Join the Royal College of Art's (RCA) highly acclaimed Design Thinking & Innovation in Practice masterclass, led by Clara Gaggero Westaway and Adrian Westaway, and learn the art of combining rigorous research with creative design, developing an understanding in how to unearth hidden opportunities and transform them into revolutionary products and services.

The Royal College of Art views design thinking as a form of human-centred innovation and offers a different approach to problem solving. By reframing challenges from the user’s perspective, we incorporate empathy and real-world engagement with people’s lived experience. 

Special Projects, as course conveners, bring a unique perspective to this masterclass, drawing from their extensive experience in creating innovative solutions for global leaders such as Google, Lego, Sonos, P&G, and Samsung. As a registered B Corp, Special Projects aims to design for both people and planet, reinforcing their commitment to positive social and environmental impact. Their practice of blending rigorous research with playful optimism has consistently delivered exceptional results in real-life innovation projects, making them ideally positioned to guide participants through the intricacies of strategic design thinking.

For more information, please visit our webpage.

This course only has a few spaces left and early bird will be finishing on the 16th of February. If you are interested in attending, please click here to book, and select 'Design Thinking & Innovation in Practice' on the form.

Key details:

Early Bird Fee: £1,150

Regular Fee: £1,275

Bookings close: Monday 27 April 2026

Day 1: 7 May 2026

Day 2: 8 May 2026

10:00am – 5:30pm BST per day

Participants will come away from this course with:



• A comprehensive understanding of the main stages of the design thinking process.

• Tools and frameworks to bridge the gap between practical constraints and imaginative solutions.
• Enhanced skills in creative brief development, research techniques, ideation, prototyping and storytelling.

• The ability to effectively communicate and implement innovative ideas that deeply resonate with users.
• A reinvigorated sense of what can be achieved through a people-centred approach.

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in transforming their organisation and professional development through the application of design thinking for innovation, including:



• Innovation and development leads, in-house R&D, public sector and third-sector business innovation teams
• Ιnnovation directors and managers, senior business managers, strategic planners and consultants
• Design, marketing and sales professionals, customer experience and user experience experts
• Policymakers
• Entrepreneurs