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Design Thinking Intern Jobs in Maple Grove, MN (NOW HIRING)

PD Instore

3D Design Intern

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... Design Intern is an emerging creative contributor who supports the development of retail ... visual thinking and creative potential preferred * Interest in retail, branded environments ...

PD Instore

3D Design Intern

Minneapolis, MN

$20 - $24/hr

Summary The 3D Design Intern is an emerging creative contributor who supports the development of ... visual thinking and creative potential preferred * Interest in retail, branded environments ...

All JobsDesign Thinking Intern JobsDesign Thinking Intern Jobs in Maple Grove, MN

Design Thinking Intern information

See Maple Grove, MN salary details

$9

$19

$37

How much do design thinking intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for design thinking intern in Maple Grove, MN is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design thinking intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Thinking Intern, you need a solid understanding of human-centered design principles, creative problem-solving abilities, and often a background or coursework in design, business, or related fields. Familiarity with prototyping tools (such as Figma or Sketch), collaborative platforms like Miro, and knowledge of design thinking frameworks are commonly expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and open-mindedness help you effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and incorporate feedback. These skills are crucial for driving innovative solutions and delivering value to users in multidisciplinary environments.

What is the difference between Design Thinking Intern vs User Experience Intern?

AspectDesign Thinking InternUser Experience Intern
Required SkillsDesign thinking, problem-solving, creativityUser research, wireframing, prototyping
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, innovative projects, workshopsDesign teams, research sessions, usability testing
Industry UsageDesign agencies, tech companies, startupsTech firms, digital agencies, product companies

While both roles focus on improving products and services, a Design Thinking Intern emphasizes applying design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems creatively. In contrast, a User Experience Intern concentrates on understanding user needs through research and creating user-centered designs. Both internships offer valuable experience in the design and tech industries, often overlapping in skills and work environments.

What is a design thinking intern?

A Design Thinking Intern is a student or recent graduate who assists organizations in applying design thinking methodologies to solve problems and create user-centered solutions. They typically work on research, brainstorming sessions, prototyping, and testing ideas under the guidance of experienced team members. The role provides hands-on experience in understanding user needs, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to the innovation process within a company or organization.

What types of projects and team collaborations can a design thinking intern expect during their internship?

As a Design Thinking Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects that focus on understanding user needs, ideating creative solutions, and prototyping concepts. You will typically collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, to contribute fresh perspectives during brainstorming sessions and workshops. Interns are often involved in conducting user research, helping facilitate design sprints, and iterating on feedback. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world problem-solving while working closely with experienced professionals in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Thinking jobs in Maple Grove, MN? The most popular types of Design Thinking jobs in Maple Grove, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Thinking Intern jobs in Maple Grove, MN? For Design Thinking Intern jobs in Maple Grove, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Thinking Intern jobs in Maple Grove, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Design Thinking Intern jobs in Maple Grove, MN are:
Design Thinking Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Thinking Intern job openings in Maple Grove, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,270 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

3D Design Intern

PD Instore

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

MISSION
PD Instore is a future-forward creator of brand solutions that enlightens, inspires, and transforms the consumer's experience.
ABOUT PD
Founded in 1938, PD is a world-renowned design-to-build partner that crafts custom, future-forward brand solutions for some of the largest brands in retail
Summary
The 3D Design Intern is an emerging creative contributor who supports the development of retail environments, displays, branded experiences, and visual concepts that align with PD's clients and creative direction. Working under the guidance of the Creative Director and design team, this role offers hands-on exposure to the creative process from concept development through execution.
This internship is ideal for a current student, recent graduate, or early-career designer with strong creative instincts, curiosity around emerging technologies and AI-assisted workflows, and an interest in retail, spatial, and experiential design.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
  • Support the design team in developing thoughtful, brand-right retail displays, environments, and visual concepts
  • Assist in creating presentation materials, renderings, mockups, and visual storytelling assets
  • Contribute ideas and references during concept development and creative reviews
  • Collaborate with designers, strategists, engineers, and account teams to support project execution
  • Explore modular and scalable design solutions that balance creativity with manufacturability
  • Participate in brainstorming, sketching, digital visualization, and production preparation
  • Help organize and prepare files, decks, and assets for internal reviews and client presentations
  • Stay curious about emerging creative tools, AI-assisted workflows, digital culture, and evolving design trends
  • Support multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Fosters a culture that values family, innovation, collaboration and empowerment
  • Follows all safety and workplace policies

Competencies and Skills
  • Strong creative instincts with interest in retail, brand, spatial, or experiential design

  • Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Blender, SketchUp, Rhino, 3ds Max, KeyShot, or related software
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
  • Interest in digital culture, internet-native visual communication, and emerging creative technologies
  • AI-curious mindset with interest in using creative AI tools as part of concept development and workflow exploration
  • Experience with digital sketching tools such as Procreate or Adobe Fresco preferred
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to take direction, interpret feedback, and learn quickly
  • Organized, adaptable, and eager to contribute in a team environment
  • Ability to demonstrate and apply our workplace values
  • Flexibility to travel between multiple PD locations
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment

Education/Certification
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Interactive Design, Architecture, or a related creative field

Experience
  • Portfolio, coursework, freelance work, or personal creative projects demonstrating strong visual thinking and creative potential preferred
  • Interest in retail, branded environments, experiential design, fashion, gaming, digital culture, or contemporary visual communication is a plus
  • Exposure to culturally diverse, urban, or globally influenced creative environments encouraged.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • This role is primarily based in a collaborative studio and office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Occasional movement throughout office, production, or client environments may be required, along with handling presentation materials, samples, or prototypes.
  • Walking, sitting, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting may be required throughout the workday.

Benefits and perks we offer to full-time, regular employees
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 4% 401k Match with 5% Employee Contribution
  • Paid Time Off
  • Parental Leave
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Flex Time
  • STD, LTD and Group Life Insurance
  • FSA and HSA Options
  • Voluntary
    • Life Insurance
    • Critical Illness Insurance
    • Accident Insurance
    • Legal and Identity Theft Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Advancement
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee Recognition
  • English as a Second Language Education
  • Online Training Opportunities

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