Design Thinking Process Research Articles

Art, AI and Robotics: A New Pathway for Youth to Voice and Identity

To address the critical lack of representation in computer science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), we designed learning experiences for high school youth using culturally situated art and design principles structured to increase authentic engagement, particularly for underrepresented and underestimated youth. Referencing sociocultural practices from hip-hop, we invited students to engage with us in an iterative process of storytelling, creation, and fabrication. Through design cyphers, we centered student knowledge to define the why behind making robotic prototypes and address the benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence such as bias and stereotypes. By integrating cyphers into the design thinking process, we created spaces for students to communicate, collaborate, and create innovative solutions to prototype, iterate, remix, and advance to their final project. In collaborative peer reviews and gallery walks, the groups received constructive critiques at each step of the design process, from prototype to final project.

Developing a game design framework to embed student-centred learning

PurposeThis paper presents the student-centred experience (SCE) game design framework, which aims to guide the design of holistic student-centred digital game-based learning (SCDGBL) experiences, which fully integrate all seven tenets of student-centred learning (SCL). The paper also rationalises the need for the framework and presents the steps taken in its development.Design/methodology/approachInitially, the background areas of SCDGBL and digital game-based learning (DGBL) are examined, and the need for a framework in digital educational game design that has a focus on SCL is then established. The rigorous and systematic design thinking process through which the framework was developed is then stepped through. The completed framework is then presented, and each section is detailed to explain its utilisation within the process of digital game design.FindingsThe paper presents the completed student-centred experience (SCE) framework alongside a worked example of how it can be deployed in practice. Also included is guidance on the roles of the game designer and education practitioner at all stages of design, development and deployment and how they may contribute their experience during the game design process to create high-quality tools for learning.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the SCE framework presented is complete, it is presented as a first version and will benefit from wider deployment and testing.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new game design framework integrating existing knowledge on SCL and DGBL, which guides practitioners in the design of experiences that fully deliver the techniques of both areas.

Re-Engineering Nubi: A Design-Driven Approach to Cultural Sustainability in Korean Fashion/Textile Practice

This study delves into the realm of traditional Korean fashion/textile practice, known as traditional nubi and Tongyeong nubi (t/T nubi), and re-engineers it from a contemporary fashion perspective within the framework of cultural sustainability. Drawing upon the systemic design approach, the project employed specific activities to trace, decode, and reconfigure t/T nubi following the phases of exploration, reframing, creation, and catalyzation, aiming for innovative design in the contemporary fashion space. The paper emphasizes a holistic and iterative process, based on learning the practice of t/T nubi from artisans, understanding and recontextualizing the future envisaged for t/T nubi, and delivering creative outcomes. Utilizing the interpretative model of cultural sustainability through craft, the study also analyzed the outcomes, identifying impacts such as rethinking craft culture, decoding craft roots, and influencing craft culture. Striking a balance between safeguarding the practice and fostering creativity was challenging; however, the approach serves as a valuable reference for designers and/or artisans of traditional craft practice, bridging their knowledge and design thinking process with the enduring sustainability of this heritage craft. It also demonstrates the potential for designers to leverage traditional craft practices to drive innovation in design, production, and business.

The development and initial evaluation of conversation cards for optimizing consultations for patients with atopic dermatitis

Purpose: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) require both skills and support to effectively manage life with the disease. Here, we developed an agenda-setting tool for consultations with patients with AD to establish a collaborative agenda that enhances patient involvement and prioritizes on self-management support. Materials and methods: Using the design thinking process, we included 64 end-users (patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs)) across the different phases of design thinking. We identified seven overall categories that patients find important to discuss during consultations, which informed the development of a tool for co-creating a consultation agenda (conversation cards, CCs). Results: Through iterative user testing of the CCs, patients perceived the cards as both inspiring and an invitation from HCPs to openly discuss their needs during consultations. Healthcare professionals have found the CCs easy to use, despite the disruption to the typical consultation process. Conclusion: In summary, the CCs provide a first-of-its-kind agenda-setting tool for patients with AD. They offer a simple and practical method to establishing a shared agenda that focuses on the patients’ needs and are applicable within real-world clinical settings.

