First-Time Founders
Designed for people preparing to launch their first venture. It is especially useful for learners who need a structured, practical route into design thinking rather than a purely theoretical overview.
ESH-12188 · Innovation
Design Thinking Essentials for First-Time Founders — Innovation
A 8-hour beginner course for people preparing to launch their first venture who want to apply the essential tools with confidence in design thinking. The course combines the innovation context with practical frameworks, realistic cases, guided exercises and a final applied output. Participants finish with a structured approach they can adapt to a real venture, team or project.
Self-paced online8 hoursBeginnerFirst-Time FoundersExplore pathway
What you need
A business idea is useful but not required.
European Startup Hub Certificate of Completion — Design Thinking Essentials
Module quizzes, applied worksheets and a final scenario exercise.
Learning outcomes
What you will be able to do.
Outcome 1
Explain the core principles of design thinking in the context of innovation.
Outcome 2
Diagnose a realistic design thinking challenge using structured startup tools.
Outcome 3
Build a practical design thinking output appropriate for first-time founders.
Outcome 4
Evaluate evidence, assumptions and trade-offs before making design thinking decisions.
Outcome 5
Apply design thinking methods to a venture, project or organisational scenario.
Outcome 6
Create a next-step action plan that can be used after the course.
Full syllabus
8 course modules.
Each module combines explanation, examples and an applied activity.
Module 1
Foundations of Design Thinking
Practical study of foundations of design thinking with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 2
The Innovation context
Practical study of the innovation context with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 3
Customers, users and stakeholder needs
Practical study of customers, users and stakeholder needs with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 4
Tools and frameworks for Design Thinking
Practical study of tools and frameworks for design thinking with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 5
Evidence, data and assumptions
Practical study of evidence, data and assumptions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 6
Designing the approach
Practical study of designing the approach with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 7
Execution and operating decisions
Practical study of execution and operating decisions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 8
Measurement and key indicators
Practical study of measurement and key indicators with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Assessment
Module quizzes, applied worksheets and a final scenario exercise.
Included materials
Digital course notes · Practical worksheets · Case exercises · Action-plan template · Completion record in ESH ID
Learning support
Platform learning support; live facilitator interaction is included where the delivery format states Live online or Blended online.
Course information & disclaimer
Educational programme. Completion does not constitute professional, legal, financial or investment advice and does not guarantee funding, employment or business outcomes. Catalogue version 2026.1 · Last reviewed 2026-08-24.
Ready to begin?
Design Thinking Essentials for First-Time Founders — Innovation · 8 hours · Self-paced online
Enrol for €100