Design Thinking Process Research Articles

Promoting physical activity and a healthy active lifestyle in community-dwelling older adults: a design thinking approach for the development of a mobile health application.

Physical activity (PA) has wide-ranging, and well documented benefits for older adults, encompassing physical, cognitive, and mental well-being. The World Health Organization advocates for a minimum of 150-300 min of moderate intensity PA per week, supplemented by muscle-strengthening exercises. However, the rates of PA among older adults remain a concern. While portable technologies hold promises in promoting PA, sustaining long-term engagement continues to be a challenge. The aims of this study are to identify barriers and facilitators to PA in older adults, to develop an mHealth app promoting PA and an active healthy lifestyle in collaboration with community-dwelling older adults guided by the design thinking process, and to test it. A co-creative process was used, employing design thinking. Interviews were conducted to understand the needs of the target population and identify the problem of insufficient PA. Two cocreation sessions involving older adults and experts were conducted to generate innovative ideas. Participants were selected based on age (≥65 years), no severe illness, Dutch language proficiency, and active participation ability. Results were qualitatively analyzed and coded. Finally a prototype was developed and tested. Interviews with older adults highlighted diverse perceptions of PA but unanimous agreement on its importance. They recognized health benefits such as improved mobility, balance, and reduced fall risk, while emphasizing the social and mental aspects. Barriers included poor health, time constraints, weather conditions and fear of falling. Cocreation sessions identified key topics: perception of a healthy lifestyle, coping strategies, mHealth App features, screen visualization, and tailored notifications, which led to the development of a mobile app promoting PA and an active lifestyle. The app was stepwise prototyped. This study emphasizes the importance of promoting PA among older adults through a collaborative design thinking approach. However, the implementation of mHealth apps faces obstacles due to the digital divide, necessitating personalized solutions to bridge the gap. Moreover, it calls for further research to investigate the long-term impact of such interventions and explore behavior change patterns in this population.

EXPLORING THE CREATIVE POSSIBILITY OF A HYBRID DESIGN THINKING WORKSHOP THROUGH FINDING SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IN THE CHILDCARE ENVIRONMENT

Design thinking process has two ways of on and off-line. In the online method, it facilitates communication more freely through the setting of anonymity, while the offline method allows participants to understand the comprehensive context of the workshop. This study investigates the creative possibility of a hybrid design thinking process through a workshop using “camera-off ”: anonymous setting, “camera-on”: open setting, and instant visualization to find solutions for children’s safety in the childcare environment. In the methodology, a qualitative method of three-dimensional interviews and observations were used to collect the active participants’ opinions, and then the content analysis and the descriptive analysis were conducted. Three major childcare-related problems were noted during the workshop observations: 1) safety issues from children’s physical activities; 2) teachers’ excessive stress in childcare facilities, and 3) communication problems between parents and teachers. It was suggested that creative smart devices and artificial intelligence technologies could be helpful to relieve these problems. In insights of the hybrid design thinking workshop, the following points were noted: 1) active participants could freely share ideas in anonymous setting with “camera-off”; 2) active participants could understand various desires of diverse fields with “camera-on”, and 3) active participants could understand find core problems and solutions through instant visualization. Hybrid design thinking is an creative method for understanding problems and finding solutions.

Repositioning of Design Thinking in Science Education Research: Systematical Review

21st century science learning is design-based learning that can be applied with design thinking. Design Thinking in science education needs to be repositioned so that all stages can be applied to science learning. A more in-depth review of design thinking research needs to be carried out to identify research opportunities. The aim of this research is to determine the trends and focus of design thinking research, the fields of study and competencies measured by researchers in design thinking research, as well as the types of design thinking chosen by researchers. The method used in this research uses bibliometric analysis and literature review. The publications are from the last 10 years (2013-2022) from the Crossref, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Based on these results, it was concluded that there will be an increase in the trend of design thinking research in 2022. Eight design thinking research focuses were found with themes that are rarely researched. The field of design thinking research that is most widely applied is in the field of education, where the most researched competency is the design thinking process, but in the field of science education it is still not applied. There is a need to reposition every aspect of design thinking in science learning