Agro-Health Tourism Management Innovation Based on Local Wisdom to The Creative Economy Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai

This research aims to 1) manage knowledge and wisdom about the use of herbal medicine in the Ban Muang Kham community, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, 2) develop herbal products and design health agro tourism activities by using the design thinking process, and 3) transfer knowledge of the developing herbal products and designing healthy agro tourism activities. The research was conducted in 3 phases, consisting of Phase 1 managing knowledge and wisdom about the use of herbal medicine in the Ban Muang Kham community, Phase 2 developing herbal products and designing health agro tourism activities by using the design thinking process, and Phase 3 transferring knowledge of herbal products and designing healthy agro tourism activities. The results of the study found that The Ban Muang Kham uses 24 types of local herbs and plants for treatment and health care. They have knowledge in processing 6 products for use in the household and for sale. The researcher has developed 3 prototype herbal products as follows: yellow oil with stretched grass tendon, herbal clay for knees, and foot soak herbs. This prototype product was developed based on the results of a survey of purchasing and demand of users and tourists. Then transfer knowledge on herbal product development through design 6 health agro-tourism courses to the community, contains a course on herbal processing to promote health tourism, product development course, packaging design course, Tong-sen massage course, course of eating according to life elements, and courses on calculating costs and selling prices. There were a total of 135 people participating in the knowledge transfer. The community should continuously drive community tourism development operations. Training in being a local tour guide to develop the potential of community tour leaders or tour guides to welcome tourists. Coordinate and create a network for community tourism development operations with local government organizations and local and provincial tourism partners to enhance community potential and strength. And improve the landscape to impress tourists or people who come to visit.

Designing Tourist Itineraries with Design Thinking and System Usability Scale: A Case Study of Uluwatu Island, Bali

Purpose: This research aims to design a travel itinerary media that integrates necessary elements from various sources and presents them in an attractive and informative format. The approach used is Design Thinking, which places the user at the center of the design process. Method: The research employs the Design Thinking approach, which involves five main stages: Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Data were collected through direct observation, questionnaires, and analysis of tourist behavior and preferences. The resulting prototype was tested by a representative group of users to assess the functionality and usability of the travel itinerary design. Result: The study culminated in the creation of a tourist itinerary media design, developed through the Design Thinking process. This design effectively integrates essential elements from diverse sources, ensuring it is both visually appealing and informative. Crucially, user testing with the System Usability Scale (SUS) produced an average score of 76.75. This score reflects a high level of user satisfaction and confirms the system's strong usability, highlighting the design's potential for enhancing the tourist experience. The positive reception underscores the study's impact in offering a user-friendly and engaging tool for tourism planning. Contribution: The main contribution of this study is the development of a more innovative tourist itinerary design that is in line with user needs. Through the Design Thinking approach, this research provides practical guidance for designing relevant and effective solutions in the tourism industry context.

AI 개입에 따른 디자인 씽킹 프로세스의 변화

The rapid evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence with innovative technologies is making a significant impact within the Design Thinking Process. By using the ChatGPT-4 model from OpenAI, this study aims to evaluate the impact of Generative AI on design activities and establish a theoretical framework by reevaluating the Design Thinking Process. This paper conducts both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative analysis is performed using experimental surveys, word frequency, co-occurrence frequency, and CONCOR analysis, and the qualitative analysis is carried out through post-experiment interviews. The findings, derived from the comparisons of teams with and without prior Generative AI experience, highlight the positive impact of Generative AI on problem-solving, idea generation, and the convergence within UX design practices. Additionally, through the in-depth interviews with participants, it is possible to confirm the novelty and usability of Generative AI in the Design Thinking Process. The intervention of Generative AI in the Design Thinking Process promises substantial benefits for enhancing the roles of UX designers and a shift in traditional design thinking, by facilitating increased creativity and productivity in UX design tasks. There is a call for broader recognition and integration of these technologies to redefine the UX design process and its outcomes. For a more integrated approach within the UX design methodology, future research should aim to explore Generative AI's extensive applications and implications in design.

