Design Thinking in creating a business concept

The course aims to familiarize students with the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business modelling, with an emphasis on tailoring solutions to problems through user-centric innovation.

The Design Thinking method plays a key role here as an iterative process of designing value propositions for potential customers. In addition, students learn tools for creating a business model and the principles of their use.

The project part of the module involves applying the Design Thinking process in creating a business idea to solve a diagnosed problem by taking a holistic, user-centred view of the issue.

Moreover, prototyping and testing the designed solution support the development of critical thinking, cognitive flexibility, interdisciplinary teamwork and communication.

The course is composed of 6 units:

1. Principles of entrepreneurship and business modelling
2. An Introduction to Design Thinking: an iterative innovation design process
3. Rules for generating a business model based on the Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas methodology
4. Creation of  innovative business ideas with problem-solution fit (e.g. user-centric innovation using the Value Proposition Canvas and Design Thinking approach)
5. Prototyping and visualisation of business concepts using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
6. Final presentation (Pitch Deck) and project evaluation

For a detailed description of the course, please refer to the course study guide below.

Timetable:

15 hours of lectures, 15 hours of project (in two-person teams) Lectures in “online self-study” mode.

Online consultations regarding the project once a week.

Dates will be given during the kick-off meeting with students – October 28, 2025 at 5pm (CET).

Moodle link will be sent to students.

• EUNICE bachelor’s and master’s degree student: enrolled as a student (master’s) in one of the universities of EUNICE European University consortium (check the partner universities here).
• English B2 or higher.

Study Level: Bachelor, Master

• Submit your application via the button ‘Apply Now’.
• Please keep in mind that the number of participants could be limited for each course. Application does not guarantee enrolment in the course.
• The course participants will be selected based on criteria specified in the study guide.
• Your home university will inform you whether you have been accepted and provide further information about the next steps.

Specific instructions in some universities:

• BTU students: for questions about enrolment and recognition at your university, you can visit this website
• UPHF students: make sure to ask the approval of your director of studies (responsable pédagogique) before applying. For any question, you can contact the EUNICE office: eunice@uphf.fr
• UoP students: questions about enrolment and recognition can be answered by your Director of Studies or ECTS Coordinator, or you can contact eunice@go.uop.gr

Any questions about enrolment or credit recognition? Contact your EUNICE courses coordinator.