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Design Thinking training workshop

Hosted by our experienced founders, Kathryn and Robert Woolf.

Unlock creative solutions in beautiful Cornwall with our two-day 'Design Thinking' workshop.

If you and your team are looking to tackle complex problems with confidence, engage stakeholders with clarity or design with purpose, join us on the north coast of Cornwall for a dynamic two-day Design Thinking training workshop.

We'll help you rethink how you solve problems and create solutions - which can be general in nature or, better still, focused on a real-life problem or project you're tackling.

Whether you're working in public services, innovation, community development or organisational strategy, this workshop will empower you with a toolkit for real-world problem-solving.

What to expect

Guided by the proven Double Diamond design framework, this immersive experience blends expert instruction with interactive exercises, collaborative learning and hands-on application.

Over two energising days, you’ll learn how to:

  • Master the core principles and stages of Design Thinking.
  • Frame and reframe complex problems.
  • Build empathy with users and stakeholders.
  • Generate and prioritise innovative ideas.
  • Rapidly prototype and test solutions.
  • Measure value / SROI.
  • Apply design methods to your own work and initiatives.

Workshop highlights

  • Direct 'expert-led' training grounded in practical case studies.
  • Deep dives into Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver phases.
  • Open discussions tailored to your real challenges.
  • Optional coastal walks to reflect, connect and recharge.
  • Relaxed evening social at a local venue to keep the ideas flowing.

Who should attend?

Professionals, changemakers, community leaders and anyone who wants to bring creativity and collaboration to problem-solving. No prior experience in design thinking is needed — just curiousity and an open mind.

Benefits to participants

  • Gain a practical toolkit for human-centred design.
  • Build confidence in addressing complex challenges creatively.
  • Strengthen collaborative and facilitation skills.
  • Leave with actionable solutions and strategies ready to implement.
  • Enjoy time for wellbeing and reflection with optional Walk & Talk.

 

Next workshop: August 2025

Location: St Agnes, Cornwall

This is an intimate, high-impact workshop designed for just four participants (ideally a single team of four) ensuring focused support, collaboration and space to work deeply on real challenges.

Spots are extremely limited, so don’t miss your chance to take part.
Reserve your place today and start designing a better future.

Contact Kathryn or Robert for more details.

View their profiles:

Made Open team

View member profile "Kathryn Woolf"

Kathryn Woolf

Head of Customer Experience

Hi, I’m Kathryn. I lead marketing and customer experience at Made Open. With a background...

Made Open team

View member profile "Robert Woolf"

Robert Woolf

Founder

Hello! As the founder and co-owner of Made Open, I've spent over 20 years as CEO, blending service...

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Based on your answers, we think you are...

56% ready

for a Made Open platform.

If you are looking to harness the strengths of your community or network, we can help get this figure closer to 100%.

What best describes your community?

You selected: A community of place

Our community software empowers a diverse range of public and voluntary sector partnerships. We've designed it with a deep understanding of what holds communities back and how leaders can make them thrive.

Unfortunately, communities often go unnoticed, despite their potential to make a difference. Yet, in every community, there's a treasure trove of untapped knowledge and compassion. The secret is to embrace each member's unique contributions. Our software shifts the focus away from problems and challenges to the boundless value they bring.

Each platform connects members to the skills, knowledge, support and resources within their community - propelling them towards a brighter future.

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In the quest for excellence, individuals and groups often struggle to access expertise when they need it most. What they may not realise is that a wealth of untapped skills and knowledge is readily available to help them.

Our software serves as the key to unlocking the full potential of your network or workforce. We believe that success, whether for individuals or groups, hinges on the effortless exchange of skills and knowledge.

Each platform allows members to share their ideas, skills and talents within their network - propelling everyone towards excellence.

You selected: A bit of both

Whether it’s nurturing a local community or a community of professionals, our software understands what holds people back and what tools are needed to help them make a difference.

In every community or network lies an abundance of skills, wisdom and compassion. The secret is to embrace each member’s distinctive contributions and empower them as drivers of change, not mere bystanders of it.

Our software connects members to the wealth of skills, knowledge, support and resources residing within their online community.

How big is your online community likely to be?

You selected: Less than 100 members.

