On 28 – 29 October 2021, EU TACSO 3 project organized an on-line training programme on Design Thinking for the civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kosovo.
The training programme aimed to provide theoretical and hands-on knowledge to different 19 CSOs from Kosovo with none or limited experience in applying Design Thinking methodology. It equipped the participants to apply Design Thinking aspects in their organisational development processes.
Design Thinking is an innovative approach and capacity development methodology which stimulates creative process and introduces new solutions based on people’s needs. This methodology, known as the human-centred approach, allows to identify the key needs of each user or person, to rapidly create and test prototypes, and to bring new innovative solutions that will fit the identified needs.
The capacity development training on Design Thinking aimed to serve two main objectives:
- Strengthening organisational development of CSOs to rethink the classic traditional approach of project management especially during the stakeholder consultation phase;
- Encouraging the embracement of Design Thinking methodology in the activities and projects of CSOs in Kosovo to provide long term needs-based solutions.
During the training, the participants, using an interactive online board, were introduced to the methodology, learned how to use the Design Thinking tools, and worked on developing a solution of their own on a given challenge. The participants went through all the five stages of Design Thinking (empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test) and built their own prototype, tested it with potential users or other stakeholders, and created a new improved solution that are based on future users’ needs. During the training they learned how to express and execute their ideas, build new products or services, how to improve existing ones, and how to successfully implement innovations in their society. The training was interactive, enabling participants to pose questions and contained practical exercise parts enabling the participants to test the tools and practice skills.
The training concluded with participants who stated that the training came just in time and they learned new tools to be used in their future work.