Design Thinking Series: Prototype, Test, and Take Your Idea to Market

Innovation starts with empathy.

The Design Thinking Workshop Series is a three-part, hands-on experience that helps founders and teams approach challenges with creativity, collaboration, and customer insight. Led by Leari Jenee-Jones, this series will guide participants through the full design thinking process — from understanding user needs to prototyping and testing solutions that drive real impact.

Session 1: Empathize (June 4th)
Discover how to deeply understand your customers and stakeholders. Learn to conduct empathy interviews, identify motivations and pain points, and uncover insights that inform meaningful innovation.

Session 2: Define & Ideate (June 11th)
Use real feedback to define the root of your challenge and brainstorm creative solutions. You’ll walk away with clear problem statements, practical ideas, and a low-stakes prototype plan to bring your concepts to life.

Session 3: Prototype & Test (June 18th)
Build, test, and refine your ideas through peer feedback. Learn to create low-fidelity prototypes, gather input, and develop a roadmap for improving your solution through rapid iteration.

✅ A framework for creative problem-solving
✅ Tools to empathize with users and define root challenges
✅ Techniques to brainstorm, prototype, and test ideas effectively
✅ Practical exercises you can apply to your own venture immediately

Leari Jenee-Jones (she/her) is an entrepreneurship program leader and DEI advocate dedicated to fostering innovation and inclusion. With experience designing entrepreneurship curricula, leading design-thinking workshops, and supporting founders and students, Leari empowers diverse communities to transform bold ideas into ventures. At the core of her work is a commitment to equity, collaboration, and cultivating the next generation of changemakers.

Join us for this engaging, high-energy workshop series and learn how to turn ideas into impact through the power of design thinking.

Disclaimer:

By registering for this event, you agree that your contact information may be shared with the event sponsor(s) for follow-up communications related to the event or their services. If you prefer not to have your information shared, please contact the event organizer directly.

Please note: Photos, videos and recordings may be taken during the event and used for marketing or promotional purposes by the organizers and sponsors. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and likeness in these materials.

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Host or Publisher Howard County Economic Development Authority