A critique of design thinking : an interrogation into the value and values of design thinking

Abstract

This study aims to explore the value and values of design thinking as an approach. More specifically, this study interrogates and explores the value and values of characteristics in design thinking. Moreover, this study specifically focuses on and interrogates characteristics identified by Charles Owen and Tim Brown in more detail. An attempt is made to critically discuss preconceived ideas regarding the nature of design thinking as a methodology and process. As a result, the characteristics identified in this study serve as the main point of departure. These inform and guide the study towards an understanding of value and values within design thinking.

The understanding of design thinking relies on an understanding of design, but more specifically, the changing nature of design as a discipline and field of study. Therefore, this study begins with a brief history of design praxis, which serves as a foundation for contextualising design thinking. In addition, the history of design covered in this study serves as the foundation on which design thinking itself is based.

This study especially seeks to uncover the history and origins of design thinking from various points of view. The history of design thinking is fairly complex, thus the various points of origin assist in a better understanding thereof. These points of origin are critiqued and compared in an attempt to further illuminate the value and values of design thinking as an approach. As a result, the different origins of design thinking are linked to the characteristics identified by Owen (2005a:12-14; 2006a:3-5; 2006b:24-25) and Brown (2008a; 2009a:49-62, 71-77, 85-86), which further communicate the need for value and values in design thinking.

In addition, this study investigates various criticisms against design thinking, in an attempt to understand many of the uncertainties surrounding the term. Moreover, the various criticisms are discussed and critiqued in order to build a case for design thinking, as well as the value and values it may add to any future outcome.

Lastly, this study briefly explores the ethical values that underpin certain responsibilities within design thinking. Ethics and responsibilities play a key role in any design and design thinking outcome, and are discussed with this in mind. This study aims to explore the value and values of design thinking as an approach. More specifically, this study interrogates and explores the value and values of characteristics in design thinking. Moreover, this study specifically focuses on and interrogates characteristics identified by Charles Owen and Tim Brown in more detail. An attempt is made to critically discuss preconceived ideas regarding the nature of design thinking as a methodology and process. As a result, the characteristics identified in this study serve as the main point of departure. These inform and guide the study towards an understanding of value and values within design thinking.

The understanding of design thinking relies on an understanding of design, but more specifically, the changing nature of design as a discipline and field of study. Therefore, this study begins with a brief history of design praxis, which serves as a foundation for contextualising design thinking. In addition, the history of design covered in this study serves as the foundation on which design thinking itself is based.

This study especially seeks to uncover the history and origins of design thinking from various points of view. The history of design thinking is fairly complex, thus the various points of origin assist in a better understanding thereof. These points of origin are critiqued and compared in an attempt to further illuminate the value and values of design thinking as an approach. As a result, the different origins of design thinking are linked to the characteristics identified by Owen (2005a:12-14; 2006a:3-5; 2006b:24-25) and Brown (2008a; 2009a:49-62, 71-77, 85-86), which further communicate the need for value and values in design thinking.

In addition, this study investigates various criticisms against design thinking, in an attempt to understand many of the uncertainties surrounding the term. Moreover, the various criticisms are discussed and critiqued in order to build a case for design thinking, as well as the value and values it may add to any future outcome.

Lastly, this study briefly explores the ethical values that underpin certain responsibilities within design thinking. Ethics and responsibilities play a key role in any design and design thinking outcome, and are discussed with this in mind. This study aims to explore the value and values of design thinking as an approach. More specifically, this study interrogates and explores the value and values of characteristics in design thinking. Moreover, this study specifically focuses on and interrogates characteristics identified by Charles Owen and Tim Brown in more detail. An attempt is made to critically discuss preconceived ideas regarding the nature of design thinking as a methodology and process. As a result, the characteristics identified in this study serve as the main point of departure. These inform and guide the study towards an understanding of value and values within design thinking.

The understanding of design thinking relies on an understanding of design, but more specifically, the changing nature of design as a discipline and field of study. Therefore, this study begins with a brief history of design praxis, which serves as a foundation for contextualising design thinking. In addition, the history of design covered in this study serves as the foundation on which design thinking itself is based.

This study especially seeks to uncover the history and origins of design thinking from various points of view. The history of design thinking is fairly complex, thus the various points of origin assist in a better understanding thereof. These points of origin are critiqued and compared in an attempt to further illuminate the value and values of design thinking as an approach. As a result, the different origins of design thinking are linked to the characteristics identified by Owen (2005a:12-14; 2006a:3-5; 2006b:24-25) and Brown (2008a; 2009a:49-62, 71-77, 85-86), which further communicate the need for value and values in design thinking.

