This proposed topic of regional training programme refers to “a research approach within the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that leverages the principles of design thinking (DT) to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems, focusing on user needs and a highly iterative process of prototyping and testing, with the goal of creating more relevant and effective training programs for future workforce needs ( Li, Rasul, & Jalaludin, 2024). Design Thinking is a process and mindset for collaboratively finding solutions to wicked problems in a variety of educational settings (Thom, 2016).
Following the design thinking process in TVET research, this training will integrate 3 aspects: Human-centred focus, Iterative process, and Collaboration. By doing so, some benefits can be harnessed: (1) increased relevance of the research by way of focusing on user needs DT can lead to more practical and applicable training programs, (2) innovation potential through creative thinking and development of novel solutions to address industry challenges, and (3) improved learner engagement by active participation in the design process.
In the process of training, the participants will be guided through the stages of the design thinking process in TVET research: Empathising, Defining, Ideating, Prototyping, and Testing the solutions (Dam, 2025). This design-thinking process in TVET research will be applicable in Curriculum development, Skill development, Assessment methods, and Technology integration.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the fundamentals of design thinking and its application in TVET research.
- Apply design thinking principles to develop innovative solutions for TVET challenges.
- Use iterative and human-centred approaches to improve curriculum, skills training, assessment, and technology integration.
- Develop prototypes and test research-based solutions in TVET contexts.
- Collaborate effectively in research teams to address workforce needs.
This course comprises of 7 modules to be delivered in 8 days. Modules 1 to 3 will be delivered online for 3 days dan Module 4 to 7 will be delivered onsite for 5 days.
Online Phase (Days 1–3) – Foundation of Design Thinking in TVET Research
Module 1: Introduction to Design Thinking-Based Research in TVET
This module or session will cover definition and principles of design thinking in research, the reasons why design thinking matters in TVET, and case studies of successful design thinking applications.
Module 2: Understanding the Design Thinking Process
This module covers stages in design thinking process: Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test. This session also includes applying human-centered research approaches and tools and techniques for each stage.
Module 3: Identifying Research Needs in TVET Using Design Thinking
This module consists of identifying and defining “wicked problems” in TVET, data collection techniques (surveys, interviews, observations), and synthesising research insights.
Onsite Phase (Days 4–8) – Hands-on Application and Implementation
Module 4: Applying Empathy in TVET Research (Day 4)
This module covers user research techniques (persona development, user journey mapping), engaging stakeholders (teachers, students, industry), and identifying key pain points in TVET.
Module 5: Problem Definition and Ideation for TVET Solutions (Day 5)
This module consists of refining research questions using insights from empathy research, brainstorming and ideation techniques, and concept mapping for solution generation.
Module 6: Prototyping and Testing TVET Research Solutions (Days 6–7)
This module covers low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping, iterative feedback loops and improvement strategies, and real-world testing and evaluation methods.
Module 7: Integrating Design Thinking in TVET Research (Day 8)
This last module includes applying design thinking in curriculum, skills training, assessment, and technology integration, group presentations of developed research solutions, and peer feedback and final refinement. Participants will be required to write an action plan in integrating design thinking in TVET research.
The course will run for 3 days online and 6 days onsite. It is scheduled from 14-16 April 2026 (Online) &20-25 April 2026 (Onsite – Brunei Darussalam)
- At the end of the course, participants will have produced an action plan that will be implemented after the completion of the training programme.
The participants of the training programme are teachers/instructors or administrators and researchers who have responsibilities for overseeing and conducting research, or evaluating the implementation of projects or interventions. Preferably, they should have basic knowledge in research and computer skills: understanding basic quantitative research and having working computer knowledge and skills, e.g. computer applications on MSWord, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The participants are required to bring documents in their area of specialisation and wi-fi enabled laptops.
The training will be delivered online using mixed approaches or techniques, independent study, brainstorming participants’ experiences and ideas, followed by presentation/s of the resource persons and discussions. There will be hands-on exercises on how conduct an impact study and demonstration on how carry out each step. To optime the transfer of learning, the training will apply a flipped online classroom whereby participants will be provided the handouts and reading before the meetings. The participants will read and may discuss within the group in the morning before the online class and in the afternoon will be used for sharing and discussion or further clarification of the topics.
For further inquiries, please contact the Course Coordinator:
DR PARYONO
Deputy Director for Professional Affairs/ Research Manager / Research Specialist
SEAMEO VOCTECH Regional Centre
Jalan Pasar Baharu, Gadong BE 1318
Brunei Darussalam
