of expose, climax and resolution to create an impactful narrative.
The Storytelling Feedback Form is designed to enhance the effectiveness of your story. It invites structured, constructive feedback from peers or audiences, helping you understand how your message lands. Storytelling is both an art and a skill, and this form offers valuable insights on clarity, emotional impact, credibility, and structure.
A4 paper
Global Portfolio 2026
Outcomes, Objectives & Certificate Main Goal
Learning Sources
Core Skills & Tools & Applications Mindsetters
What to expect
© DesignThinkers
Outcome
Certification & L&D Resources
Learning Outcomes
High-energy Training Learning-by-Doing DT Toolkit & Certificate Learning from internationally recognized facilitators Multiple expert masterclasses
Human-Centred Mindset Experience with practical tools & frameworks Ideation & Prototyping (*AI) Collaborate across disciplines Apply analytical thinking in practice
Did you know? All our alumni gain unlimited access to our exclusive online L&D Library.
What's Included?
Your ticket includes a daily healthy lunch, snacks, beverages, course materials for personal use, and an official DTA certificate upon completion.
We value quality! We are accredited by the Dutch Council for Training and Education, ensuring high-quality learning experiences. Participants receive an Official Certificate upon course completion, with exclusive access to our Learn & Develop Library. KHDA Educational Services Permit: 633078
Global Portfolio 2026
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Stepping stones for innovation
We open paths for innovation by helping teams rethink how they create value. Guiding organizations and individuals to see change as an opportunity, we translate challenges into clear directions for growth, building the mindset and capabilities needed to be future-ready.
We solve challenges,
& we shape capabilities.
Process Design
Process Design
EX or CX Assessment
EX or CX Design Sprint
AI Masterclass
Future Leadership
Futures Thinking
DT & Agile
AI Agent Development
EX or CX Digital Toolkit
Stakeholder Management
Innovation Framework
Facilitation Skills Module
Employee Experience
Facilitation Skills
Sales & Co-creation
Storytelling Masterclass
Innovation Strategies
Design Sprint
EX or CX Design Project
Design Thinking
Systems Thinking
Effective Storytelling
Advanced Facilitation
CoursePortfolio Brochure2026 '25 Global
A profile for every level One portfolio, infinite pathways. Whether you're just starting out or leading at the top, we offer tailored programs at every level. Discover the right path for you.
Foundational level Begin with the Basics. Advance with a Custom Training.
Applied level From Aspiring to Accomplished. Leadership Training for What’s Next.
Executive level Elevate Your Leadership. Drive Strategic Success.
© DesignThinkers
© DesignThinkers
Course Brochure '25
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Foundational level
Are you an eager explorer? Do you recognise this? Lack structured creativity methods. Feel uncertain about where to start with innovation. Struggle to translate ideas into action. Limited confidence in using design tools or AI effectively. What's in it for you? Improved creative confidence and practical problem-solving skills; Ability to use and apply design & AI tools with purpose; Turn ideas into tangible results.
Explorer's innovation path
AI & DT Training
Design Research
Innovation Playbook
Storytelling for Impact
Stakeholder management
Creative Facilitation
DT Toolkit for Government
Coachingon-the-Job
Systems Thinking
© DesignThinkers
Global Portfolio 2026
Applied level
Are you a proactive practitioner? Practitioner's innovation path Do you recognise this? Struggles with balancing day-to-day operations and long-term goals. Difficulty making confident, wellinformed decisions. Teams lack alignment and efficiency. What's in it for you? Improved team management and collaboration; Stronger decision-making skills; Increased operational efficiency.
Futures Thinking
Storytelling Workshop
Innovation Playbook
Creative Facilitation
AI Mastery Workshop
Stakeholder management
DT Toolkit for Government
Future Scenarios
Systems Thinking
© DesignThinkers
Course Brochure '25
Executive level
Are you a limitless leader? Leader's innovation path Do you recognise this? Struggles to align teams. Faces resistance to change across departments. Limited time to explore new technologies. Finds it challenging to translate strategy into action. What's in it for you? Enhanced strategic alignment across teams and initiatives; Strengthened leadership presence in driving transformation; Increased capacity to make future-focused decisions.