CHULA Beyond Leading Changes: a Capacity Building Program for Campus Sustainability at Chulalongkorn University

Capacity building for campus sustainability has been recognized as a process of strengthening the university stakeholders’ skills to minimize the negative impacts of current crises and emerging challenges. While many universities emphasize capacity building through research and education activities, most, if not all, neglect activities for non-academic staff. Without the necessary capacity, the universities might not be able to realize their development plans. To address this issue, Chulalongkorn University developed a capacity building program called “Beyond Leading Changes” in 2021 which consists of three modules. The first aims to provide SDGs knowledge and raise awareness on the local and global challenges. The second focuses on the design thinking process in which participants were asked to empathize, define, and ideate potential solutions to sustainability problems. The last module utilizes the project-based leaning approach in which the skills were developed through engaging projects set around real-world problems. 70 supporting staff from various units completed the program which resulted in many interesting pilot projects that cover a wide range of issues. Nevertheless, the challenge remains to make the program more accessible and inclusive.

AIR QUALITY TESTING- A DESIGN THINKING APPROACH

This paper introduces a groundbreaking and holistic approach to revolutionize air quality testing by integrating design thinking principles, sensor technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Focused on addressing the critical challenge of air pollution, this research advocates for the development of user-centric, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for air quality monitoring. The design thinking process is comprehensively examined, covering crucial stages such as problem identification, ideation, prototype development, and user feedback. A central theme of this approach is the active involvement of stakeholders and cross- disciplinary collaboration, which ensures the creation of innovative and practical solutions. Real-world case studies underscore the tangible implications of this approach, emphasizing successful outcomes, including the development of affordable air quality monitoring devices and systems. Sensors and IoT technologies play pivotal roles in enabling real-time data collection, remote monitoring, and seamless integration with urban management systems, thereby contributing to enhanced environmental sustainability and public health. Additionally, this paper discusses the potential for adaptive air quality management strategies, wherein the data generated by these innovative monitoring systems can inform immediate response measures and long-term policy decisions. The adaptability and scalability of the proposed approach make it a valuable tool for addressing not only the challenges of today but also those of the future, such as climate change and evolving pollution sources.

Modern approaches to digital product development in the conditions of market variability

Currently, the interest in design thinking in the world has made it possible to add many techniques and visual schemes that can solve various kinds of problems, including for building a strategy to achieve the company’s goals, its corporate spirit and the development of creative skills of its employees. Already today, it is possible to call the merit of design thinking the shift of emphasis in corporate goals to customer orientation, to the mobilization of collective intelligence to solve problems, to understanding the importance of empathy, creativity and entrepreneurship. A comparative analysis of existing design thinking frameworks is given, including from researchers of companies and design centers such as Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University (d.school), The HPI-Stanford Design Thinking Research Program, Stanford d.school’s Design Thinking framework (IDEO), Google, Intel. Frameworks structure the process of design thinking in 5-6 phases: from empathy, when the needs and requests of consumers are studied, to testing an innovative product or service being created. The place of “design thinking” approach in the general concept of human-centered design is shown. The task of design thinking, the development of innovative products or services focused on human needs, is to provide a solution to a specific problem of a certain target audience. The paper outlines the principles of designing a digital innovative product. The five steps of designing a new product are described and the features of using various visualization techniques are given. The study uses such tools as the “Persona” model, Job Stories and User Stories frameworks. The creating process features of an innovative product based on the integration of design thinking, Lean Startup methodology and the theory of Jobs to Be Done are described. The life cycle of the innovation development “Creation – Evaluation – Training” is presented which is based on the process of validated learning. Changes in the outline of the business model in the lean startup methodology are presented. New segments have been added to the Lean Canvas business model – “Key Partners”, “Key Activities”, “Key Resources”, “Consumer Relations”.

