Design thinking is a human-centered methodology that solves complex issues and explores desirable future states, using both methodical reasoning and intuition.
The goal of brand innovation is to imagine and differentiate a company, along with its goods and services, giving them meaning and value that go beyond brand identity.
Design thinking and brand innovation are complementary and synergistic processes that can enhance each other’s effectiveness as well as business or project outcomes.
In this special edition, The NEXUS Academy will bring the learners together in 2 intensive presencial sessions to be held at the University of Aveiro.
Learning outcomes
Determine a relevant challenge for a given brand according to the possible impact it will have, both on the brand and on the sustainability of the planet.
Discover the context in which the challenge is situated and the humans involved in it, empathizing with their desires, needs, journeys, and interests.
Define the problem based on the data collected and the insights obtained from analyzing it.
Develop a set of solution-oriented ideas and prototype those that most closely approximate possible answers to the original challenge.
Select a viable, desirable, and feasible solution that ensures the sustainability of both the brand and the planet. Present the final result, defending its pertinence and relevance, and justifying the choices made throughout the design thinking process.
Content
Module 1: Determine (Presencial Format)
Focus: Laying the groundwork. This phase sets the stage for the Design Thinking process. It involves introducing the methodology, understanding the challenge or problem to tackle, and defining the overall impact goals through tools like The Impact Plan. The goal is to ensure the team is aligned on objectives and expectations before starting creative exploration.
Module 2: Discover (Presencial Format)
Focus: Understanding the user deeply. In this phase, learners will gather how to empathise with users and stakeholders to uncover their real needs and challenges. Key activities include:
Empathy: Observing and engaging with users to understand emotions, motivations, and pain points.
User Research: Gathering qualitative and quantitative insights through interviews, surveys, and observations.
Personas: Creating archetypal profiles to represent user segments.
Jobs-to-be-Done: Identifying tasks users are trying to accomplish.
Stakeholder Map: Mapping all individuals or groups affected by the problem to understand their influence and interests.
Module 3: Define (Online Format)
Focus: Framing the problem clearly. The goal is to synthesize insights from the Discover phase into a clear, actionable problem statement. Activities include:
How-Might-We Questions: Transforming insights into opportunity statements.
Customer/User Journey Map: Visualizing the steps users take and identifying pain points and opportunities.
Problem Statement: Defining the core challenge to address, ensuring the team focuses on solving the right problem.
Module 4: Develop (Online Format)
Focus: Generating and prototyping solutions. This is the creative phase where ideas are generated, explored, and tested in low-fidelity prototypes. Key activities:
Ideation: Brainstorming multiple solution concepts without judgment.
Prototyping: Building simple models or mockups of potential solutions.
Idea Prioritization Map: Evaluating ideas based on impact and feasibility to focus on the most promising ones.
Service Scenarios: Imagining how solutions would work in real-life contexts.
Module 5: Deliver (Presencial Format)
Focus: Testing and preparing for implementation. This phase validates the solutions and prepares for real-world application. Key activities include:
Pilot Preparation: Planning small-scale implementation of solutions.
Channel Definition: Determining how the solution will reach users effectively.
Testing: Collecting feedback from real users to iterate and improve solutions.
Module 6: Dare (Presencial Format)
Focus: Sharing outcomes and reflecting on the journey. This final phase emphasizes communication, reflection, and celebration of achievements. Activities include:
Elevator Pitch-style Presentations: Sharing solutions concisely and persuasively.
Reflection: Evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned.
Celebration: Recognizing the team’s effort and accomplishments to reinforce learning and motivation.
Details:
Course Duration
54H total (15H contact)
Session dates (Third Edition)
April & May, 2026 Specific dates and time to be announced
Format
Blended
Language
Portuguese
ECTS
2
Fee
Free of charge
Admission requirements
Professionals and students with a background in engineering, environmental sciences, or logistics, and with an interest in sustainability. Ideally, with experience in the port sector or in environmental management. Basic knowledge of port operations and data analysis skills will be an advantage. The goal is to train professionals capable of calculating and reducing the carbon footprint in maritime ports.
How to Apply
Send: – Full name, ID (citizen card or identity card) company name, personal address & short CV to: academia.nexus@portodesines.pt
