Study Group Session - Deep Dive: Design Thinking

Design Thinking has long been more than just a creative tool – it is an integral part of modern project management. As an iterative, user-centred approach, it helps teams to truly understand problems, challenge assumptions and develop innovative solutions – from the initial idea to a tested prototype.

When combined with the principles of the PMBOK®, Design Thinking links strategic perspectives with operational implementation: it fosters a shared understanding, strengthens collaboration and brings structure to uncertainty – whether in problem definition, idea generation or implementation.

In this workshop, we’ll take a hands-on look at selected methods and try them out together – so you can experience first-hand how they can specifically support your day-to-day project work.

Ready to do more than just manage projects – to really shape them?

The session agenda is structured as follows:

1. Warm-up / Icebreaker
2. Introduction of participants
3. Basics of Design Thinking and link to the PMBOK 8th edition
a. Definition in the PMBOK
b. Process – Double Diamond
c. Case studies mapped to the Performance Domains
d. Method examples mapped to the Focus Areas
e. Icebreaker
f. PMP guideline
i. Tools & Techniques
ii. Mindset
4. Methods – Workshop (2 out of 4 options) – in breakout groups if necessary
a. Radar Diagram – Example: which type of project management is suitable (agile, plan-driven, hybrid)
b. Storyboarding – example of project charter generation
c. Stakeholder mapping – example of which stakeholders are relevant to a project and to what extent
d. Round Robin – example – developing a solution concept for a fictional process
5. Q&A / Feedback
6. Further reading and links

For this Study Group Session, we have two tutors who will give the presentation about the topic Design Thinking.

About the Tutor and Co-Tutor

1. Leonore Kolbe:

Leonore Kolbe brings more than two decades of experience in the development and management of complex technology and lighting projects—ranging from OLED research to automotive lighting and global product development. She has led international teams, overseen innovation programs, and combines technical expertise with leadership and strategic program management.

Design Thinking represents a user-centered approach to innovation that structures and creatively solves complex problems through empathy, iterative development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What makes Leonore special is that she not only applies this way of thinking and working purposefully as a facilitator in workshops, but has also applied its core principles and methods both explicitly and implicitly throughout her entire professional career in projects, programs, and in collaboration with international teams.

A powerful combination of experience, structure, and innovative thinking—practical, effective, and directly applicable.

2. Thomas Priess:

Thomas Priess, born on October 4, 1992, in Nuremberg, is a health economist specializing in project management in the hospital sector. As a Project Management Professional and Scrum Master, his daily work involves raising awareness of project management methods in the healthcare sector.

In addition to implementing project standards, he places a strong emphasis on operational excellence. This also applies to study group sessions. We not only discuss the content from the PMBOK® Guide 8, but also present subject-specific exam questions in each session. Whether you’re a project professional or a CAPM® candidate, the study group covers both building and refreshing your knowledge. He looks forward to your participation.

Information on registration / the event:

Language

The event will be held in German. At the same time, a translation into other languages is offered via subtitles.

Waiting-List

There is a waiting list for non-members - persons without PMI Germany Chapter e. V. membership. The organizer does not guarantee that non-members will receive an event link. This is also on a first come first served basis.