dates and modules

The CAS Design Thinking is structured into a total of seven workshop modules, each of which takes place from Thursday to Saturday, from  9 am to 4.30 pm (subject to change). Module 2 takes place only on Thursday and Friday.

Module 1

Fundamentals & Principles

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 11.–13.9.2025
Class of 2026/27 – Thurs–Sat, 10.–12.9.2026

This module introduces the central principles of design thinking. Participants learn about design thinking as an approach to dealing with open-ended questions. With the start of individual project work, participants get to know each other and their projects.

Module 2

Processes, methods, tools

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 25.–27.9.2025
Class of 2026/27 – Thurs–Fr, 24.–25.9.2026

Participants learn about and apply useful tools from strategic design. They sharpen problems, make assumptions visible and test them iteratively. Through the targeted use of prototyping, they concretise ideas, test initial solutions and develop them further.

Module 3

Circular Design

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 23.–25.10.2025
Class of 2026/27 – Thurs–Sat, 22.–24.10.2026

The circular model expands the user-centred approach to include ecological, social and organisational contexts. Participants apply systemic thinking and sustainable design approaches for co-creation and participatory formats. They incorporate different perspectives and examine interactions within complex systems.

Module 4

Innovation Sprint

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 13.–15.11.2025
Class of 2026/27 – Thurs–Sat, 12.–14.11.2026

This module highlights the use of design thinking in an organisational context. Through the interplay of product, service and UX design, participants develop and test innovative approaches, strategies and value creation ideas under realistic time and organisational constraints.

Module 5

Design Thinking Challenge

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 4.–6.12.2025
Class of 2026/27 – Thurs–Sat, 3.–5.12.2026

Participants work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle a real-world problem. They analyse the context, develop and test innovative solutions, and present these to the client in the form of a project pitch.

Module 6

Transfer & Storytelling

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 8.–10.1.2026
Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 14.–16.1.2027

Participants reflect on their individual learning process and address challenges that arise when applying design thinking in their own professional environment or case study. They use storytelling to make complex relationships understandable and communicate their approaches effectively.

Module 7

Design Thinking Festival

Class of 2025/26 – Thurs–Sat, 29.–31.1.2026
Class of 2026/27 – Thurs–Sat, 4.–6.2.2027

In the final module, participants present the new perspectives, results and insights they have gained during their practical projects. We celebrate the conclusion together, rounded off by a keynote speech from a guest speaker.

Open project workshop

Project work

Class of 2026/27 – Thurs, 19.11.2026 and 10.12.2027 (1.30–4.30 p.m.)

Mentors and experts support participants' individual project work by providing inspiration, documentation, personal mentoring and two project workshops for informal exchange.

(Subject to change)