Design thinking is a term used to define a process of analyzing a situation or problem, applying human-centered, creative methods to generate ideas and effective solutions, testing those solutions, and repeating the process until a final solution is selected (Razzouk & Shute, 2012; Stefaniak, 2020). The Design Thinking (DT) model is a prescription for designing that outlines the iterative processes as steps and is usually portrayed in a linear diagram beginning with empathy. According to some in the design field, DT is a step-by-step process developed for non-designers to help understand the creative process (Jen, n.d.). The steps are empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
The underlying concept for DT is empathizing with the user of a product or process. Empathy is the core step of the process because it identifies with the person or group of people who will be using the product or service. Defining the problem and creating a variety of solutions occur during the next steps. Once an idea is selected a prototype is created and tested with the user and the process repeats. The process is one of continuous improvement. The last step in the model is basically a feedback loop that repeats until an acceptable solution is reached.
Design thinking has potential to reshape education by targeting the motivations and interests for all age levels. By empathizing with the students in K-12 or adults learning online, personalized education experiences that increase interest and apply deep learning principles may improve dropout rates and provide motivation to continue learning. The D.School at Stanford University created a deeper learning puzzle bus as a creative way to engage high school students and measure collaborative problem-solving skills that are essential and difficult to measure through standardized testing. The puzzle bus toured the country and tested the idea on students and teachers around the country.
References
Razzouk, R., & Shute, V. (2012). What is design thinking and why is it important?. Review of educational research, 82(3), 330-348.
Stefaniak, J. (2020). The utility of design thinking to promote systemic instructional design practices in the workplace. TechTrends, 64(2), 202-210.
Brown, Tim. (n.d.). TED talk from Tim Brown: Designers – Think big!
Jen, Natasha. (n.d.). 99U presentation by Natasha Jen.