HA 2025 – Design Thinking: Innovation & Creativity

Course Available in: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Design Thinking for Real-World Problem Solving

Design Thinking, an approach to innovative problem-solving born at Stanford University’s renowned d.school, is transforming how challenges are approached in fields from technology and healthcare to environmental conservation and business. In this course, students will learn to use Design Thinking’s structured, human-centered methodology to create impactful solutions that meet real needs. Through the six core phases—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test, and implement—students will develop essential skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

Used by top companies like Apple, Google, and Nike, Design Thinking has led to some of the most innovative products and solutions, from the user-friendly iPhone to life-saving medical devices and sustainable energy advancements. Working in teams students will see firsthand how Design Thinking principles can be applied across industries to address complex problems.

This course emphasizes the power of visual communication, a skill essential for conveying ideas effectively in today’s fast-paced, image-driven world. By integrating Design Thinking with visual storytelling, students will learn to create compelling visuals that reinforce memory, enhance innovation, and build a sense of community. Through hands-on projects, they will explore how these human-centered techniques not only drive innovation but also foster collaborative teamwork. By the end of the course, students will leave with a deep understanding of Design Thinking, pioneered at Stanford’s d.school, and how it powers innovation in leading companies and across diverse fields today.

Program Calendar:
January 20 – 24, 2025 (Monday to Friday)

Schedule:
From 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Location:
In-person in Brazil

Joel Simon

After earning three degrees from Stanford University, including a master’s in Product Design Engineering, Joel was mentored by Professor Bob McKim, a foundational figure in Design Thinking and an early influence in establishing Stanford’s renowned d.school. Inspired by McKim’s pioneering work, Joel has dedicated over 12 years to creating and teaching innovative curricula in Visual Literacy, Design Thinking, and Digital Imagery at Stanford University, including at the d.school. His courses engage undergraduates, alumni, and international high school students, equipping them with essential skills in creative problem-solving and human-centered design.

Beyond academia, Joel collaborated with the Stanford Alumni Association to design global educational tours, blending his expertise in engineering and design with his passion for experiential learning. His work has been widely published, with photography and articles appearing in Vanity FairSunset MagazineThe Chicago TribuneStanford Magazine, and The San Francisco Chronicle. A former editor at Skin Diver Magazine, Joel is also an accomplished travel writer and lecturer, frequently presenting on Design Thinking, Travel Photography, and Underwater Photography.