Charge up your design-thinking knowledge and skills.

As a program manager, community engagement officer, Librarian or IT officer, how might you create programs, digital experiences, services, spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and loved by your patrons?

Design thinking is a powerful tool for all library staff, whether you are managing online catalogues, design library programs, or oversee strategic direction and work with council. As a set of methods, mindsets, and techniques, it lays a foundation for a curious, empathetic, innovative, and agile practice that allows staff to be patron-centric in delivering scalable and impactful solutions.

ThinkPlace’s Design Thinking Course is a highly applicable, engaging, and interactive design thinking program tailored to the specific needs, challenges and strengths of the Library context. Having delivered it to 200+ staff across Victoria, our team at ThinkPlace is beyond excited to launch this to the public.

The course weaves together design thinking theory with library-specific case studies and real-world application. You will walk away with with a toolbox of design thinking methods and techniques, hands-on experience using the tools, and a place in our community of practice to engage with and be inspired by other Libraries around the state and beyond.

Course information:

Two half-day workshops (4hrs each) delivered over a week
Group mentoring session - optional (1hr)
Homework (1-2hr)
Digital tool introduction session – optional (0.5hr)
100% digital format using our Airlabs capability
All participants receive ThinkPlace's Design Thinking for Libraries Toolkit - a one-stop shop for templates, methods, case studies, and tools to pick up and use in your library

Key Learning Outcomes:

> Understand basic design thinking theory and methods, as well as how it can be scaled to approach challenges big and small

> Understand how design thinking can be used to create more impactful and human-centred programs, services, spaces and experiences in communities

> Define the challenge, plan effective research engagements, conduct and synthesise user research

> Spark innovative thinking in ideation and refine thinking into tangible and testable concepts

> Directly apply theory, methods and techniques in your role and to challenges in your library or community

Past participant testimonial:

“I loved how we walked through the whole process, using the skills via a real example, and actively practiced interviewing real people. This consolidated what I have already been undertaking in my job and increased my confidence. It will help me design services and experiences that my visitors want.” – State Library of Victoria workshop participant

Course Dates:

Part One: Design Thinking Theory
Day: Monday 19th April
Time: 9:00am - 12.30pm

(Optional) Mentoring Session
Day: Wednesday 21st April
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Part Two: Synthesis to Prototyping
Day: Friday 23rd April
Time: 9:00am - 12.30pm

Our Design Thinking for Libraries course is an online experience. We use Zoom for discussion and breakout rooms combined with Miro digital white boards for activities and collaboration. Using Miro is not essential, however we also offer onboarding training for those keen to learn new digital skills.

Still have questions? Thinking if this course right for you? Come along to a FREE DROP-IN SESSION and our Course Lead, Dayna Hayman will be there to answer your questions.

Courses are limited to 28 participants. If you would like to receive updates on upcoming courses send us an email at education@thinkplace.com.au. Please contact us directly for team bookings.

Refunds are available 7 days prior to the event.