Apply Design Thinking to Solve Product Problems
Develop a structured approach to innovative problem-solving, through five short, practical lessons delivered to your inbox.
- 5–10 minute daily lessons, developed by IPL faculty and practitioners
- Frameworks you can apply the same day
- No cost, no obligation, unsubscribe anytime
Free
No cost, ever
What You'll Learn, Day by Day
Each lesson builds on the last, taking you from core concepts to practical application.
day 1
What Is Design Thinking?
The five stages of the Design Thinking process, and why they matter beyond traditional design roles.
day 2
Empathize & Define
How to build genuine understanding of user needs and frame the right problem to solve.
day 3
Ideate
Techniques for generating a wide range of solutions before narrowing to the best one.
day 4
Prototype & Test
Building low-cost prototypes and gathering feedback before full investment.
day 5
Next Steps
Common mistakes in applying Design Thinking, best practices, and resources to continue building the skill.
A Preview of Day 1
Here’s an excerpt of exactly what lands in your inbox on day one.
Institute of Product Leadership
Day 1 of 5: What Is Design Thinking?
Today's lesson
Design Thinking isn’t just for designers. It’s a structured way to approach any ambiguous problem. Today, you’ll learn the five stages of the process and where most teams skip a step.
- The five stages of Design Thinking, in order
- Why 'Define' is the stage most teams rush through
- One reframing question to use in your next brainstorm
Tomorrow: Empathize & Define.
Related Courses
Once you’ve completed this course, these are natural next steps.
Product Design: UX/UI Fundamentals
Understand user needs and build the skills to design clear, intuitive digital interfaces.
Discovery & Value Proposition
Learn to identify genuine customer problems and shape a value proposition customers want to buy.
Product Management Foundation
Develop an understanding of the product management discipline and its role within technology-driven organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course really free?
Yes. There is no cost, and no obligation to enroll in any IPL program, to receive the lessons.
How much time does each lesson take?
Each email is designed to be read in 5–10 minutes, with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.
Will I be contacted by an admissions advisor?
You may receive occasional relevant updates from IPL. You can unsubscribe at any time, and the course itself involves no sales calls.
Who is this course for?
Anyone who wants a repeatable process for approaching ambiguous problems, including product managers, designers, and business analysts.
What happens after the five days?
You will have a working understanding of design thinking fundamentals, and we will point you toward deeper resources, including IPL’s full programs, if you would like to continue.
Your First Lesson Is One Step Away
Five days. Five focused lessons. No cost, no obligation.