This paper discussed how to use co-design approach to cultivate a strategic mindset of designers, which includes analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and management skills. With these capabilities, designers can respond to the increasing complexity of business and solve complex problems. However, design education has traditionally emphasized the cultivation of skills and a single problem-solving approach. In the co-design process, designers need to conduct multi-dimensional communication and coordinate with stakeholders to co-create solutions. This requires a higher level of strategic thinking and a holistic view. Integrating co-design into design education can be challenging, including coordinating multiple stakeholders, clearly assigning tasks, and leveraging their strengths. To illustrate this, the paper presents a co-design project —a new product development and strategic plan. The project involved multiple parties, such as professors, business owners, and industry mentors. The project was divided into several phases, research, ideation, prototype, and product launch. Integrating co-design into design education nurtures students’ strategic mindset and enhances their innovative thinking. Co-design expands students’ problem-solving capabilities, improves their communication skills, and enables them to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. Therefore, this paper suggests that design educators should integrate co-design to better equip students for the intricate and dynamic business environment.