What are micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are short, flexible, asynchronous learning modules designed to help participants develop the specialized, job-ready skills.
Our micro-credentials deliver 21st century innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills through in-person and online modules. Participants who successfully complete micro-credentials earn digital badges via Credly to document and share their achievements. These micro-credentials are short, competency-based recognitions and are not counted as an academic program or degree.
There are two ways to our micro-credential programs:
1. Our live workshops
Note: The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform. Program participants are encouraged to have their cameras on to increase participation and engagement. To access the session, participants will receive one link to register and join. Registration protects the privacy of the session and allows da Vinci to monitor attendance. Attendees are encouraged to test their technology prior to the session to ensure access.
See all upcoming Workshops and Events >>
2. At your own pace
Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as design thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy to current as well as future job roles. Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
Earners of this badge have been introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping, and feedback. Participants will engage in individual and collaborative exercises that allow them to practice each of the six steps and result in the creation of a low-fidelity prototype and digital asset that demonstrates mastery.
There are two ways to our Design Thinking programs:
1. Our live workshops
Note: The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform. Program participants are encouraged to have their cameras on to increase participation and engagement. To access the session, participants will receive one link to register and join. Registration protects the privacy of the session and allows da Vinci to monitor attendance. Attendees are encouraged to test their technology prior to the session to ensure access.
See all upcoming Design Thinking Workshops and Events >>
2. At your own pace
Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
Ever feel like your business idea is a jumbled mess of possibilities? Turn that "aha!" moment into a masterpiece with the VCU da Vinci Center's Intro to Business Model Canvas micro-credential course! This bite-sized, online learning experience is your key to unlocking the secrets of the Business Model Canvas, a framework used by innovative minds worldwide.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned executive looking to sharpen your presentation skills, our Introduction to Pitching and Storytelling micro-credential will equip you with the tools and techniques to succeed in any setting. Join us and unlock your potential to inspire, influence, and persuade with impact.
This micro-credential is designed to equip learners with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to create prototypes, tangible representations of ideas or concepts. Participants will explore various prototyping methods, understand the importance of iteration and feedback, and develop the ability to communicate their ideas effectively through physical models.
“Play is the highest form of research.” -Albert Einstein
Immerse yourself in the playful and powerful world of LEGO Serious Play. This innovative approach is being increasingly adopted today by Fortune 500 companies and startups to build high-functioning and creative teams that are agile and innovative. Through a series of individual and collaborative exercises, LEGO Serious Play will challenge participants by prompting dialogue, encouraging reflection, improving problem-solving skills, and sparking imagination.
Fill out our interest form to request a workshop for your organization.
Work smarter. Everyday, we see advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT, but what does this mean for the industry? What does this mean for you? In this micro-credential, learn the fundamental concepts of AI and ChatGPT and how you can harness these transformative tools in your own work. Through a series of individual and collaborative activities, we will look at how AI and ChatGPT can be incorporated in the design thinking process and further explore its potential for product and service development.
Change management is all about using human-centered design to build an effective strategy including; planning, implementing, and monitoring changes in an organization's operations, culture, or technology.
Become a more effective leader in innovation by applying principles of change management. Through this micro-credential, you will not only learn the skills, concepts, and frameworks to better navigate change within organizations, you will also be immersed in a collaborative, real-world simulation to practice implementing change management techniques within a low-risk environment.
Fill out our interest form to request a workshop for your organization.
Meet the Instructors
Cael Parker
Cael is a multidisciplinary artist, recent graduate from VCUArts, and an aspiring product developer currently pursuing a masters degree in Product Development from the da Vinci Center.
Past workshops: SHELFIE bootcamp at the Shift Retail Lab, Henrico Student Innovation Challenge
Manjari Kumarappan
Manjari is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Innovation and Human-Centered Design at the da Vinci Center, with a Master’s in Public Health.
Past workshops: Lego Serious Play workshop at Worlds in Play 2024, Design thinking workshop for VCUHealth Radiology
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