AIPO Partners with Sterling Bank of Asia for a Design Thinking Workshop

The Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) partnered with Sterling Bank of Asia to host a full-day Design Thinking Workshop on July 24, 2026, at the bank's Head Office in San Juan City. The session brought together 25 participants from across the bank's business units for an immersive, hands-on experience in human-centered problem-solving.

Group photo of Design Thinking Workshop Participants

Sterling Bank of Asia, one of the Philippines' most progressive savings banks, has been on an accelerating path of digital transformation — most recently selecting a next-generation cloud-based core banking platform to modernize its operations. As the bank enters this new chapter, it recognized the value of equipping its people with a creative, user-centered approach to complement its technology investments. Design thinking offered exactly that: a structured yet flexible framework for understanding users, reframing challenges, and building solutions from the ground up.

The workshop, facilitated by AIPO’s Head of Ideation Support, Mr Steve Chaves, guided participants through the five stages of the design thinking process — Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Activities included stakeholder mapping through a "Web of Life" exercise, formulating "How Might We" problem statements, rapid ideation using the Crazy 8s method, and hands-on prototyping with physical materials. The session concluded with group presentations and peer feedback, reinforcing the iterative nature of the design thinking cycle.

Mr Steve Chaves facilitating the workshop

Five teams tackled real challenges drawn from their own work contexts. What emerged was a compelling range of outputs: some teams focused on streamlining operations through technology and automation, while others explored how to strengthen internal culture and deepen the bank's relationship with its customers. The diversity of ideas reflected a workforce that understands transformation as both a technical and a human undertaking.

Breakout groups that worked on finding solutions for varying contexts

AIPO continues to offer Design Thinking Workshops as part of its mission to foster innovation and creative problem-solving across industries. For organizations looking to build a culture of human-centered innovation — whether in banking, technology, education, or beyond — AIPO's workshops provide a practical, proven starting point.

---

Interested in bringing a Design Thinking Workshop to your organization? Contact AIPO at aipo@ateneo.edu or visit www.aipo.ateneo.edu