Business Design Thinking: From Insight to Innovation

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

TBD

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4-6 hours/week

Course Fee
Course Fee

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The Ontario Student Assistance Program is offering financial assistance to Ontario residents.

To learn more about OSAP, please refer to this Financial Aid Page.

Redirect Your Route to Innovation

Innovation never takes the path of least resistance. It is a challenging journey with setbacks, switchbacks, and roadblocks that can make you wonder if you’re even advancing. Luckily, there is a kind of GPS for innovation, offered to you in Rotman’s six-week online Business Design Thinking program.

Under the guidance of business design expert Dr. Angèle Beausoleil, you will master a progression of steps leading to new processes for creative thinking and problem solving. Using the four stages of sustainable innovation, you will move from initiation to implementation, revolutionizing your company’s products, services, and processes. You will learn to approach business problems from a more human perspective by way of the principles of design thinking. Through collaboration, prototyping, experimentation, storytelling, and reflection, you will gain insights into your customer’s pain points and proceed confidently in the direction of thoughtful, effective, and innovative solutions.

What You’ll Get

This intense six-week virtual e-learning program provides a 4-step framework to navigate the innovation process.

  • Enhancing your design literacy and creative thinking processes
  • Collaborating effectively in professional teams
  • Identifying the 4 stages of innovation
  • Solving business problems through sensing, sensemaking, and changemaking

Program Curriculum

Organized to help you develop concrete plans for professional collaboration and creative problem-solving, this virtual e-learning program guides you through the well-researched process of innovation.

Module 1:

Innovation Process

As you develop your own personal strategies, you will explore the critical skills of 21st century innovators; identify the four stages of innovation; and practice Business Design processes: finding, framing, and solving.

Module 2:

Initiation

Kickstarting an innovation process with an intent and quickly building your innovation team requires you to learn more about the mindset and behaviors associated with innovators and to identify individual and group faces and types. The initiation phase leads to drafting an Innovation Design Brief in the context of a business challenge.

Module 3:

Investigation: Need Finding

As you acquire new methods for the investigation stage, including field and online research and data collection, you will learn to describe design research methods in the context of need finding, develop observation skills, and develop empathy interview skills.

Module 4:

Integration: Problem Framing

In this phase of innovation, you will move from needs analysis and collecting data from field research to the synthesis stage, or framing the right problem. Methods in the integration phase include describing the value of an insight and designing a “How Might We” statement.

Module 5:

Implementation: Problem Solving

The final stage of the 4-stage process guides you to transform insights into ideas. You will generate ideas, test prototypes as business solutions, develop metaphors and analogies from your “How Might We” question, and assess your ideas through the three lenses of innovation.

Module 6:

Reflection

As you prepare to present your final project, you will learn to tell powerful stories to affect change, solve complex business challenges, and demonstrate the importance of reflection.

Module 1:

Innovation Process

As you develop your own personal strategies, you will explore the critical skills of 21st century innovators; identify the four stages of innovation; and practice Business Design processes: finding, framing, and solving.

Module 4:

Integration: Problem Framing

In this phase of innovation, you will move from needs analysis and collecting data from field research to the synthesis stage, or framing the right problem. Methods in the integration phase include describing the value of an insight and designing a “How Might We” statement.

Module 2:

Initiation

Kickstarting an innovation process with an intent and quickly building your innovation team requires you to learn more about the mindset and behaviors associated with innovators and to identify individual and group faces and types. The initiation phase leads to drafting an Innovation Design Brief in the context of a business challenge.

Module 5:

Implementation: Problem Solving

The final stage of the 4-stage process guides you to transform insights into ideas. You will generate ideas, test prototypes as business solutions, develop metaphors and analogies from your “How Might We” question, and assess your ideas through the three lenses of innovation.

Module 3:

Investigation: Need Finding

As you acquire new methods for the investigation stage, including field and online research and data collection, you will learn to describe design research methods in the context of need finding, develop observation skills, and develop empathy interview skills.

Module 6:

Reflection

As you prepare to present your final project, you will learn to tell powerful stories to affect change, solve complex business challenges, and demonstrate the importance of reflection.

For full details about the curriculum, including the session schedule, please download the brochure.

Download Brochure

Program Experience

Decorative image relating to Capstone project: 3-Act Storyboard

Capstone project: 3-Act Storyboard

Decorative image relating to Collaborative group work

Collaborative group work

Decorative image relating to Innovation challenges

Innovation challenges

Decorative image relating to Interviews, field research, sort & interpret data

Interviews, field research, sort & interpret data

Decorative image relating to Weekly reflection/application activities

Weekly reflection/application activities

Decorative image relating to Interactive workbook activities

Interactive workbook activities

Decorative image relating to Live webinars

Live webinars

Participant Testimonials

"The best part for me was the subject itself being a modern world subject and the teaching methods used were innovative too."

— Shreya Bakre, Senior Consultant, Infosys

"Progressive learning through several modules. It was easier to learn one step at a time and concentrate our reflection and assignments instead of everything in one piece."

— Laureen Madej, Digital Transformation & Innovation Consultant, NRB

"Forcing me to think more on my day to day work via the experience of the assignment given"

— Ken Poon, Vice President of Technology, Sharethrough

Program Faculty

Faculty Member Dr. Angèle Beausoleil

Dr. Angèle Beausoleil

Assistant Professor of Business Design and Innovation at Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Dr. Beausoleil refers to herself as a “pracademic” who teaches design methodologies for business innovation and leads research on organizational innovation process design, navigation, and management. A former communications designer, senior strategist, and innovation lab executive, she applies her extensive industry experience to crafting high impact student-centred learning experiences... More info

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the six-week virtual e-learning program, you’ll earn a digital certificate of completion from the Rotman School of Management. This virtual e-learning program counts toward a Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is offering financial assistance to Ontario residents

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is now offering funding for micro-credentials, including Rotman Executive Programs. This new resource is part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping learners access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs through loans and grants. This funding is available for Ontario residents only with additional requirements.

Learn about OSAP funding for Ontario residents as well as the full details of the program by downloading our brochure.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.

  • What is the policy on refunds and withdrawals?

    You may request a full refund within seven days of your payment or 14 days after the published start date of the program, whichever comes later. If your enrollment had previously been deferred, you will not be entitled to a refund. Partial (or pro-rated) refunds are not offered. All withdrawal and refund requests should be sent to admissions@emeritus.org.



    What is the policy on deferrals?

    After the published start date of the program, you have until the midpoint of the program to request to defer to a future cohort of the same program. A deferral request must be submitted along with a specified reason and explanation. Cohort changes may be made only once per enrollment and are subject to availability of other cohorts scheduled at our discretion. This will not be applicable for deferrals within the refund period, and the limit of one deferral per enrollment remains. All deferral requests should be sent to admissions@emeritus.org.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 985 616 5261 (US) / +44 127 959 4639 (UK) / +65 3138 5295 (SG)

Apply Now

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!