Studio 13
Design Thinking for Creative Problem Solving
An interdisciplinary studio in human-centred problem solving
Six days of empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing — in mixed teams, on real-world problems.
When
20–25 July 2026
Six full days · 10am–5pm
Where
CU Global Campus
Devanahalli, Bengaluru
You earn
2 Credits
Certificate of Completion
for external participants
Open to
All Students
UG, PG, PhD across schools + external participants
What you’ll do
This is an immersive studio where you and students from very different disciplines come together to appreciate, then tackle, real-world problems. You’ll navigate the five classic stages of design thinking — empathise, define, ideate, prototype, test — with empathy, creativity, experimentation, and innovation directed at finding workable, sustainable solutions.
It is deliberately much more than classroom teaching. You’ll observe, interview, sketch, story-tell, ideate in many directions, rapidly prototype, and test — working in diverse teams that combine the perspectives of engineering, law, management, life and allied sciences, humanities and social sciences, media, journalism, and economics. Active engagement, learning-by-doing, reflection, and iterative experimentation run through every day.
What you’ll make
In teams, you will produce and exhibit:
- A real-world problem statement
- An empathy map and ideation / concept boards
- A prototype model, digital illustration, or conceptual framework (discipline-dependent), exhibited as a video or animation where possible
- A pitch — presentation, both oral and digital
The final showcase is evaluated by an external evaluator.
Your six days
| Mon | Empathy-based problem identification. Introduction to design thinking; ice-breakers and interdisciplinary team formation; choosing your problem statement; team-led observation walk; empathy mapping and stakeholder identification. |
| Tue | Understanding end-users and defining the challenge. Interviews and field visits (or secondary data); capturing data through conversation, observation, pictures, sketches; framing problem statements (“How might this be …”). |
| Wed | Ideation and finalising the concept. Divergent thinking exercises; brainstorming; concept drawing, storyboarding, or digital story design; idea selection matrix; team-by-team mentoring. |
| Thu | Prototyping and experimentation. Rapid prototyping; mock-ups; scenario building with role-play; user feedback collection (via simulation); refining your prototype. |
| Fri | Testing, iteration, and storytelling. Prototype testing with peers / users; feedback incorporation; visual storytelling; reflective learning; pitch preparation. |
| Sat | Pitching and exhibiting. Final exhibition and demo showcase; team presentations and pitches before the jury; reflection and closing. |
Sessions run full-day (approx. 10am–5pm). No more than 1–2 hours of theory per day; the rest is hands-on.
How you’ll be assessed
| 15% | Team participation & engagement |
| 15% | Problem statement / identification |
| 30% | Empathy mapping and ideation process |
| 20% | Prototype development & iteration |
| 20% | Final presentation / pitch & exhibition |
Continuous assessment through observation in sessions, peer review and collaborative feedback, rubric-based evaluation, and a final jury. No conventional written tests.
Who it’s for
Open to UG, PG, and PhD students from every discipline. No prior knowledge of design thinking is needed. The focus is on human-centricity, hands-on experiential learning, and the social skills of collaboration and creativity — not on seeking perfection.
What to bring
A laptop or mobile device for digital prototyping. The studio provides chart papers, sticky notes, markers, board pins, pencils, basic prototyping materials, AV aids, and Wi-Fi-enabled space; seating is in round-table clusters of 3–6 with an exhibition / display area.
Registration Opens
20th May 2026
- Free for CU students
- Paid for external participants
Questions about a Studio?
Reach out to the Studios Coordinator. Happy to talk through any of the courses, what to expect day-to-day, or whether a particular Studio fits where you are in your learning right now.
Studios Coordinator
Anand K Sharma
cu.studios@chanakyauniversity.edu.in
+91 88930 33233
Campus
Chanakya University Global Campus
NH-648, Haraluru–Polanahalli
Near Kempegowda Intl. Airport
Devanahalli, Bengaluru — 562165