The A4Q Design Thinking Foundation certification attests to an individual’s knowledge and understanding of this collaborative, innovation-seeking approach to problem solving and solutions development.

Holders of the certificate can apply the core principles of design thinking and use design thinking approaches to identify, and evaluate, creative and practical outcomes to real-life problems and business challenges.

The certification is supported by accredited training. The accredited training course will help participants to develop their design thinker’s toolkit and show how to use empathy and experimentation to achieve human centered innovative solutions. The course will help participants to use and align tools (e.g. visualization, rapid prototyping and customer co-creation) with design thinking processes.

The course is heavily focused on developing the design thinking mindset and expertise in the use of design thinking methods so that participants will be ready to effectively apply learning back in the workplace.

How do I obtain this certification?

To be certified you must pass the A4Q Design Thinking Foundation Level exam. We strongly recommend that you attend a training course with an accredited training provider to gain maximum benefit and to support skills development.

You can also test your knowledge without obligation and free of charge before taking the exam by our online mock exam.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no specific entry requirements to be eligible for this certification or to attend an A4Q accredited design thinking course.

How does this certification benefit me?

You will be able to explain the design thinking approach to solving problems. You will be able to apply design thinking approaches and tools to a variety of challenges and problems. You will be able to participate positively in collaborative ideation and evaluation.

You will have achieved one of the mandatory modules required in the A4Q Certified Service Designer certification.

Who is this certification for?

This course is aimed at anyone who wants to understand the theory of Design Thinking and how to apply this human-centered approach to achieve real business value. This includes:

• Product Owners
• Scrum Masters
• Product Managers
• Software Engineers
• UX Designers
• Designers
• Anyone involved in coaching or training teams seeking to implement design thinking
• Managers seeking to understand how design thinking can add value in their organization
• Business Analysts working with design thinking teams

What other certifications can you recommend?

If you are seeking to further extend your knowledge in the field of service design, we recommend that you consider other modules within the A4Q Certified Service Designer portfolio including:

• A4Q Business Service Design Certification - Mandatory module for A4Q Certified Business Designer
• A4Q CX Analysis Certification - Mandatory module for A4Q Certified Business Designer

To gain the A4Q Certified Service Designer certification you will need to hold the three (3) mandatory certifications: (1) the A4Q Business Service Design certification; (2) the A4Q Design Thinking Certification; (3) the A4Q CX Analysis Certification; and one of the following elective certifications:

• A4Q Business Service Architecture Certification (Coming soon) - Elective module for A4Q Certified Business Designer
• **A4Q Business Acumen Certification*** - Elective module for A4Q Certified Business Designer
• **A4Q Service Design Consultancy Certification**** - Elective module for A4Q Certified Business Designer