About the programme
Programme structure
The programme is structured around two core methodologies applied in two challenge-based projects, a self-development track, and five thematical modules. Together, these components provide a comprehensive learning experience that balances theory, applied learning, and personal growth.
- Challenge-based projects: Half of the programme is dedicated to applying the methodologies of service design and systemic design in real-world challenges. Participants work step-by-step under close guidance, learning the approaches as they progress in a collaborative setting.
- Self-development track: This individual track focuses on developing leadership skills through guided reflection and practical exercises.
- Thematical and applied modules: These modules provide essential background knowledge and conceptual support, enabling participants to better understand and apply the methodologies in practice
Challenge-based projects
Participants learn to apply the methodologies of service and systemic design in real-world challenges.
Service design real-world challenges focus on developing new innovative services such as optimized student support services at the university or new healthcare service solutions for elderly at home, or emerging retailing experiences. Service design solutions must balance the user needs, the organizational goals & constraints and the practical feasibility. The focus lies on the human interaction and experience within a service along the entire user journey.
Systemic design real-world challenges focus on intervening in complex systems where multiple stakeholders and organizational structures interact dynamically. Examples are the educational system with the problem of teacher shortage, the mobility system with all challenges related to congestion and multi-modal options, the justice system with the transition to a digitalized future, a corporate ecosystem in transition to a circular economy, and so on. Systemic design looks beyond individual touchpoints to whole ecosystems, considering long-term sustainability, interdependencies, and unintended consequences.
Service Design challenge
The service design challenge focuses on addressing contained, end-to-end processes. Participants will:
- Understand process challenges by gathering rich data and in-depth information.
- Explore creative solutions for clearly reframed problems.
- Define and validate these solutions in real-world contexts.
The methodology integrates technological, human-centered, and value-driven perspectives to deliver comprehensive service solutions tailored to real needs.
Systemic Design challenge
The systemic design challenge tackles complex systemic problems where factors from social, political, and economic frameworks intersect. They are driven by human behavior and involve dynamic relationships, with no single or simple solutions. Participants will:
- Map and analyze the complexity of interconnected systems.
- Envision an ideal future and design interventions to move toward that vision.
- Build solution networks to influence and transform the system sustainably.
This methodology focuses on addressing large-scale problems, on an organizational or societal level, that require systemic change.
Course books
The programme includes essential resources to deepen participants’ understanding of the methodologies:
- Dewit, I., Van Ael, K., De Roeck, D., Baelus, C. (2018). Product Service System Design. University Press Antwerp.
- Jones, P., Van Ael, K. (2022). Design Journeys through complex systems. BIS
Both books are included in the course fee and serve as key references for applying the methodologies in real-world cases.
Self-development track
The self-development track is an individualized process designed to enhance leadership and self-leadership skills. Guided by peers, this track encourages participants to stretch their personal skills and attitudes, enabling them to take on leadership roles effectively.
Modules
The challenge-based projects are supported by five core modules designed to provide participants with the theoretical frameworks, background knowledge, and practical insights needed to apply these frameworks effectively in real-world cases.
Module 1: Sensemaking in uncertainty
This module focuses on identifying and defining opportunities for change and innovation amidst ambiguity. Participants will learn:
- Scoping and exploration techniques to discover, reframe and define challenges.
- User research methods to uncover deep insights.
- Futures thinking approaches to anticipate trends and envision possibilities.
Module 2: Navigating complexity
Focusing on developing meaningful strategies at the organizational or societal level, this module explores:
- Value mapping
- The concept of transitions to understand change processes.
- Strategies for implementation and scaling of innovations.
Module 3: Leading change
This module explores the multifaceted nature of leadership in driving systemic transformation, including:
- Self-leadership and personal growth.
- Shared leadership and fostering team dynamics.
- The Theory of change.
- Ethical considerations, diversity, and the unintended consequences of systemic interventions.
Module 4: Creating change
This module focuses on fostering creativity and collaboration to drive innovation. Participants will gain expertise in:
- Creativity and facilitation techniques for collaborative design processes.
- Design validation to ensure delivering added value and impact
- Building networks and partnerships to sustain change efforts.
Module 5: Communicating for impact
Effective communication is key to driving innovation and transformation. This module enhances participants' communicative skills by focusing on:
- Design communication to articulate ideas clearly.
- Trans-media storytelling techniques to convey narratives across diverse platforms.
- Strategies to report on innovative and transformative projects in a compelling way.
Student agency
True leadership and meaningful change begin with empowerment. In this programme, student agency is central, enabling participants to take ownership of their learning journey. By actively engaging in decision-making, setting personalized goals, and reflecting on their progress, learners are equipped to shape their education in alignment with their aspirations.