AIPO hosts Train the Trainers Design Thinking workshop in September 2025

On 10 September 2025, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) hosted a Design Thinking workshop at CTC 213 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Unlike standard workshops, this session focused on preparing participants to become trainers themselves. The train-the-trainer format recognizes that creating skilled trainers can increase the reach and impact of design thinking principles across various communities and organizations.

Facilitating the workshop were internationally certified Design Thinking trainers, Mr Steve Chaves and Ms Mariela Alcaparas, who brought their expertise in leading design thinking workshops to the session. The workshop covered the design thinking stages by reviewing concepts and demonstrating a range of facilitation tools that participants can apply in their own sessions. These included mindsetter / ice-breaker tools to establish the learning environment, build collaboration, and help groups process and consolidate insights. Together, the tools provided a foundation for creating workshops that are engaging, structured, and effective.

Participants, who came from fields such as startup enterprise development, leadership and education, and marketing, were given a list of case studies for their use. They were then asked to conduct mock lectures using all the concepts and tools discussed throughout the day. This exercise enabled participants to demonstrate their understanding of the design thinking process by applying the concepts they had learned in the workshop. During the presentations, participants practiced guiding their peers through design thinking exercises and applying the various facilitation tools. The experience helped participants test their teaching skills and build confidence as future design thinking trainers.

The day concluded with sharing sessions and personal reflection activities designed to help participants process their learning experience. These discussions helped facilitators gauge the extent of participants' learning while providing valuable feedback on their performances. Through this activity, participants identified their strengths and considered how they might approach future training sessions of their own.

The Design Thinking workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals of design thinking facilitation. Through continued practice and application, they can build upon what they have learned in the workshop to further develop their training capabilities.

Interested in joining our next Design Thinking workshop on Wednesday, 29 October 2025? Slots are still available! Register now to secure your spot: https://www.aipo.ateneo.edu/designthinking