Design Thinking in the Executive MBA

This article describes the redesign of a Strategic Vision course in an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program in the United States, and the subsequent use of design thinking as a critical problem-solving tool in the program itself. Using Design Thinking as the curricular framework, this experiential course aims to introduce business executives to solving business challenges through design thinking methodologies. Over eight weeks, student teams work with external project partners to produce creative business solutions to current and complex organizational challenges. Teams are introduced to Design Thinking and practice steps in the Design Thinking process by applying them to a real-life business challenge. Here, we describe the genesis of the course redesign, iterations on its content, and the feedback it has received from students, faculty, and project partners, in the hope that it will contribute to the curation of new design frameworks in higher education.

디자인 씽킹을 활용한 비형식 환경교육프로그램 개발 및 효과성 연구

Objectives The purposes of this study were to develop and apply an informal environmental education program based on the design thinking process to improve creative problem-solving skills of out-of-school youth.
 Methods In order to achieve the research objectives, an environmental education program using design thinking process was developed. The developed informal environmental education program was applied to 13 out-of-school teenagers belonging to the G-gun Youth Counseling Support Center. Afterwards, the skills for creative problem solving were investigated by pre- and post-tests accompanying open surveys, and in-depth interviews to judge the achievements of the objectives.
 Results As represented on previous research and literature analyses, three informal environmental education ex-perts designed a draft of education program. For the completion, the program was evaluated as well as validated by other five experts. Afterwards, the program was applied to the 12th educational program of the Busan National Science Museum <Learning Science 2.0> from May to June 2021, and its effectiveness was validated.
 Conclusions In this study, an informal environmental education program using the design thinking process was developed and applied to out-of-school youth. The effectiveness of the program was validated in that creative problem-solving skills and a core competency necessary for out-of-school youth were enhanced.

The Development of a Communication Tool to Aid Parent-Centered Communication between Parents and Healthcare Professionals: A Quality Improvement Project.

Good communication is central to good healthcare. As a result of poor communication between parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in clinical settings, this study aimed to address this problem by developing a communication tool to empower parents and act as a prompt for HCPs to talk about the child's care and gather information at the point of admission to hospital about what is important to families, therefore supporting patient-centered communication. A design thinking process was used to develop a physical copy of Chloe's card and evaluate its use. Design thinking is a problem-solving approach, which uses an empathetic lens to integrate viewpoints of different stakeholders throughout the process of creating solutions. Design thinking involves five processes: (1) empathise-including a literature review and data synthesis, (2) define-by completing semi-structured interviews with parents about their experience of communication and HCPs perceptions of parent's experience of communication, (3) ideate-iterate the design of Chloe's card with parents and HCPs, (4) prototype-develop the design of Chloe's card, and (5) test-pilot test in clinical practice. Results from this initial study suggest that a small hand-held card, with emoticons and a place to write concerns, was acceptable to parents and feasible to use in clinical practice. Parents do not always feel heard by HCPs and a tool such as Chloe's card may help facilitate sharing of information about matters important to them and their child. However, some HCPs felt the need for a communication tool undermined their clinical skills. Feedback from HCP participants suggests that the idea of Chloe's card was acceptable and perceived as potentially being useful in clinical practice. Further work is required, as part of a larger study, to further refine this communication tool, identify those parents who would benefit most from Chloe's card, as well as to further refine the HCP process prior to implementing it into clinical settings. It was noted future iterations would benefit from a digital version linked with a child's electronic record, as well as multi-language versions and information for parents.

Use of design thinking and human factors approach to improve situation awareness in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Optimal design of healthcare spaces can enhance patient care. We applied design thinking and human factors principles to optimize communication and signage on high risk patients to improve situation awareness in a new clinical space for the pediatric ICU. To assess the impact of these tools in mitigating situation awareness concerns within the new clinical space. We hypothesized that implementing these design-informed tools would either maintain or improve situation awareness. A 15-week design thinking process was employed, involving research, ideation, and refinement to develop and implement new situation awareness tools. The process included engagement with interprofessional clinical teams, scenario planning, workflow mapping, iterative feedback collection, and collaboration with an industry partner for signage development and implementation. Improved and updated communication devices and bedside mitigation plans. Process metrics included individual and shared situation awareness of PICU care teams and our patient outcome metric was the rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) events pre- and post-transition. When evaluating all patients, shared situation awareness for accurate high-risk status improved from 81% pre-transition to 92% post-transition (p = .006). When assessing individual care team roles, accuracy of patient high-risk status improved from 88% to 95% (p = .05) for RNs, 85% to 96% (p = .003) for residents, and 88% to 95% (p = .03) for RTs. There was no change in the rate of CPR events following the transition.

