🎓 Certified Design Thinking Professional (CDTP)

🧩 Introduction

Design Thinking is a creative, solution-oriented approach focused on humans and end-users, aiming to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges.

It helps individuals understand user needs, redefine problems, and develop effective, practical solutions.

By emphasizing collaboration and experimentation, Design Thinking has become a key element across various fields — from product and service design to business strategy development.

In Saudi Arabia, Design Thinking has witnessed rapid growth, as many major organizations have adopted it to foster innovation and improve operational efficiency.

With the evolving Saudi labor market, mastering Design Thinking skills has become essential for professionals to stand out in the modern business environment.

The Certified Design Thinking Professional (CDTP) program is a specialized certification designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and professional capabilities to apply Design Thinking effectively, enabling them to generate creative and actionable solutions across different business contexts.

🏛️ Accrediting Body

The CDTP certification is awarded by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI), based in the United States.

GInI is the world’s leading professional certification and accreditation body in innovation, dedicated to developing innovation leadership skills through globally recognized standards, specialized training programs, and professional networking opportunities.

GInI’s certifications are internationally recognized, reflecting the latest global practices and trends in innovation and design.

🌟 Benefits of the Certification

• Global recognition as a certified Design Thinking professional.

• Demonstrate proficiency in the philosophy and core methodologies of Design Thinking.

• Deepen understanding of human-centered design principles.

• Enhance career opportunities in innovation and consulting fields.

• Strengthen professional credibility within your organization.

• Qualify for leadership roles in innovation teams and labs.

• Expand your professional network.

• Transition into strategic roles requiring Design Thinking expertise.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concept and evolution of Design Thinking.

• Apply human-centered design philosophy to solve real-world problems.

• Explain the role and importance of prototyping in design processes.

• Master all stages of the Design Thinking process — from problem identification to execution.

• Apply various design methods effectively in different contexts.

• Use Design Thinking as a powerful tool for innovation in business environments.

• Strengthen teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.

• Recognize the role of design thinkers in driving organizational innovation.

• Create innovative, value-added business solutions.

• Apply Design Thinking to improve business strategies and address complex challenges.

🧠 Training Modules

1️⃣ Introduction to Design Thinking

• Definition and key concepts.

• History and leading theories in design.

• Philosophy of human-centered design.

• Problem reframing as a core driver of creativity.

• The impact of Design Thinking on business success.

• Applications of Design Thinking across industries.

• When, where, and how to apply (and when not to).

• Design methods and the Design Thinking toolkit.

• Two essential skills in Design Thinking.

2️⃣ Prototyping in Design Thinking

• The role and significance of prototyping.

• Benefits and twelve key purposes of prototyping.

• Types and examples of prototypes.

• Applying prototypes at different stages of the process.

3️⃣ The Design Thinking Process

• Overview of the full Design Thinking process.

• Problem ownership and redefinition.

• Developing empathetic Points of View (POV).

• Defining design principles and value creation.

• Building winning value propositions and business models.

• Human-centered design considerations post-implementation.

• From design thinking to strategy and execution.

4️⃣ Design Methods

• Overview of design methods.

• Observation, inquiry, experimentation, and study techniques.

• Developing insight plans.

• When and where to apply each method effectively.

5️⃣ The Role of the Design Thinker in Business

• Acting as a coach, mentor, or facilitator of innovation.

• Leading collaborative projects.

• Working across departments and teams.

• Leveraging Design Thinking for professional growth.

6️⃣ Integration and Summary

• Human-centered design philosophy recap.

• Design Thinking methodology and its 10X impact potential.

• Moving toward optimal solutions — the ultimate innovator’s game.

🧾 Exam Details

• Number of questions: 90 multiple-choice questions

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Passing score: 65% or higher

🪪 Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in design-related disciplines (no experience required).

• One year of professional experience with a Master’s degree or higher.

• Two years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree.

• Four years of experience without a Bachelor’s degree.

•  

  Hold a CInP certificate plus one year of professional experience.

  Additionally, candidates must own the GInI Applied Innovation Master Book®.

   

🇸🇦 Recognition and Support in Saudi Arabia

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF – “Hadaf”) supports this certification.

Saudi nationals may apply for reimbursement after successfully passing the exam: 

• Certification approval date: August 2023

👥 Target Audience

• Innovation professionals seeking to master Design Thinking.

• Individuals aspiring to become innovation specialists.

• Consultants and members of innovation teams or labs.

• Managers and professionals in innovation, R&D, and development roles.

• Those with limited experience (less than 2 years) pursuing CDTP after CInP.

• Professionals aiming to practically apply Design Thinking within their organizations.