Implementation of the design thinking process approach to improve crimping production working systems on lathes machines

Fulfillment of orders for a product in the lathe industry often misses the processing deadline because the production process time is not well measured. One of the products produced by a lathe is crimping, this product often takes a long production process until 23.80 working hours. The purpose of this research is to identify the problems that cause the standard time for the crimping process to be high and provide the best solution for companies to reduce the standard time for the crimping production process. This research method uses the Design Thinking Process (DTP) which is divided into 5 stages, including Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test also called the EDIPT stage. The application of the EDIPT method also uses several methods or improvement tools. The improvements that have been made by the company are from the causes of methods, humans, and the environment. This research has resulted in a decrease in the standard time for the crimping process which originally obtained a processing time in 1 product of 1,428 minutes, while the standard time for the implementation of improvements was 1,375 minutes, so this research has succeeded in reducing the standard time in the crimping production process or reducing CSF by 3.71%.

디자이너와 생성형 인공지능의 협업을 통한 디자인 이미지 생성에 관한 연구

This study focuses on the collaborative design between designers and generative artificial intelligence, aiming to create images that align with design intentions. In the theoretical background section, the theoretical foundations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the development of artificial intelligence are explored. The working principles and functional characteristics of ChatGPT and Midjourney are analyzed in detail, revealing that the reasonable combination of these two tools can significantly enhance the alignment and creativity of image design. From a cognitive perspective, the design thinking process of designers is analyzed, and the design thinking process of this study is summarized, providing experimental guidance for this research. Experimental results indicate that under the guidance of clear design intention prompts, the images generated by ChatGPT and Midjourney align with the designers' expectations. This reveals the advantages and limitations of generative artificial intelligence in image generation, offering references for future optimization. This study suggests that designers should maintain a leading role in the design process, using artificial intelligence as an auxiliary tool to expand creativity rather than replace human creativity. Human-machine collaborative design is feasible and effective, and this study also provides specific recommendations for designers to better utilize generative artificial intelligence.

BERTopic for Enhanced Idea Management and Topic Generation in Brainstorming Sessions

Brainstorming is an important part of the design thinking process since it encourages creativity and innovation through bringing together diverse viewpoints. However, traditional brainstorming practices face challenges such as the management of large volumes of ideas. To address this issue, this paper introduces a decision support system that employs the BERTopic model to automate the brainstorming process, which enhances the categorization of ideas and the generation of coherent topics from textual data. The dataset for our study was assembled from a brainstorming session on “scholar dropouts”, where ideas were captured on Post-it notes, digitized through an optical character recognition (OCR) model, and enhanced using data augmentation with a language model, GPT-3.5, to ensure robustness. To assess the performance of our system, we employed both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Quantitative evaluations were conducted independently across various parameters, while qualitative assessments focused on the relevance and alignment of keywords with human-classified topics during brainstorming sessions. Our findings demonstrate that BERTopic outperforms traditional LDA models in generating semantically coherent topics. These results demonstrate the usefulness of our system in managing the complex nature of Arabic language data and improving the efficiency of brainstorming sessions.

Identifying research priorities and essential elements of palliative care services for people facing malignant brain tumors: A participatory co-design approach.