Reimagining the Rheumatology Fellowship Interview: Using Participatory Design-Thinking Process to Create a More Applicant-Centered Experience.

Design thinking is a creative problem-solving process used to better understand users' needs and experiences so that a product or service can be improved. Its emphasis on empathy, iterative prototyping, and participatory collaboration make it an ideal methodology for innovation in medical education. We apply this framework to the virtual rheumatology fellowship interview process so that interviews can become more applicant centered. This educational quality improvement project uses a design-thinking framework to identify opportunities and challenges for rheumatology fellowship applicants. The investigators use the 5-step process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) and incorporate rapid qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews to innovate the interview experience. The iterative and collaborative nature of this process has empowered participants to codesign an applicant-centered interview experience. Interviews with fellowship applicants (n=9), fellow physicians (n=4), and faculty members (n=3) identified three major dynamics of the interview process: (1) Is it a safe environment to ask questions? (2) How do I exchange information effectively? and (3) How do I fit all these data into the bigger picture? Creative brainstorming techniques at a series of three workshops yielded four prototypes emphasizing customization, hybridization, facilitation, and preparation. A finalized applicant-centered interview template was devised in preparation for the 2023-2024 application season. Design thinking has yielded insights into three important dynamics that drive applicant experiences. These insights allow for a redesign of processes so that virtual interviews can be more applicant centered. This framework allows for further iterations and modifications as the needs of applicants and programs evolve over time.

The effects of two empathy strategies in design thinking on pre-service teachers’ creativity

Teachers are increasingly encouraged to creatively integrate technology into their classroom instruction as designers of technology-enhanced learning (TEL). However, they are often not competent in designing TEL due to their lack of experience as participatory designers as well as the ill-structure nature of TEL design problem. Design thinking, as a methodology and a framework for the design process, can serve as a guideline for the development of pre-service teachers’ creativity. However, there is a lack of research investigating whether the strategies used in the empathizing stage of the design thinking process affect pre-service teachers’ creativity differently. This study explored the effects of two commonly used empathy strategies, interview and observation, on pre-service teachers’ creativity through a six-week learning design activity for pre-service teachers majoring in Science and Technology Education at a first-tier university in China. The results of this quasi-experimental research showed that the pre-service teachers using the interview empathy strategy performed better in creative problem-solving performance. While there was no significant difference in the pre-service teachers’ creative thinking disposition between the two empathy strategies, the pre-service teachers using the interview strategy reported more positive creative confidence in their creativity than those using the observation strategy. This study suggests future research directions for supporting design thinking–based instructional design.

O.5.2-9 Development of an active lifestyle intervention to promote physical activity sustainably in stroke patients: study design

Abstract Purpose Physical inactivity is a major public health concern and a growing problem among stroke patients. Despite existing interventions, current approaches are not successful in promoting physical activity sustainably in stroke patients, particularly when transitioning from clinical care to the home environment. In co-creation with patients and healthcare professionals, this study develops an active lifestyle intervention, tailored to patients' personal, social, and environmental determinants, to promote an active lifestyle in their own living environment. Methods A co-creative design-based approach will be used for the development of an active lifestyle intervention. The design process involved collaboration with stroke patients, physiatrists, physiotherapists, lifestyle coaches and health behavior professionals. A classic design thinking process will be used to structure the research activities in five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test phases. To gather the needs and requirements for the intervention, interviews (n = 15) and focus group sessions (n = 15) will be held. An iterative process of prototyping will lead to a final version of the active lifestyle intervention. Results At the conference, our team will be able to present the design of the study, focusing in particular on the aspect of engaging patients to co-create the design-based intervention so that patients’ personal, social and environmental determinants for sustained behavior change in the home environment can be adhered to. Conclusion Designing an active lifestyle intervention together with patients and professionals, using the co-creative design-based approach, will help to gain deeper insights in the specific needs and requirements of stroke patients transitioning from clinical care to the home environment.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Computational Thinking and Design Thinking Skills of Science Teacher Candidates

