Design
Driving Innovation Through Design Thinking
Overview
As industries navigate rapid technological change, evolving consumer needs, and increasing complexity, design has emerged as a strategic tool—not just for product innovation, but for systemic transformation. This module brings together cutting-edge frameworks, case studies, and applied tools to explore how design thinking, systems design, and human-centered innovation can reshape entire industries.
Spanning topics such as structured innovation processes (e.g., the 7C’s Framework), the integration of AI in creative workflows, gamification, empathy, and strategic design leadership, the sessions are designed for executives and professionals who wish to leverage design not merely as an aesthetic or UX layer, but as a transformative business capability. The programme draws on real-world projects from across sectors—manufacturing, healthcare, mobility, digital services, and public systems—to ground insights in practice.
Important dates & time
Important dates & time
*Dates and schedules are subject to change
| Dates | Mode | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 Aug 2026 | On-Campus, Mahindra University | Rs. 45,000/- + GST Per Participant |
B. K. Chakravarthy
Dr. B. K. Chakravarty, the distinguished founding dean of Mahindra University, is a visionary educator and innovator with a rich legacy of accomplishments. Before his role at Mahindra University, Dr. Chakravarty established the Shenoy Innovation Studio at IIT Bombay, a pioneering initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of innovation and design thinking among students and faculty. With a profound commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in education, and his leadership and dedication in driving innovation have left an indelible mark on the field of education and continue to inspire the next generation of innovators at Mahindra University.
Chaitanya Solanki
Dr. Chaitanya Solanki is an Assistant Professor at the School of Design Innovation, Mahindra University. Chaitanya holds a Ph.D. from IIT Hyderabad and an M.Des from NID Ahmedabad. He is also the author of the book ‘Me or We: Individualism and Collectivism through Six Contemporary Lenses’.
Programme Objectives
- Understanding design as a strategic lever for organizational and industrial transformation
- Applying structured frameworks (e.g., 7C’s of Concern) to tackle complex innovation challenges
- Analyzing how iconic firms have embedded design to create new categories, markets, and behaviours
- Translating design principles into actionable strategies for resilience, scale, and innovation
- Exploring how AI can augment creative thinking and design workflows
- Using empathy and gamification to drive user engagement, learning, and systemic change
Topics Covered in the Programme
- Demystifying Design Thinking
- From Form to Future – The Strategic Power of Design in Industrial Evolution
- Framework for Transforming Industries – Lessons from Decades of Design Innovation
- 7C’s of Concern in Design Innovation
- AI as a Thinking Partner in Design Innovation
- Advancements in the Industry through Gamification & Empathy.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for middle to senior level executives, who habitually need to work with multiple stakeholder groups, internal and external, to achieve their organizations’ objectives.