Primary malignant brain tumors (ie, brain cancer) impact the quality of life (QoL) for patients and care partners in disease-specific ways involving cognition and communication. Palliative care (PC) addresses patient/care partner QoL, but it is not known how PC may address the unique needs of brain cancer patients. The purpose of this project was to identify brain cancer PC research priorities using participatory co-design methods. Participatory co-design included the formation of a longitudinal, collaborative advisory group, engagement frameworks, design-thinking processes, and social media-based engagement over a 1-year period. Community-identified brain cancer QoL needs and research priorities were mapped to proposed "essential elements" of brain cancer PC services. We engaged an estimated 500 patients, care partners, healthcare professionals, and others with an interest in QoL and PC services for people with malignant brain tumors. Research priorities included testing the early introduction of PC services designed to address the unique QoL needs of brain cancer patients and care partners. Essential elements of brain cancer PC include: (1) addressing brain cancer patients' unique range of QoL needs and concerns, which change over time, (2) tailoring existing services and approaches to patient needs and concerns, (3) enhancing the involvement of interprofessional care team members, and (4) optimizing timing for PC services. This was the first participatory research effort exploring brain cancer patient and care partner QoL needs and PC services. The brain tumor community calls for research testing PC service models for patients that incorporate the "essential elements" of palliative care.

Cocreating eating disorder education solutions: A design thinking approach to dietetics curricula in Australia.

As the prevalence of eating disorders continues to increase, there is an urgent need to equip the emerging dietetics workforce to provide care to this growing population. The present study aimed to describe a five-step design thinking process that was applied to brainstorm ideas and develop and test solutions for consideration in the future. A pragmatic, five-step design thinking approach was used during a 1-day, in-person design thinking retreat. Purposive sampling was used to identify key stakeholders, including subject matter, learning and teaching, as well as lived experience experts, dietetics students and recent graduates. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse brainstormed and design solution ideas. Seventeen participants attended the design thinking retreat in April 2023. Four education prototypes were developed and tested by stakeholders including: (1) a change to accreditation requirements for dietetics curricula; (2) a multimodal learning package for penultimate year students; (3) embedding disordered eating and eating disorder content into existing curriculum and upskilling educators; and (4) codesigning an eating disorder module. The design thinking retreat engaged a variety of stakeholders in curriculum design resulting in an array of prototype approaches that aimed to embed eating disorder content into university curricula. Further research is needed to test the prototypes and understand what impact this has on dietetics students' feelings of preparedness to provide care to people seeking this support.

Visual Analysis of the Design Thinking Process of Yixing Zisha Teapots

Yixing Zisha teapots are an integral part of China's intangible cultural heritage, with their design traditions primarily relying on oral teaching and practice rather than systematic theoretical research. To address this research gap, this study engaged 10 expert practitioners in a design workshop, where numerous design sketches were produced. Using visual analysis, these sketches were thoroughly visually analyzed to explore the design processes and thinking patterns of Yixing Zisha teapot creation. The results reveal that the design process involves six distinct aspects: design form, design methods, design themes, design proportion, Classical Chinese philosophy, and decorative design. By systematically analyzing these aspects, this study preliminarily constructs a model of the design thinking process for Yixing Zisha teapots. This finding provides valuable perspectives and theoretical support for standardizing and systematizing the design processes of Yixing Zisha teapots, aiding in the education of new designers, and preserving the vitality of this traditional craft. These achievements not only open new research directions for the future development of Yixing Zisha teapot design but also offer insights and inspiration for the design research of other traditional crafts.

Research on design thinking workshop based on protocol analysis: A case study of library usage scenarios

Design thinking has a broad range of applications beyond the design field, such as in libraries. However, significant differences remain between designers and non-designers in using design thinking tools for innovation. This study investigated these distinctions by examining the design thinking process. In a design thinking workshop focused on library usage, we recruited three groups of participants consisting of both designers and non-designers, who were assigned the same tasks and conducted similar activities. Through protocol analysis, significant cognitive differences between designers and non-designers in the design thinking process were found to involve information intention, long-term memory, working memory, creative thinking, and externalization. We concluded that the involvement of a designer is optimal for non-designers when using design thinking for innovation, particularly during the problem-framing stage. Additionally, we summarized the challenges faced by non-designers in utilizing design thinking for innovation and provided recommendations for improving design thinking workshops, including considerations for time management and staff allocation.

