Overview:
The DesignThinkers Academy celebrated its Global Hubs Day on October 9, 2024, at its headquarters in Amsterdam. This event marked a significant gathering of leaders from its various hubs around the world, including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, New Zealand, South Africa, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and London. Mr. David Chung represented the China and Hong Kong regions to participate in this important meeting.
A Day of Reconnection and Strategic Planning:
Global Hubs Day provided a unique opportunity for leaders deeply engaged in local client projects and international collaborations to meet in person. This rare gathering was not just a chance to reconnect but also an important forum for sharing updates and strategizing on future initiatives aimed at driving innovation and bolstering the academy’s global presence.
Introducing New Service Developments in Design Thinking
A highlight of this year’s Global Hubs Day was the introduction of FOUR new service developments that represent the next trends in Design Thinking methodology. These innovations include:
(1) AI-powered Design Thinking: This new service leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the Design Thinking process. AI tools are being integrated to automate and optimize parts of the ideation and prototyping phases, enabling faster turnaround times and more data-driven insights into user needs and behaviors.
(2) Systems Thinking Approaches in Design Thinking: This approach recognizes the complexity of today’s business ecosystems and integrates systems thinking with traditional Design Thinking methods. This synthesis helps in understanding and addressing interdependencies and complexities in projects, ensuring that solutions are sustainable and holistic.
(3) DesignSprint Model of Design Thinking: Building on the success of sprint methodologies in agile environments, the DesignSprint model condenses the Design Thinking process into short, intensive sessions. This model is designed to innovate and test ideas rapidly, reducing the time from conceptualization to validation.
(4) Data-Driven Design Thinking: This approach emphasizes the use of big data and analytics to inform the design process. By harnessing data, designers can gain deeper insights into user behaviors and preferences, leading to more effective and tailored solutions.
Discussions and Workshops:
The day was rich with discussions, during which leaders exchanged insights and experiences from their respective hubs. The focus was on enhancing international cooperation and developing strategies that leverage the unique strengths of each region to foster a cohesive global network.
Cultural Exchange and Networking:
In addition to the strategic discussions, the event also featured enjoyable activities designed to blend work with cultural exchange. Participants took part in a traditional Dutch stroopwafel-making workshop, providing a hands-on experience of Dutch culture and cuisine. The day concluded with networking drinks, allowing attendees to forge stronger connections in a relaxed and informal setting.
Conclusion:
Global Hubs Day 2024 was a resounding success, providing valuable face-to-face interaction that is often rare in today’s digital world. The introduction of new services and methodologies ensures that the DesignThinkers Academy remains at the forefront of innovation in Design Thinking. Through shared experiences and collaborative planning, the academy is set to continue its impactful work across the globe, driving forward with new tools and approaches that integrate cutting-edge technology and thought leadership in design.
Snapshot
About DesignThinkers Academy
DesignThinkers Academy is a leading global “design-driven” innovation training institution boasting an extensive network of experts worldwide. We have established branches in over 28 countries and regions, gathering more than 200 professional instructors from various industries. This vast network enables us to strategically organize optimal teams dedicated to providing customized training, coaching, and consulting services to various teams and their organizations. InnoEdge Consulting operates the DesignThinkers Academy’s offices in China and Hong Kong.
