Inderprastha Engineering College (IPEC), Ghaziabad successfully organized a One-Week Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Design Thinking from 15th–19th June 2026, jointly conducted by IIC-IPEC, AICTE IDEA Lab-IPEC, and IPEC Technology Business Incubator (IPEC-TBI) in collaboration with CCLI, Noida.
The programme was inaugurated under the guidance of Vice Chairman, Er. Puneet Agarwal and Prof. (Dr.) Amit Jain, Dean Academics of IPEC & Student Welfare.
The programme commenced with an inspiring inaugural session led by academic leaders who emphasized the need for innovation-driven education and the importance of nurturing creative problem-solving skills among educators. The traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and the presence of distinguished experts set the tone for a transformative learning experience.
The initial sessions immersed participants in the core principles of Design Thinking, focusing on empathy, observation, and understanding user needs. Through engaging activities such as Empathy Mapping, Persona Development, the 5 Whys Analysis, Point of View Statements, and the How Might We Framework, faculty members explored human-centered approaches to problem-solving. Guided by renowned experts Prof. (Dr.)Neelam Saxena and Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Deshmukh, participants learned how meaningful innovation begins with understanding people and identifying problems worth solving.
As the programme progressed, participants moved from ideation to innovation. Interactive workshops on Crazy 8, DISRUPT Techniques, Idea Selection, Concept Development, Storyboarding, and Rapid Prototyping enabled faculty members to transform abstract ideas into tangible solutions. The hands-on sessions encouraged experimentation, collaboration, and iterative learning, helping participants appreciate that successful innovation is not merely about generating ideas but about creating practical solutions that deliver real value to users.
A major highlight of the FDP was the presentation and pitching of Design Thinking projects. Participants confidently showcased their solutions through compelling presentations and 60-second pitches, demonstrating their ability to apply the complete Design Thinking process from empathy and problem definition to ideation, prototyping, and solution development. Evaluated by an esteemed panel of experts and academic leaders, these presentations reflected creativity, critical thinking, user-centric design, and effective communication, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in driving innovation and impact. The valedictory session marked the culmination of an enriching week of learning, innovation, and transformation.
Distinguished dignitaries including Shri Puneet Agarwal (Vice Chairman, IPEC), Prof. (Dr.) D. K. Sharma (Campus Director, IPEC), and Prof. (Dr.) Amit Jain (Dean Academics, IPEC) inspired participants to integrate Design Thinking into teaching, research, entrepreneurship, and institutional development. As certificates were awarded and experiences shared, the FDP concluded with a powerful message: Design Thinking is not just a methodology—it is a mindset that empowers educators to create, innovate, and shape the next generation of problem-solvers and changemakers.