Objective: Today's problems, which affect society and the environment, require individuals to have comprehensive skills. In this regard, it is essential to possess Computational Thinking (CT) and Design Thinking (DT) because it encompasses many dimensions and facilitates learning. Since DT processes are production-oriented, they can concretize computational processes that seem abstract to students. Therefore, using DT and CT together can improve both skills' development. However, it is seen that there needs to be a gap in investigating the relationship between CT and the DT skills of science teacher candidates. Therefore, the current research investigated the relationship between CT and DT skills among 94 science teacher candidates in the first and fourth years of their education and whether their skills differed based on grade level. Method: For this objective, a relational research model from quantitative research methodologies was utilized to understand whether variables interacted and gain valuable insights. Results: The results showed a positive relationship between science teacher candidates' CT and DT skills. Moreover, their skills differed according to grade level. Novelty: In this respect, this research contributes to the literature by stating that it could be beneficial to incorporate CT and DT skills in courses designed to acquire these two skills.

A design course for every student

Integrating STEAM with human-centered design is one way to transform the teaching of high school mathematics. Susanna Kemp described how this was done at Evanston Township High School in Illinois through a project-based learning class called STEAM Design Thinking & Innovation. The course equips students with real-world skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, curiosity, collaboration, and empathy. Kemp describes the creation of the course as well as the design thinking process, shares how the course addresses critiques of design thinking, and encourages educators to develop curricula that focus on process over outcome and that de-emphasize competition.

Reaping Research Skills from the Rigorous Application of Design Thinking

This paper investigates the relationship between design thinking and the research process, and argues that design thinking can foster the development of research skills. The paper reports on a case where first year Information Systems students apply Design Thinking (DT) in an Internet of Things (IoT) practical assignment. The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI)’s design thinking process is applied, which entails five phases: empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test. In the Empathise phase, students must collect and analyse data in order to understand user needs. This enables them to arrive at an evidence-based problem definition in the define phase. Later, during the test phase, data is again collected and documented on the user’s experience of the prototype. User feedback is then compared with the documented user needs and adjustments are made to address the possible gap. While design thinking is not a conventional research methodology, its use in this manner adds rigour and a scientific base for devising creative solutions. In the group assignment, students were required to document their implementation of the five DT phases by means of a group blog, which was used to assess their projects. While assessing the blogs, the lecturers noted that the students who were more thorough and meticulous in documenting and analysing the user need data, were able to arrive at designs that more appropriately responded to the user’s needs. Furthermore, students who provided quotes and/or transcripts of their user interviews, followed by similarly documented feedback during the demonstration and testing of their prototypes, not only convinced that they addressed the real user problem, but the rigour they applied facilitated more innovative designs. This was an interesting finding, because the innovation itself is usually associated with the creative phases (ideate and prototype) rather than the empathise and test phases. This paper argues that when applying DT in a rigorous manner, students are enabled not only to produce better designs, but they also gain valuable research skills for their future benefit.

