Design Methods for Collaborative Innovation

Programme

The 2.5-days module Design Methods for Collaborative Innovation is a compulsory module within the CAS Facilitating Innovation curriculum. This module, which is also open to participants of the CAS Design Cultures programme, focuses on the application and further development of co-creation methods to enable experience-oriented interaction with stakeholders. Participants learn to identify relevant target groups and actively engage them in playful workshop settings. They practise useful facilitation techniques and methods for the identification, development and implementation of collaborative innovation projects.

In a nutshell

What: Design Methods for Collaborative Innovation (2.5 days)
When: Thu–Sat, 24–26 September 2026
Where: Zurich University of the Arts, Toni-Areal
Registration deadline: 30 July 2026
Cost: CHF 1,800
ECTS: 2 ECTS, no assessment
Lecturers: Mona Mijthab (ZHdK Strategic Design und Mosan)  & Omar Crespo (Link4)
 

This module (2 ECTS) is a compulsory module within the CAS Facilitating Innovation and can also be booked by participants in the CAS Design Cultures.
 

The lecturer

  • [Translate to English:] Studienreise Guatemala 2023[Translate to English:] Studienreise Guatemala 2023

Mona Mijthab is a social entrepreneur with 10 years’ experience in teaching and research at the ZHdK. Mona is a member of the ZHdK Strategic Design core team  and divides her time between Switzerland and Guatemala. Mona founded Mosan, a social enterprise that develops circular and climate-positive systems and converts waste into biochar, which is used in agriculture as a soil improver to regenerate soils and strengthen farmers’ resilience.

Omar Crespo is a Guatemalan expert in participatory design, a consultant at MIT D-Lab and founder of the organisation Link4, a social enterprise that promotes local innovation and collaboration between various stakeholders, capacity building and social impact initiatives. The team consists of Guatemalan experts and members of the local community who guide the study tour participants through this immersive experience.

Both organisations, Mosan and Link4, have been based in Santa Catarina Palopó since 2018 and are active members and facilitators within the local innovation ecosystem.

Registration

Registrations are processed directly through the ZHdK online tool (ONLA). Further information on using ONLA can be found below.

→ Apply online for “Design Methods for Collaborative Innovation” (September 24–26, 2026)

The ZHdK Strategic Design team is available to answer any questions.

  • Informations about online application

    You can interrupt the application process at any time and complete it at a later date. The information you have entered will be saved. Mandatory fields are marked with a *.

    Once you have entered all your information, complete the process by clicking on “Finish entry”. The data can no longer be amended. Your submission will be reviewed by the Continuing Education Office.

    Please check your e-mail spam folder during the application period. If you have any further questions about online application or experience any technical difficulties, please contact the Continuing Education Centre: Contact

  • Sign in with ZHdK login or SWITCH edu-ID

    If you already have a ZHdK login, you can sign in with your normal access data. Those without a ZHdK login require a SWITCH edu-ID in order to apply online. You can create one really easily here.

  • Required documents

    Curriculum Vitae
    A brief and clear list of your education and professional career history.

    Covering letter 
    Set out your reason for applying for the continuing education degree programme on a maximum of one side of A4. If you do not have a university degree, please describe your professional experience up to this point and why you are applying for your chosen continuing education degree programme (maximum of two sides of A4).

    Photo of yourself in JPG format
    Upload a recent photo in passport photo quality (at least 320 x 400 pixels). The photo must be high-contrast and your face must be clearly visible. It may not feature other people or objects.

    Social security number
    If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find your Swiss social security number (756…) on your OASI card or on your Swiss health insurance card. 

    The documents must be uploaded in PDF format. If you have several individual PDF files, you can upload these one after another.

  • Terms and conditions

    Registration for the study trip does not constitute registration for the CAS Design Cultures or other CAS-programmes. The general terms and conditions of the Center for Continuing Education apply.