Design Thinking with AI

Abstract This research paper focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications to enhance the teaching of design thinking, aiming to provide a more effective and captivating educational experience. Design thinking, a creative problem-solving approach commonly taught in universities, emphasizes fostering students' creativity for innovative solutions to complex problems. Typically, workshops employ a straightforward toolkit comprising paper, stickers, markers, and prototyping materials. However, in response to students' pronounced interest in emerging technologies, this study investigates the integration of technology, specifically AI, into the teaching of the design thinking method. Conducting an analysis of scholarly articles published within the last two years, during the rise in popularity of AI applications such as Midjourney or ChatGPT, the paper examines the intersection of technology and pedagogy. The focus is on exploring how each step of the design thinking process can be enhanced through AI, elucidating potential limitations of employing this technology in teaching creative problem-solving, and determining the optimal balance between human creativity and machine learning. The overarching goal is to glean insights into successfully training students in the field of design thinking. It is important for educators to model responsible use of ChatGPT, prioritise critical thinking, and be clear about expectations. Educators need to present students the ethical implications of AI in education underlining the importance of skill and knowledge development rather than reliance on AI systems.

Situational analysis of hypertension management at primary health care level in São Paulo, Brazil: population, healthcare professional and health system perspectives

BackgroundGovernment-led, population-wide initiatives are crucial for advancing the management of hypertension − a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. An urban population health initiative was conducted against this backdrop, focussing on hypertension in the primary health system in São Paulo, Brazil. Within the frame of the initiative and under the supervision and leadership of the municipal health authorities, a situational analysis was conducted on the needs in hypertension management, marking the first phase of a Design Thinking process. This article describes the situational analysis process and presents the identified elements to be strengthened considering hypertension diagnosis, treatment and control.MethodsFirst, a mixed-methods approach was used, starting with a literature review of municipal hypertension data followed by meetings (N = 20) with the local public health administration to assess health system level components. To investigate activities on hypertension diagnosis, treatment and control, nine primary healthcare units were selected from two districts of São Paulo city– Itaquera and Penha– which received an online form addressed to managers, participated in conversation circles of staff and patients, and underwent shadowing of community health agents.ResultsData gave rise to two main outputs: (i) a patient care journey map; and (ii) a matrix summarizing the identified needs at patient, healthcare professional and health system level for diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension. Patient awareness and knowledge of hypertension was found to be insufficient and its management needs to be improved. For health professionals, disease awareness, technical training, more time dedicated to patients, and simplified guidelines and clinical decision-making tools for hypertension management were identified as principal needs. The situational analysis found that the healthcare systems efficiency might be improved by establishing defined treatment and care delivery goals with a focus on outcomes and implemented through action plans.ConclusionsThis situational analysis identified several needs related to hypertension control in São Paulo that are in line with global challenges to improve the control of CVD risk factors. Findings were also confirmed locally in an expansion phase of this situational analysis to additional primary care facilities. As a consequence, solutions were designed, promptly taken up and implemented by the municipal health secretariat.

Braille glove design toward interdisciplinary approach for visually impaired people: developing independent sensing design with MXene and embroidery

This study developed a wearable device designed to aid visually impaired people (VIP) who are unfamiliar with Braille and/or struggle to learn and use Braille employing the design thinking process. VIP often face challenges in learning and using Braille, and even with existing equipment, including smart technologies, they frequently experience aesthetic and emotional discomfort beyond usability and accessibility. The interdisciplinary research team conducted mixed-method research following the double diamond module of the design thinking process. Initially, qualitative interviews to analyze VIP’s Braille utilization were conducted to derive design factors. Subsequently, identified design factors were applied to conduct experiments with appropriate embroidery methods and connection structures using MXene-coated yarn. The strategies effectively enhanced pressure sensing performance by two times and realized highly localized and independent sensing to enable Braille recognition. Finally, a specific design for the wearable Braille recognition glove was proposed that incorporated these findings. The proposed wearable glove, equipped with a high-performance Braille recognition sensor, is designed to enhance the psychological and aesthetic satisfaction of VIP. The glove’s universal design and accompanying technical support allow VIP to maintain their existing Braille reading methods while enjoying enhanced performance and avoiding social stigmas.

