Learn to build and enhance upstream Kanban systems in our Kanban for Design and Innovation course. Develop skills in designing, maintaining, and innovating end-to-end workflows with hands-on practice, STATIK workshops, and real-world case studies.
This course is the equivalent of the Kanban System Improvements course (KSI) but focuses on upstream Kanban systems rather than downstream delivery. It can be offered as a one-day add-on module for those who have already completed KSI training.
- Public Course Options: Online
- Duration: 3 days (10:00 – 16:00 UK) or 1 day for those with KSI accreditation
- Level: Intermediate


Kanban for Design and Innovation is delivered in partnership with Ripple Rock
Course Overview
Our Kanban for Design and Innovation course deepens your expertise in developing upstream Kanban systems. Through hands-on practice, STATIK workshops, and case studies, you’ll learn to enhance and innovate workflows. This advanced course, which focuses on upstream systems, is an ideal one-day add-on for those who have completed the Kanban System Improvements (KSI) course.
Download our comprehensive course guide for detailed information about the content covered in our Kanban System Design course.
What is included?
- Training from an accredited Kanban Trainer who brings a wealth of experience in Kanban and Scrum
- An electronic version of course slides, materials and workshop output will be provided after the training
- Registration for the certification with Kanban University
- 16 Scrum Education Units® (SEU’s) (3 day course)
- Project Management Professionals ® (PMP) can claim 16 PMI PDUs (3 day course)
- Course completion certificate
- If you have completed the Kanban System Design class, then the Kanban Management Professional (KMP) credential certificate will be issued. Please get in contact if you are not sure.
Is there an exam?
There is no exam required to earn this certification.
Who is this course for?
This course is suited for those who want to acquire solid knowledge about the core of the Kanban method and want to design or improve upstream Kanban systems. This includes but is not limited to:
- Managers and team members who want to get more out of their current Kanban system
- Product Owners, Business Analysts, anyone in the role of SRM or a Design and Innovation role
- Project Managers – to further their knowledge and application of upstream systems
- Anyone interested in learning how to manage and shape demand
- Those wanting to learn to Scale Kanban across an enterprise
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for attending this training.
Full attendance and participation will result in registration for Kanban for Design and Innovation accreditation.
Attendees who complete both KSI & KDI classes are eligible for the Kanban Management Professional designation. Please ask if you are not sure.
What do I need?
Online Courses
- We require delegates to use a laptop, computer or device with a large screen to ensure they can participate without the limitations of using a smaller device.
- A reliable internet connection is vital.
What will I learn?
Explore deeper Kanban practices to sustain evolutionary improvements
Enhance your Kanban expertise by diving into advanced practices that foster continuous, incremental improvements. By refining workflows, optimising work-in-progress limits, and regularly reviewing processes, you can sustain ongoing evolution in your organisation.
Learn about the Kanban Maturity Model
The Kanban Maturity Model helps organisations assess their current Kanban implementation and identify steps for growth. Understanding the KMM allows you to strategically apply Kanban practices, advancing your organisation’s maturity and capability.
How can you use the cadences to create feedback loops
By implementing consistent cadences—such as daily stand-ups, weekly reviews, or monthly retrospectives—organisations can enhance collaboration, identify areas for improvement, and foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This not only improves individual and team performance but also aligns efforts with overall organisational goals.
Establish an Upstream Kanban System
Implementing an upstream Kanban system focuses on visualising and managing workflows before they reach production. This involves creating a clear representation of demand and capacity, helping teams prioritize tasks, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall efficiency. The system aims to streamline processes, allowing for better planning and resource management.
Engage Stakeholders from Different Organisational Levels and Departments in Idea Generation and Decision-Making
Engaging stakeholders across various organisational levels and departments is essential for fostering collaboration and inclusivity in decision-making. By bringing together diverse perspectives, organisations can harness collective intelligence for idea generation. This process not only enhances innovation but also ensures that decisions reflect the needs and insights of all areas of the organisation, leading to more effective solutions.
Manage and Shape Demand
Effectively managing and shaping demand is crucial for aligning resources with organizational goals. This involves understanding customer needs and market trends, enabling teams to anticipate and respond to changes proactively. By implementing strategies that prioritise high-value tasks and optimize resource allocation, organisations can enhance their responsiveness and efficiency, ultimately improving service delivery.
Scale Kanban Across an Enterprise
Scaling Kanban across an enterprise involves extending Kanban practices to multiple teams and departments, creating a unified approach to workflow management. This process requires developing consistent methodologies and training staff to ensure seamless integration. The goal is to enhance transparency, improve collaboration, and optimise processes organisation-wide, leading to increased agility and performance.
Apply Evolutionary Change Thinking When Leading Improvement in Organisations
Applying evolutionary change thinking involves embracing a gradual, iterative approach to organisational improvement. This mindset encourages teams to experiment with small changes, learn from outcomes, and adapt processes based on feedback. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience, organisations can effectively navigate challenges and drive sustainable growth over time.
Our approved guide-level practitioners have a wealth of experience and deep expertise in agile methodologies.
An electronic version of course slides, materials and workshop output will be provided after the training
All of our courses are available to be delivered in-house for your team or organisation
This course is available as part of a training package to maximise your training budget
Acquire the In-Demand Skills Employers Are Seeking with KDI
The KDI course equips participants with essential tools and techniques for successfully building and maintaining comprehensive Kanban systems, particularly enhancing the upstream design and innovation functions. Key benefits include
- Hands On Experience
- Kanban Maturity Model
- Real-World Application
- Equivalent to KSI


Upcoming Kanban for Design and Innovation (KDI):
No course currently planned
Our Trainers
This Kanban for Design and Innovation (KDI) course will be delivered by the trainer below:
Helen Meek
Helen adopts a holistic coaching approach, working with individuals, teams, and leaders across technical and non-technical areas. She specializes in enterprise-level Kanban and Scrum, regularly conducting public and private classes as an Accredited Kanban Trainer with Kanban University.
Helen actively shares her knowledge, having founded the Agile Coaching Exchange (ACE) and Kanban Coaching Exchange (KCE) user groups. She speaks at conferences and organised the European Scrum Alliance Coaching Retreats in 2014 and 2018.

Kanban for Design and Innovation Training Information and FAQs
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation is possible up to two weeks before the start of a course without cost. After that point, the full course fee is due regardless of whether the registered person participates in the course. Participants can be substituted without charge.
You can find full details of our terms and conditions for our training courses, including cancellation and transfer policies on our terms and conditions page.
When and where is the training?
Online Training:
Our training will be hosted on Zoom. Please ensure you are able to access Zoom prior to the start of the training if you haven’t used it before.
Why gain Kanban for Design and Innovation certification?
Why is this course important?
This course will teach the tools and techniques to successfully build and maintain end-to-end Kanban systems with a special focus on creating and improving the upstream design and innovation function. Attendees will get hands-on practice developing an upstream Kanban board, gain experience running a STATIK workshop for upstream development, be introduced to the Kanban Maturity Model, take part in exercises in turbulent flow and failure demand, and apply learning through real-world case studies.
This class is the equivalent of the Kanban System Improvements class (KSI) class but focuses on upstream Kanban systems, rather than downstream delivery.
Training Packages
Our training packages aim to serve you. They help you define a clear pathway for your professional development with a range of training at a more cost-effective price.
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, get in touch. We will work with you to create a bespoke training pathway that suits your or your team’s learning aspirations at a price that suits your budget.
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for on this page, please get in touch with a member of our experienced team.
For more details on our terms and conditions for our training courses (including cancellation and transfer policies), please click the button below: