In 2021, I joined the Advisory board for the Design Thinking Program at the Tomobolo Institute of Bellevue College. This program is not focused on the AEC industry but does help develop skills that I have found invaluable in driving change and innovation in my career.
The program is an online-based program that focuses on developing skills to help firms of every kind solve difficult problems both inside and outside the firm.
The demand for professionals who can address an intractable problem with a creative solution continues to rise. This demand calls for Design Thinking principles. Organizations who use Design Thinking strategies for uniquely solving problems are more likely to beat out the competition who often deliver a “me-too” product or service.
The job market is expected to explode for professionals with Design Thinking skills over the next several years. Firms are sure to create new, nimble divisions to integrate innovation throughout their organizations. Functions and roles that were traditionally held by marketing, sales, IT, and operations will all be shifting towards new divisions that require Design Thinking skills.