Inclusive Leadership and Its Role in Organizational Innovation: Empirical Insights from IDEO’s Approach with Cineplanet

This study investigates the fusion of inclusive leadership and human-centered design thinking at IDEO, and their influence on fostering organizational innovation, specifically examining their application within Cineplanet, a key figure in the Peruvian and Chilean film industry. Since its inception in 1991 by David Kelley, Bill Moggridge, and Mike Nuttall, IDEO has championed transformative problem-solving in fluctuating market conditions. This report analyzes the amalgamation of IDEO’s teamwork and leadership models, examining the potential transference of their philosophy to augment Cineplanet’s service offerings and competitive stance. By dissecting the alignment of IDEO’s design thinking process with Tuckman’s Model of Group Development and exploring the synergy between distributed and inclusive leadership practices, this research provides a strategic framework for Cineplanet’s enhancement. The findings propose actionable recommendations for Cineplanet to adapt IDEO’s innovative culture to elevate customer experiences, thereby achieving sustainable market success.

Outcomes of an integrated STEM with design thinking module on preschoolers’ engineering practices

Research indicates that utilizing engineering design processes such as design thinking (DT) to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines yields positive outcomes. However, there is limited study on the effects of STEM education on preschoolers’ engineering practices. This case study evaluation examined the outcomes of an integrated STEM with DT module on preschoolers’ engineering practices in a private preschool in Malaysia. Two preschool teachers facilitated the learning of twenty preschoolers in two classes daily over four weeks. Data was collected through interviews and direct classroom observations, including fieldnotes, students’ artefacts, photos, voice, and video recordings. The qualitative data were analyzed inductively through thematic analysis. The findings indicated that the preschoolers engaged in numerous engineering practices while they actively participating in learning tasks. During their efforts to solve problems using DT process, they showed compassion for the characters in the stories and successfully defined the problem. The findings also highlighted the preschoolers’ ability to design and sketch their ideas. They demonstrated proficiency in constructing, testing, analyzing and evaluating their designs, as well as generating ideas to improve them and solve problems. Additionally, the results provided evidence that the engineering design process fosters collaboration and communication. Through iterative testing and modification, the preschoolers exhibited persistence and very positive learning dispositions.

A design thinking-led approach to develop a responsive feeding intervention for Australian families vulnerable to food insecurity: Eat, Learn, Grow.

Design thinking is an iterative process that innovates solutions through a person-centric approach and is increasingly used across health contexts. The person-centric approach lends itself to working with groups with complex needs. One such group is families experiencing economic hardship, who are vulnerable to food insecurity and face challenges with child feeding. This study describes the application of a design thinking framework, utilizing mixed methods, including co-design, to develop a responsive child-feeding intervention for Australian families-'Eat, Learn, Grow'. Guided by the five stages of design thinking, which comprises empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. We engaged with parents/caregivers of a child aged 6 months to 3 years through co-design workshops (n = 13), direct observation of mealtimes (n = 10), a cross-sectional survey (n = 213)and semistructured interviews (n = 29). Findings across these methods were synthesized using affinity mapping to clarify the intervention parameters. Parent user testing (n = 12) was conducted online with intervention prototypes to determine acceptability and accessibility. A co-design workshop with child health experts (n = 9) was then undertaken to review and co-design content for the final intervention. Through the design thinking process, an innovative digital child-feeding intervention was created. This intervention utilized a mobile-first design and consisted of a series of short and interactive modules that used a learning technology tool. The design is based on the concept of microlearning and responds to participants' preferences for visual, briefand plain language information accessed via a mobile phone. User testing sessions with parents and the expert co-design workshop indicated that the intervention was highly acceptable. Design thinking encourages researchers to approach problems creatively and to design health interventions that align with participant needs. Applying mixed methods-including co-design- within this framework allows for a better understanding of user contexts, preferencesand priorities, ensuring solutions are more acceptable and likely to be engaged.