Assimilation Process of Design Thinking in the Scarfing Tool Fabrication for Aircraft Composite Repair

Abstract Repairing aeronautical products made of composite materials has been a significant challenge for the aviation industry. Composite materials are used in a variety of aerospace applications. The researchers used a mixed method in the study. They administered a four-point Likert scale survey to students enrolled in the AMT airframe composite laboratory in the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023. The study's results demonstrated the performance of the prototype guiding gadget—interviews with key informants unearthed problems and recommendations for improving the guide tool prototype (KII). KII was attended by five AMT instructors and students in total. According to the study's findings, practitioners require a new tool that would assist them in simplifying repair procedures while still producing adequate results while working on aviation composites. Mending composite components is challenging for practitioners of all skill levels, including those with extensive experience and novices. Using specialist instruments is an essential component that plays a significant role in supporting professionals to complete their repair work with self-assurance and successfully deliver the desired outcomes. Students should work with a guide tool prototype when learning how to repair aviation composites. AMT students and faculty members utilize this prototype to improve composites effectively. The organization will profit from having access to this lightweight and reasonably priced directing tool. Keywords: engineering, aircraft composite repair, design thinking, portable guide tool.

Applying design thinking for collaborative strategic planning in global health partnerships: the Operation Smile experience

Background Power asymmetries between global health actors based in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and those based in High-Income Countries persist. Often actors in low-resource settings are seen solely as implementers of projects designed in High-Income Countries and are often not involved in the decision-making. To tackle the problem of power imbalances, a human-centered framework of design thinking was used for inclusive strategy development. This paper discusses how design thinking was used as a framework for the co-creation of Operation Smile Malawi’s (OSM) long-term strategy in a collaborative environment with in-country and international partners. Methods The strategic planning process included a situation analysis, priority setting workshop and participant feedback. A four-question design thinking framework was used to frame the three-day priority setting sessions; ‘what is’, ‘what if’, ‘what wows’, and ‘what works’. Design thinking tools that were used during the priority setting workshop included; visualization, journey mapping, mind mapping, brainstorming and concept development. At the end of the priority-setting sessions, an e-survey was used to assess the participants’ understanding and perception of the use of design thinking for strategic planning. Results The product of the process was a long-term strategy with goals, activities and strategies that were understood and agreed upon by all stakeholders. The post-workshop e-survey revealed that all participants responded that the design thinking process fostered team spirit during the entire process. The design thinking process also made the strategic planning workshop more productive and enabled participants to incorporate their own ideas into the five-year strategy. Furthermore, participants reported learning something outside their area of expertise. Conclusions As global health organizations increasingly recognize the need for equitable partnerships in the design and implementation of global health programs, the human-centred approach of design thinking can be used to create open and collaborative program design.

Use of Design Thinking to Grow the Reach and Relevance of Evidence-Based Practice Education Across a Health Care System.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) skill building among clinical nurses is a priority for nurses in professional development because it is well known that this approach to clinical decision-making results in safe, cost-effective, person-centered care. Recent studies indicate widespread lack of self-reported competency in EBP skills among nurses, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing programs that meet clinical nurses' needs for EBP education. The goal of this design thinking project was to expand and diversify an EBP skill building program to provide more widespread accessibility across a multi-hospital health care system. The team followed the five-step human-centered design thinking process to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test an innovation. Based on end user feedback, a dual-track EBP educational program, with options for an intensive yearlong hybrid EBP Scholars program and a three-session skill building webinar series, was implemented. Design thinking provides a rich framework for incorporating end user feedback to generate innovations to address challenges in health care. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(8):360-366.].

How Digital Systems Are Used in Swedish Home Care Nursing Practice: A Qualitative Interview Study to Identify Challenges and Opportunities.

This study investigates how digital technology is used (or not used) in home care nursing, to identify challenges and opportunities that can move the digitalization of home care nursing forward. The use of digital technology in daily practices of home care nursing was analyzed based on semistructured interviews in four Swedish home care organizations. The results correspond to the two initial stages of a design thinking process: (1) knowledge about users and the use context, presented as an up-to-date description of how digital technology has affected home care nursing practice, and (2) definition of areas for improvement, presented as challenges and opportunities. We identified the following areas to proceed with in the subsequent stages of designing home care nursing digitalization: (1) nurses' ability to access information and conduct documentation in the field, particularly how new digital systems are integrated with existing routines and systems; (2) the multitude of communication processes that nurses must manage, including communication channels that are used and the level of synchronicity; (3) an increasingly complex digital working environment, where evaluating existing systems and routines is one way to learn where improvements can be most efficient.