Design Thinking in an AI World (REBOOT)

"Design Thinking in an AI World" is an online course, comprising of three remote sessions of 1.5 hours each. The course is designed by the University of Limerick within the scope of the REBOOT project. 

The REBOOT (Rebooting manufacturing industry with digitalisation skill development) project aims to make digital upskilling opportunities available and accessible to employees in small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. Advanced digital skills courses are available in key areas for manufacturing like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT). The project is funded under the DIGITAL Europe Programme of the European Union.

About this course 

This course focuses on the principles of design thinking and their application in an AI-driven world. It covers digital skills related to ideation, empathy, prototyping, iteration, and understanding AI's impact on these processes. 

Course timing

Teaching will be delivered remotely, in English, on 12^th May, 19^th May, and 26^th May 2025 GMT: 11.00-12.30 CET: 12.00-13.30 EET: 13.00-14.30. 

Course sessions

The course is designed to build foundational knowledge and awareness of how AI intersects with design thinking

• Session 1: What is Design Thinking and how is it used? This session will cover key principles such as Ideation, empathy, prototyping, testing, iteration. Application in product development and service innovation are looked into too.
• Session 2: Implications of AI for design thinking. This session will examine the various implications of AI for design thinking.
• Session 3: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and design thinking. This session will explore whether these concepts are different or the same?

Target audience 

Professionals, and decision-makers looking to enhance their problem-solving approach using design thinking, understand AI’s impact on innovation and creative problem-solving and apply design thinking strategies to improve business and service outcomes.