Our Training

We use proven digital service, product-driven, agile, lean design thinking and human-centered design and other innovative strategies to work with customers to build a thing that solves a problem. Before we can use these instruments, we must be trained in them and we must be able to practice what was learned in real engagements. So, the first step is to get trained. Please see below for a list of available courses.

In Human Centered Design training OI team members learn about the following techniques for each part of the 5-stage process.
  1. Human Centered Design
  2. Problem Definition:
    1. Design Thinking
    2. Smallify (problem & challenge statements)
  3. Discovery, Ideating and Prototyping:
    1. Affinity Mapping & KJ Method
    2. Crazy Eights, Charettes, and One-Ups
    3. Research methods, interviewing techniques
    4. Synthesis
    5. Personas, Empathy Maps
    6. Prototyping
  4. Testing
    1. UX Testing
    2. User Acceptance Testing
Human Centered Design Experiential training in Human Centered Design (HCD). The learning objective is understanding how to properly operationalize the HCD approach to involve human input throughout the entire empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test iterative process. Experiential training in collaborative problem solving including but not limited to: multi-stakeholder engagement; creative experimentation; design with not for the end user.

Design Thinking Experiential training in tools for rapid innovation. The leading objective is to learn the mindset shift, techniques to make problems more well defined and gather highly varied idea to solve problems. Training explores students’ individual roles as trusted advisors and consultants to their organizations and their associated impact. Through discussion and interactive, learn-by-doing activities, students learn how to be an internal consultant and how to use rapid innovation skills, tools, and mindsets to get to the root cause of challenges and develop solutions aligned with customer-stakeholder needs. Emphasis is placed on how to be a "trusted advisor," how to actively listen to and engage customer-stakeholders, how to generate high impact, actionable solutions, and how to use small bets and small wins to manage risk, build alignment and accelerate results. We also reflect on how to use the tools in team-based settings and end with individual commitment to use the tools in their everyday within five days so they can start building sustainable habits.

Interviewing & User Testing Experiential training in how to conduct interviews and empathetic listening techniques to discover deep understanding of user needs. The learning objectives are to be able to use UX techniques to properly discover, document and address possible solutions to usability issues. Experiential training in UX testing techniques including but not limited to the Steve Krug method of lightweight user testing.

Team members receive training on techniques integral to the entire Human Centered Design process. Trainings include:
  1. Psychological safety
  2. Facilitation
  3. Product Management
  4. Content Strategy
  5. Change Management
Facilitation (Link-1) Experiential training in participatory workshop/meeting design. The learning objective is to understand the methods and techniques to run meetings to get people to drive to better outcomes through iterative design. Includes techniques including but not limited to: how to facilitate an effective brainstorming session, how to facilitate towards decision making including negotiation tactics, stakeholder mapping, methods to prepare and follow up after workshops, convening groups with diverse viewpoints, aligning expectations, working with decision makers, and methodologies to run an effective meeting.

Leading Organizational Change Management Digital Service Teams (Link-6) Experiential training in organizational change management. Coursework includes but is not limited to: an introduction to the discipline that guides how we prepare, equip and support individuals to successfully adopt change in order to drive organizational success and outcomes; introduction to frameworks and structures for support; promotes best practices; helps people within an organization understand, commit to, promote and ultimately embrace change; proactive vs. reactive methods to promoting positive change; methods to promote a culture that change is difficult, but also necessary. Experiential training in communicating and working with leaders through change management processes. Coursework includes but is not limited to: experimental lab settings for leaders; methods to build trust with organizational leaders; methods to positively influence leaders; leading staff from all levels through change. The learning objectives are to lead all levels of an organization through the process of changing culture and workflows to new methods and then measuring the impact of the changes.

A central principle of the Office of Innovation is the importance of team functioning. Teams need to be psychologically safe spaces, with team members who understand how to communicate effectively, leverage each other’s strengths, collectively produce results, and move past breakdowns quickly. Trainings include:
  1. Agile project management
  2. StrengthsFinders
  3. Leadership Styles
  4. Humanware
  5. Crucial Conversations
  6. Norm Setting & Tech Tools
Digital Services Training: Agile/Lean Methodologies (Link-7) Experiential training in how to conduct agile projects without reverting into waterfall style, big planning up-front methods. The learning objectives are the ability to run an agile project following the principles of iterative design with state staff accustomed to waterfall methodologies. The content includes, but is not limited to: iterative methods to adjust outputs, methods and intended outcomes based on learnings; how to collaboratively write and utilize user stories; the roles of product manager, developer, and design/content; the difference between agile, lean, XP and other similar methodologies.

Digital Services Training: Leadership, Communication and Team Building Skills for Multi-disciplinary Teams (Link-8) Experiential training in personal strengths, using strengths in team dynamics and personalized coaching. Experiential training in how to communicate across different styles. How to get groups to work effectively despite different communication issues. Experiential training in teamwork, team-building, and open communications. Potential methods shall include but not be limited to: physical/mental challenges; challenges that require teamwork to complete; and communication practices. The learning objectives are to understand personal abilities, opportunities for personal growth and how best to blend personal strengths in teams of different skills and abilities, and how to work with individuals with different communication styles.

Upcoming Trainings

  • January 6-8, 2020: Human Centered Design -- understanding how to properly operationalize the HCD approach to involve human input throughout the entire empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test iterative process.
  • Janurary 9, 2020: Facilitation -- understand the methods and techniques to run meetings to get people to drive to better outcomes through iterative design
  • January 10, 2020: Product -- Learn how to build a thing to solve a problem
Email us to learn about available trainings