Program Design
Research Interviews
Leadership Toolkit
Creative Facilitation
Service Design Sprints
AI Agent Development
Strategy Alignment
Employee Strategy
Systems Thinking
Global Portfolio 2026
Meet some of our Facilitators
Elmo Diederiks
Ilana v/d Boel
Our coaches and facilitators are all subject matter experts in the field of Human-Centred Design, and have extensive experience in providing project assistance and trainings in Design Thinking. You can find all of our coaches and facilitators on our website.
Jeroen v/d Weide
About what we do
Expertise
We focus on creating value for people as the most effective way to drive project success and inspire.
Our worldwide team combines global reach with invaluable local expertise. We approach every challenge from the user’s perspective. We focus on creating value for people as the most effective way to drive project success and inspire growth for our clients’ businesses and organisations. inspire growth for our clients’ businesses and organisations. inspire growth for our clients.
"A refreshing and engaging experience that went beyond my expectations." Tupo Muocha, UNICEF
Christina Lennartz
Marjo Staring
Joey Piliero
Dimitra Tsertou
Adela Cristea
Tim Schuurman
Global Portfolio 2026
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Price list* Open-registration ticket fee
YAD-1
Storytelling for Impact *AI included AI & Design Thinking NEW Customer Journey Mapping Leading with Design Thinking *AI included Employee Experience Masterclass *AI included
YAD-2
DT Fundamentals *AI included DT Creative Facilitation *AI included Employee Experience Design NEW Systems thinking for Positive Transformation NEW Future Leadership Skills Futures Thinking for Strategy Development NEW
Incompany group pricing* Early Bird
Regular
€495
€595
€695
€796
€495
€595
€495
€595
€495
€595
Online €495
€495
€1495
€1595
€1095
€1495
€1595
€1095
€1495
€1595
€1095
€1495
€1595
€1695
€1795
€1495
€1595
YAD-5
Immersive DesignThinkers Bootcamp for Professional Innovators *AI included
€2950
€3250
Executive School #TiSDD
€3250
€3250
Storytelling Suite AI & Design Thinking Agile Team Coaching & AI Improving Leadership with AI Projectmanagement with AI Customer Journey Mapping DT Awareness Session Storytelling for Impact
Upon request
DT Fundamentals DT Creative Facilitation Employee Experience Design Systems Thinking Future Leadership Futures Thinking DT Awareness Session
Upon request
Immersive DT Bootcamp
Upon request
Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request
Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request Upon request
*We offer special prices for groups and alumni of our courses.
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Other courses that may interest you
* includes latest AI techniques
Immersive DT Bootcamp for Professional Innovators
Creative Facilitation Deep Dive Course*
Effective Storytelling
Systems Thinking for Positive Transformation
Future Leadership Skills Course
Become a Prompt Master and AI Expert: Unlock AI's potential to innovate and streamline your creative process with practical, hands-on training.
Master Facilitation by enhancing your skills with advanced techniques and refine your style to effectively guide groups, focusing on People, Structure, and Outcome.
Build confidence and master storytelling techniques to gain buyin and foster engagement with stakeholders through effective presentations and data utilization.
Join our 2-day Employee Experience Training for the latest insights. Develop a strategic, employee-focused vision to transform your organization.
The Facilitation Essentials course equips you with foundational facilitation skills. Raise your awareness and become an effective facilitator. 21
Global Portfolio 2026
Get in touch via Whatsapp for questions big or small. Hey, DesignThinkers here, how can we help you today? I have a question about the 4-Day Innovation Strategy Program. Of course!
just drop our team a message and we'll get you what you need. Send a Whatsapp now
Global Portfolio 2026
Some companies we're proud to team up with! Prof.Douglas Tschopp, Director
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“I have been to a lot of trainings and conferences, but nothing measures up to the 5 interactive days at DesignThinkers ”
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