Why not dip your toes into the water with our 'Entry' platform? This starter-level solution is perfect for smaller communities or pilot projects, offering the most budget-friendly licensing option available.

You selected: Less than 1,000 members.

This is normal. Why not choose our ‘Creator’ pricing model? It accommodates up to 1,200 members while keeping your costs at a minimum as you establish your online community. You can easily add more features, services and members at a later stage.

You selected: 1,000 to 10,000 members.

The choice of many thriving communities, our 'Innovator' pricing model is designed to propel your success. Supporting up to 3,000 members and with many extra features coming as standard, our account team can help you manage queries and requests from your expanding user base.

You selected: More than 10,000 members.

For large communities with high expectations, our 'Enterprise' pricing model is the perfect fit. It's ideal for scale-up communities seeking top-tier products and services from Made Open, with the added flexibility to collaborate with partners and request enhancements as needed.

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That’s fine. Fledgling communities often have big dreams but lack the specifics to make them happen on day 1. Consider starting small with our 'Creator' pricing model and scale up as you achieve certain milestones. You could also buy extra time from our team who specialise in growing online communities.

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You selected: We can manage this platform ourselves.

The good news is that this is the most affordable choice. Our ‘Entry’ and ‘Creator’ models are like do-it-yourself options. But if you need help along the way, help is still at hand. We provide many guides, webinars and group training sessions that you can be part of.

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You selected: We could use some assistance getting started.

Except for our Entry model, where it's more self-service, our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way. You'll receive a tailored Welcome Pack, help with setting up your platform and personalised training to get you started. In a nutshell, we’ve got you covered!

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You selected: We’re likely to need help growing this community.

Many of our clients appreciate both our service and our platform's features. With our token system, you have full control to customise your dream platform. If you require ongoing support from us, you can easily add this to your plan.

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You selected: We want to outsource platform management.

Some of our clients often have a budget for a platform but lack the resources to manage it. That's okay; we can be your complete outsourcing solution if you need assistance. Our account team specialises in community growth!

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No worries! You might find our 'People Power' plan useful. It offers a clear roadmap for leaders like you to create a successful online community. If necessary, we can help you shape the big vision for your platform and offer practical day-to-day support.

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Here are the features that are most important to you right now:

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It’s tempting to begin with all the features you desire, but starting small and expanding slowly is often a wiser choice. This approach ensures you platform begins life clear and focused.

Our recommendation would be to select the key features that align best with your community’s current needs and remain agile as these needs evolve.

Keep in mind that opting for just one feature initially offers the most budget-friendly option, as adding more features will also increase costs.

You have indicated the following:

  • You do have a budget for an online platform.
  • You might have a budget for an online platform.

    Things for you to consider:
    What is the funding strategy for this platform?
    Is investing in an online platform a priority worth budgeting for?
    Could you share the cost of licensing a platform with other organisations?

  • You do not have a budget for an online platform.

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    If you represent a marginalized community, you may be eligible for a free starter platform.
    Are there local sponsors who might support your cause?

  • You are involved in the buying decision.
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    Could Made Open send any literature to support your business case?
    What objections might you encounter and what’s the best way to handle them?

  • You might be involved in the buying decision

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    Can Made Open assist you in engaging others through demos or discussions?
    Would beginning with a small-scale approach allow you to start and involve others later on?

  • A platform will address a key challenge within your community or organisation.
  • A platform won’t address a key challenge within your community or organisation.

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    What is the key challenge you want to solve?
    What got you thinking about using technology in the first place?
    Is the current solution for this challenge fit for purpose?

  • A platform might address a key challenge within your community or organisation.

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    Can you gain insights from other Made Open platforms facing similar challenges?
    Would a small-scale trial or proof-of-concept be a valuable exercise?

  • You do need to address this challenge quickly.
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    Are there any events that might alter your deadlines?

  • You might need to address this challenge quickly.

    Things for you to consider:
    What will make this a pressing issue that needs immediate attention?
    How probable and imminent is this threat?
    Do you want to prepare in advance or are you okay with waiting?

These factors are key to rating your readiness for licensing our software but, whatever your level of readiness, we’re more than happy to help you explore next steps.

Thank you for completing this survey and we hope it was useful. We will be in touch to see if we can help further.

Let's build a better community.

Regards, the Made Open team


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