Latest news with #DesignThinking


Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
MENA Innovation Academy opens registration for applied design thinking workshop
Manama- Bahrain – The MENA Innovation Academy, an initiative by Bahrain Fintech Bay in partnership with Reboot Coding Institute, has announced that registration is now open for its upcoming Applied Design Thinking workshop, offered in collaboration with Qubstudio. This hands-on two-day workshop, taking place in Bahrain on August 27-28, will equip participants with the practical tools needed to elevate their creativity and master design thinking principles to drive innovative, user-centered solutions. The workshop is designed for product managers, startup founders, UX/UI designers, business analysts, and innovation teams aiming to transform user insight into actionable business value. Participants will gain insights into the fundamentals of methodology used by leading companies such as Google, Apple, IBM, and learn how to design user-centered solutions that deliver measurable impact. They will also receive a certificate of completion and the benefit from networking with like-minded professionals from across the region. Lisa Kukharska, Senior Product Designer at Qubstudio, commented on this, 'Design thinking is a mindset. We have seen how applying this framework can bring over creative ideas even in the most traditional industries.' 'We are thrilled to bring this experience to Bahrain in partnership with the MENA Innovation Academy.' The Applied Design Thinking workshop will walk participants through the five key stages of design thinking enabling them to master creative problem-solving techniques and apply them to real-world business challenges. During the workshop, participants will explore best-practice case studies and tackle a design thinking challenge focused on the banking industry. The program is led by seasoned product designers from Qubstudio, and combines expert instruction with practical, team-based exercises and live feedback. 'This initiative is part of our commitment to nurturing future-ready talent in Bahrain and the wider MENA region,' said Bader Sater, CEO of Bahrain FinTech Bay. 'This program equips participants with the tools and the skills required to lead innovation within their organizations. We believe this collaboration will empower professionals to lead meaningful innovation and change in the banking industry.' Applications are now open. For media inquiries, Ghaidaa Mohamed Communications and Outreach Manager


Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Forum showcases AI's role in public service reform
SALALAH: The Ministry of Labour inaugurated the Design Thinking Conference in Salalah on Monday, launching a two-day programme dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance innovation, problem-solving and institutional development. Held under the theme 'Redesigning the Future: Design Thinking to Solve Contemporary Challenges", the conference brought together government officials, private sector executives, academic experts and innovation leaders to exchange ideas and solutions. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, who delivered remarks and honoured a number of keynote speakers and partners in recognition of their contribution to the event's success. Organised in collaboration with Al Marajea Centre for Conferences and Seminars, the conference seeks to mainstream design thinking as a core approach for driving institutional reform, improving service delivery and fostering a culture of creativity across Oman. In his welcome address, Ahmed bin Aufait al Maashani, Director-General of Al Marajea Centre, described the conference as a strategic platform for experience sharing, knowledge transfer and the creation of meaningful partnerships. He emphasised that design thinking — particularly when integrated with artificial intelligence — offers a powerful set of tools to develop effective, human-centred solutions to contemporary challenges. Also speaking during the opening session, Dr Ali bin Said Akaak, a consultant in sustainability and human resource development and a member of the conference's scientific committee, noted that the conference programme was carefully designed to reflect the breadth and depth of design thinking applications. He explained that the various themes aim to empower practitioners, leaders and policymakers with actionable methodologies for institutional advancement and service innovation. Throughout the conference, the participants engaged in discussions on a range of timely topics, including strategies for managing cultural and social transformation, the role of innovation in achieving positive institutional change, and the importance of creative thinking in addressing operational and policy-related challenges. The sessions also explored techniques for analysing audience needs, developing executable project models, and applying sustainable design practices and marketing approaches. Speakers also examined how AI technologies can be embedded into the design process to improve decision-making, personalise user experiences, streamline operations and support continuous service improvement. The emphasis was on using technology not as a replacement for human insight, but as an enhancer of it — enabling smarter, faster and more impactful solutions. The conference ultimately aimed to promote design thinking as a practical and strategic tool for institutional reform and development. By integrating this methodology into governance structures and innovation ecosystems, the organisers aimed to foster a new generation of solutions that are responsive to public needs, aligned with national priorities, and driven by both creativity and data. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Embrace digital change: Secure your spot in IIM Indore's Digital Transformation and AI programme for leaders
In today's rapidly evolving world, leaders are expected to move beyond crafting strategies to actively implementing them, embracing technologies like generative AI to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and drive growth. Growth doesn't happen by chance. To thrive in today's fast-paced world, leaders must actively train, learn, and unlearn. PwC reports that 54% of companies are using generative AI, highlighting the need for leadership to guide its integration. Similarly, McKinsey found that firms with strong digital and AI capabilities create compounding value, making clear why leadership abilities are crucial. IIM Indore's Certificate Programme in Digital Transformation and AI helps leaders harness these technologies to drive innovation and growth. IIM Indore's programme covers strategy, innovation, AI, automation, security, and customer management, offering leaders a well-rounded digital transformation journey. With pre-recorded videos, live masterclasses, real- world case cases, and a capstone project, this programme gets you truly ready to lead. Take the next step by diving into the curriculum of this dynamic 22-week programme. Discover how it's delivered, what makes it impactful, and the invaluable knowledge, skills, and hands-on insights you'll gain. From foundational concepts to real-world applications, this overview offers a thrilling glimpse into the learning journey that awaits ambitious professionals ready to lead with data and AI. Experience a dynamic blend of video lectures, expert masterclasses, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects, crafted to help professionals apply data and AI concepts with confidence in real scenarios. Pre-recorded video lectures: Learn at your own pace with expert-led lessons you can revisit anytime. AI and Gen AI for innovative strategies and business models: Understand how to use the latest AI tools to rethink your business approach. 4+ Masterclasses by industry experts: Hear directly from top professionals about what works in the real world. Professionals will benefit from live sessions led by industry experts, offering insights into how Generative AI is transforming business models, optimising operations, and revolutionising marketing, finance, and cybersecurity, all while preparing leaders for future challenges in digital transformation. 12+ discussion boards: Share ideas, ask questions, and learn from your peers in an interactive space. Real-world case studies and examples: See how concepts are used in actual business settings to solve problems. This programme offers you practical assignments and real-world case studies, including frameworks like Forrester's Digital Maturity Model, Design Thinking, and Lean Startup. Participants will engage with use cases involving AI, ML, IoT, and Blockchain technologies. Additionally, case studies from Harvard Business Review and McKinsey will also be studied that provide insights into industry applications. Capstone project: Apply everything you've learnt in a practical project that ties it all together. 12+ assignments and quizzes: Test your understanding and get hands-on practice along the way. Check out the topics that form part of the curriculum, including subjects like strategy, AI, innovation, and more. Digital Transformation Fundamentals: Explore digital transformation by examining AI's impact on business model redesign, platform-based strategies, and the challenges and risks in achieving sustainable business growth in today's evolving landscape. AI and Data-Driven Decision-Making: Harness AI to drive data-led decisions, explore generative AI, and apply its power across marketing, finance, people management, and operational optimisation to enhance overall business performance and impact. Business Innovation and Strategy: Transform business models by innovating strategies, reengineering processes, and crafting operations that enhance customer experiences while meeting shifting market demands—driving impactful digital transformation and sustained competitive advantage. Technology and Operations: Understand the integration of people, processes, and technology, emphasising digital operations, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to ensure secure, efficient digital transformation across all business functions for optimal performance. Customer and Marketing: Master digital marketing strategies and customer relationship management techniques to boost engagement and drive sustainable business growth. Applied Learning: Its Capstone Project allows you to apply everything you've learnt, tackling real-world challenges to showcase your skills and knowledge. On successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by IIM Indore. They will gain access to networking and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Additionally, participants will become eligible for the IIMI Executive Alumni Status, which offers benefits such as access to IIM Indore's campus library (on-site only), an official email ID, and an ID card. Please note that obtaining an executive alumni status requires a separate application and payment of the applicable fee. Starts on: June 26, 2025 Duration: 22 weeks, online (weekly effort of 5-6 hours) Programme fee: ₹1,15,000 + GST Eligibility: Minimum graduate or diploma holder (10+2+3) If you are a leader aiming to drive digital transformation, this 22-week programme offered by IIM Indore equips you to harness AI, innovate business models, and lead strategic initiatives with confidence.

ABC News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Lisa Leong
Lisa Leong is a broadcaster, author and facilitator. Her superpowers are curiosity, creativity and delivering key messages by way of song. A former Intellectual Property, Technology and Wine lawyer (yes, there is such a thing!), Lisa caught the radio bug in 2001. She was accepted into the Australian Film Television and Radio School, where she picked up a radio degree and a boyfriend (now husband). She did a stint on commercial radio stations on the Gold Coast and Adelaide, before joining the ABC presenting the breakfast show for the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. After the birth of her daughter, Lisa returned to her hometown Melbourne. Lisa draws on her unique career experiences combined with Design Thinking and mindfulness practices to bring a fresh approach to conversations and connection. Her work has been the subject of a Harvard Law case study, received numerous awards, and inspired Lisa's TEDx Melbourne talk, "Can robots make us more human?" Lisa presents Sundays on ABC Radio Melbourne and hosts This Working Life on ABC Radio National.