The Occupational Certificate: Design Thinking Innovation Lead (DTIL) prepares learners to guide and coach teams through the full design thinking process to solve complex problems and create innovative, human‑centred solutions. Learners develop advanced skills in leading ethnographic research, facilitating problem analysis, stimulating creativity, and directing teams toward meaningful, user‑focused innovation—critical capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital and 4IR‑driven world. This qualification opens pathways to roles such as Design Thinking Facilitator, Innovation Specialist, Design & Innovation Coach or Design Thinking Champion across all public and private sectors.
DESIGN THINKING INNOVATION LEAD (DTIL)
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE:
SAQA ID 118788 • NQF Level 4 • 160 Credits
12 Months
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE:
DESIGN THINKING INNOVATION LEAD (DTIL)
SAQA ID 118788 • NQF Level 4 • 160 Credits
12 Months
A qualified learner will be able to:
- Lead teams to conduct ethnographic research to augment engagement and empathy for problem analysis.
- Lead teams to understand problems and achieve innovative solutions using design thinking methodologies.
- Apply the design thinking process and methodology to stimulate creativity and innovation in teams.
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the approach, principles and methodologies of design thinking for innovation.
- Apply the design thinking process and methodology to stimulate creativity and innovation when designing an innovative solution.
- Conduct applied ethnographic research to augment engagement with stakeholders and problem analysis.
- Communicate at different levels using appropriate methods to present ideas.
KNOWLEDGE MODULES:
- Human Centered Innovation
- Design Thinking Fundamentals
- Collaboration
- Fundamentals of Positive Psychology for Design Thinking
- Research to Inform Design Thinking Processes
- Benefits of Design Thinking
- Innovation Leadership for Design Thinking
- Coaching Workshops for Design Thinking
- Introduction to Project Management for Design Thinking
- Introduction to Design Thinking Governance, Legislation and Ethics
- 4IR and Future Skills
- Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Technology and Utilisation
PRACTICAL SKILLS MODULES:
- Conduct Applied Ethnographic Research
- Lead Group Interaction for Innovative Solutions
- Apply Design Thinking for Innovation Principles and Methodologies
- Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Technology and Utilisation
- Apply Ethics and Effectiveness in the Workplace
WORK EXPERIENCE MODULES:
- Applied Ethnographic Research
- Design Thinking Innovation Coaching
- Creative Innovation Solution Design
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Grade 11, Matric or NQF Level 3 qualification.
Participants will be required to write an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) Examination on completion of training.
