The use of creative concepts and innovative methods, often referred to as design thinking, was for a long time a niche practice for nerdy innovators, or designers. Overtime it has evolved into an approach applied by professionals from different fields and industries. The Gender Unit of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, India Office took up the challenge of applying design thinking with partner organizations in the social rather than the usual business oriented framework. This publication gives you an insight into the process, the strengths, and specific challenges of the approach. It features experiences from the FES partner organizations and finally offers a practical guide to some of the methods that have been used throughout the process.