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 applicants: a Learning Agreement must be completed in advance in coordination with your departmental advisor. Please contact your examination office and study programme coordinator in good time once you are accepted for the courses you would like to attend. For any other questions you can contact: eunice@b-tu.de
• 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.