Design Thinking
Professor
Riga Tech Girls
About the professor
Riga TechGirls is a community dedicated to empowering individuals through technology, fostering inclusivity, and challenging stereotypes within the tech sector. Recognizing the critical need for skilled tech professionals and the importance of diverse perspectives, Riga TechGirls aims to inspire and educate individuals of all genders to pursue careers in technology. By providing access to quality education, mentorship, and a supportive community, Riga TechGirls empowers individuals to become tech creators, contribute to a more inclusive and innovative future, and bridge the existing skills gap in the Latvian tech sector.
Course Description
The Design Thinking for Teams and Leaders course is a comprehensive program that empowers professionals to adopt a user-centric approach to innovation. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, participants will learn to conduct in-depth user research, map emotional journeys, and identify actionable insights. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to create innovative solutions that resonate with users, drive business growth, and foster a culture of empathy within their organizations.
Course Goals
Cultivate empathy for users and prioritize their needs in all aspects of product and service development.
Learn how to conduct effective user research, create user journey maps, and generate innovative ideas.
Discover hidden user needs, define core challenges, and develop solutions that address real pain points.
Apply design thinking principles to improve existing products and services, identify new market opportunities, and foster a culture of innovation.
After the course participants will be able to:
Develop a deeper understanding of customer needs, preferences, and behaviors to tailor products and services accordingly.
Create innovative and user-centric solutions that meet customer expectations and drive satisfaction.
Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and experimentation.
Drive growth, increase market share, and improve overall business performance through customer-centric strategies.
Course will be:
In-Person
Prerequisites
Open to everyone interested to learn
Teaching methods used:
This course focuses on a lecture-based format with a strong emphasis on in-depth discussion and Q&A sessions.
Research Methodologies:
Exploration of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Differentiating between primary and secondary research.
Conducting observations, surveys, and contextual interviews.
Empathy Training:
Understanding the user’s emotional journey through practical exercises.
Techniques for maintaining neutrality and avoiding biases during interviews.
Exploring user challenges and emotions to uncover hidden needs.
Journey Mapping:
Capturing user experiences with emotional highs and lows.
Using storytelling to understand and define the user’s pain points.
Translating insights into opportunities for innovation.
Interview Best Practices:
Structuring and conducting user interviews.
Identifying strong quotes and actionable insights.
Avoiding leading questions and maintaining an open, unbiased mindset.
Practical Applications:
Real-world demo of user interviews and emotional journey mapping.
Exercises to synthesize research findings into problem statements.
Techniques to identify unmet needs, product improvement areas, and market gaps.
Professor
Roberts Tomme
About the professor
Robert Tomme is co-founder and CFO/COO of AIstartup Hyperscan, and co-founder and CEO of AI Academy, an AItraining and consultancy. With a background from Bayes Business School in London and experience at investment bank JP Morgan, Robert combines financial expertise with a deep understanding of AItechnologies. Through leading digitisation and data intelligence projects, he has developed a knack for increasing process efficiency and is able to clearly communicate complex AIconcepts to novices and professionals alike.
Course Description
This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications. Participants will gain a solid understanding of AI fundamentals, learn to utilize AI assistants for various tasks, and explore the potential of AI in image and video processing, automation, and data analysis. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to integrate AI into their daily work and harness its benefits to enhance efficiency and productivity across industries.
Course Goals
Understand the basic principles of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on various industries.
Learn effective methods of using artificial intelligence assistants for various tasks.
Familiarize yourself with artificial intelligence tools and their application in various aspects, including the creation of multimedia content.
Understand the possibilities of work automation and data processing using artificial intelligence, including the creation of conversational bots and automation of workflows.
After the course participants will be able to:
Grasp the basic principles and applications of AI
Choose the right AI tools for specific tasks
Utilize AI for image, voice, and video processing
Create trained conversational agents
Implement AI-driven automation in various processes
Understand the potential and limitations of AI in different domains
Course will be:
Online and In Person
Prerequisites
- No prior knowledge of artificial intelligence is required. The course is designed for beginners who want to get their first insight into the field of artificial intelligence.
- Basic computer skills required.
Teaching methods used:
- Theoretical lecture with interactive elements
- Practical examples and case studies on the application of AI in various fields
- Group discussions and hands-on exercises for using AI tools
- Demonstrations and hands-on tasks using AI solutions
Topic 1
Basic understanding of artificial intelligence
How does AI work?
What is the role of AI now and in the future?
How to navigate AI as an industry?
What opportunities does AI bring to different industries?
What are the biggest challenges in implementing AI?
Topic 2
Effective use of artificial intelligence assistants
What are the types of AI assistants?
How to choose the most suitable?
How do AI assistants work?
What are the applications of AI assistants in different fields?
How to effectively work with AI assistants in different tasks?
Topic 3
3. Artificial intelligence tools
What opportunities does AI bring in other media?
Images and voice – processing and creation
Music and video – creation
How to navigate the wide range of tools?
What are the most valuable, well-known examples of AI tools in productivity?
Topic 4
Work automation and data processing with artificial intelligence
How can AI process data in spreadsheets?
How to create a chatbot trained on your information?
What are the potential applications of such chatbots?
How to create your own AI-infused workflow automations?
End of the course and summary of acquired knowledge