Unlocking stories of users, technology and business

In 2012, I joined the faculty at Potsdam’s School of Design Thinking as a lecturer.

Every year, the Hasso Plattner Institute offers 140 students the opportunity to complete an academic training program in design thinking, the only program of its kind in Germany. The students learn the method for innovation that has been applied by companies such as Facebook, Google and Starbucks to successfully develop new products and services.

The students begin by getting acquainted with what design thinking is, then deepen this knowledge through hands-on project work. I oversaw their work throughout the semester, providing structured coaching and supervising their projects. My focus was on the theme of storytelling, which is of central importance in design thinking.

Under my tutelage and that of the other HPI mentors, the students learned design thinking methods for developing innovative ideas for better products and services, skills that will give them a clear edge on the job market.