Abstract:

Design thinking is a relatively new concept in education, though it is deeply rooted in the scientific method. Design thinking works well with the concepts of problem solving as well as critical thinking and is a worthwhile method in project-based learning. Traditionally the term design thinking might be associated with graphics and art, but it is a process that can be practiced in all disciplines. Just as with other learning concepts, design thinking is another tool that teachers can use to help their students learn.

The core tenets of design thinking are Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Each of these stages in learning allows students to work through a project step by step and allows the students to skillfully master a learning process they can use for projects in all of their classes. While design thinking works well with group projects it can also be utilized by individual students.

Today’s students are very versed in creating a final project, but many are not aware of the design thinking process. Far too often students simply create a project and don’t take the time to analyze the steps it took to create that project. By showing students the design thinking process they will then be able to transfer the five tenets of the process into creating a better final project.

As part of this study, two different university level classes will have been surveyed on their past experiences with design thinking, as well as their experience with the five tenets of the process. One class will be a sophomore level class, while the other will be a senior level class. Both classes will be traditional in-person courses. Students will be shown how they can use the design thinking process in a classroom project. Upon completion of the project students will again be surveyed to find out their overall experiences with the design thinking process. Certain areas of the design thinking process including critique and reflection will be emphasized as part of this project.

This paper will explore the design thinking process though a literature review as well as classroom projects. Student’s prior experience with the design thinking process will be examined and student’s will be surveyed upon completion of a project based on the design thinking process.

Keywords:

Design Thinking, Project-Based Learning, Critical Thinking, Scientific Method.