Design Thinking with AI
Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom
Course overview
Organisations across the public, private, and third sectors are increasingly adopting Design Thinking (DT) methodologies to drive innovation, enhance user experience, and address complex challenges. DT is a user-centred, creative problem-solving method that emphasises understanding the needs and experiences of users and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions. It involves a flexible, iterative process that typically includes five key phases: (1) empathising, (2) defining, (3) ideating, (4) prototyping, and (5) testing.
Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as machine learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, and generative AI, have created new opportunities to enhance the DT process. AI can analyse vast quantities of data, generate user insights, predict trends, automate tasks, and create innovative solutions through generative design, speeding up prototyping and testing for faster iteration. However, AI technologies also introduce novel challenges for DT including algorithmic bias, privacy and data security concerns, lack of transparency in decision-making, and the potential over-reliance on automation.
Navigating these issues requires a balanced, informed approach that considers both the strengths and limitations of AI-assisted design.
Key highlights
- Covers all five Design Thinking phases, from empathising to testing
- Applies machine learning, NLP, computer vision and generative AI to design
- Uses AI for user insights, trend prediction and faster prototyping
- Examines algorithmic bias, privacy, data security and transparency challenges
- Relevant to public, private and third sector innovation
Scholarships
County Antrim Grand Jury Bursary
Approximately £1500 depending on funding available.
Early Confirmation Award
Funding Amount - £1500
Up to £1,500International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.
Up to £2,000International Undergraduate Scholarships
This award is £3500 (fee rate 1) for first year of study; £4000 (fee rate 2) for first year of study.
INTO Progressors Scholarship
£1500 reduction in tuition fees for first year of study.
Up to £1,500LLB Senior Status International Scholarship
Scholarships Value - £4000
Up to £4,000Queen's Loyalty Scholarship
20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.
Up to 20% of feesQueen’s Family Scholarship
20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.
Up to 20% of feesRoyal Academy of Engineering: Engineering Leaders Scholarship Programme
Funding Amount: £5000 - £10,000
Up to £5,000The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships
For Home Students: Tuition fees £7,665 Stipend £10,250. For International Students: Tuition fees £24,295 Stipend £17,000
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught
Value: 50% of tuition fees paid for up to a maximum of two years.
Up to 50% of feesVice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Undergraduate
50% reduction on full tuition fees paid for all years of a programme, up to a maximum of four years (including advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3).
Up to 50% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Service Designer
- UX Designer
- Innovation Consultant
- Product Manager
- Design Strategist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £1000
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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