In addition, this study investigates various criticisms against design thinking, in an attempt to understand many of the uncertainties surrounding the term. Moreover, the various criticisms are discussed and critiqued in order to build a case for design thinking, as well as the value and values it may add to any future outcome.

Lastly, this study briefly explores the ethical values that underpin certain responsibilities within design thinking. Ethics and responsibilities play a key role in any design and design thinking outcome, and are discussed with this in mind. This study aims to explore the value and values of design thinking as an approach. More specifically, this study interrogates and explores the value and values of characteristics in design thinking. Moreover, this study specifically focuses on and interrogates characteristics identified by Charles Owen and Tim Brown in more detail. An attempt is made to critically discuss preconceived ideas regarding the nature of design thinking as a methodology and process. As a result, the characteristics identified in this study serve as the main point of departure. These inform and guide the study towards an understanding of value and values within design thinking.

The understanding of design thinking relies on an understanding of design, but more specifically, the changing nature of design as a discipline and field of study. Therefore, this study begins with a brief history of design praxis, which serves as a foundation for contextualising design thinking. In addition, the history of design covered in this study serves as the foundation on which design thinking itself is based.

This study especially seeks to uncover the history and origins of design thinking from various points of view. The history of design thinking is fairly complex, thus the various points of origin assist in a better understanding thereof. These points of origin are critiqued and compared in an attempt to further illuminate the value and values of design thinking as an approach. As a result, the different origins of design thinking are linked to the characteristics identified by Owen (2005a:12-14; 2006a:3-5; 2006b:24-25) and Brown (2008a; 2009a:49-62, 71-77, 85-86), which further communicate the need for value and values in design thinking.

In addition, this study investigates various criticisms against design thinking, in an attempt to understand many of the uncertainties surrounding the term. Moreover, the various criticisms are discussed and critiqued in order to build a case for design thinking, as well as the value and values it may add to any future outcome.

Lastly, this study briefly explores the ethical values that underpin certain responsibilities within design thinking. Ethics and responsibilities play a key role in any design and design thinking outcome, and are discussed with this in mind. This study aims to explore the value and values of design thinking as an approach. More specifically, this study interrogates and explores the value and values of characteristics in design thinking. Moreover, this study specifically focuses on and interrogates characteristics identified by Charles Owen and Tim Brown in more detail. An attempt is made to critically discuss preconceived ideas regarding the nature of design thinking as a methodology and process. As a result, the characteristics identified in this study serve as the main point of departure. These inform and guide the study towards an understanding of value and values within design thinking.

The understanding of design thinking relies on an understanding of design, but more specifically, the changing nature of design as a discipline and field of study. Therefore, this study begins with a brief history of design praxis, which serves as a foundation for contextualising design thinking. In addition, the history of design covered in this study serves as the foundation on which design thinking itself is based.

This study especially seeks to uncover the history and origins of design thinking from various points of view. The history of design thinking is fairly complex, thus the various points of origin assist in a better understanding thereof. These points of origin are critiqued and compared in an attempt to further illuminate the value and values of design thinking as an approach. As a result, the different origins of design thinking are linked to the characteristics identified by Owen (2005a:12-14; 2006a:3-5; 2006b:24-25) and Brown (2008a; 2009a:49-62, 71-77, 85-86), which further communicate the need for value and values in design thinking.

In addition, this study investigates various criticisms against design thinking, in an attempt to understand many of the uncertainties surrounding the term. Moreover, the various criticisms are discussed and critiqued in order to build a case for design thinking, as well as the value and values it may add to any future outcome.

Lastly, this study briefly explores the ethical values that underpin certain responsibilities within design thinking. Ethics and responsibilities play a key role in any design and design thinking outcome, and are discussed with this in mind. This study aims to explore the value and values of design thinking as an approach. More specifically, this study interrogates and explores the value and values of characteristics in design thinking. Moreover, this study specifically focuses on and interrogates characteristics identified by Charles Owen and Tim Brown in more detail. An attempt is made to critically discuss preconceived ideas regarding the nature of design thinking as a methodology and process. As a result, the characteristics identified in this study serve as the main point of departure. These inform and guide the study towards an understanding of value and values within design thinking.

The understanding of design thinking relies on an understanding of design, but more specifically, the changing nature of design as a discipline and field of study. Therefore, this study begins with a brief history of design praxis, which serves as a foundation for contextualising design thinking. In addition, the history of design covered in this study serves as the foundation on which design thinking itself is based.

This study especially seeks to uncover the history and origins of design thinking from various points of view. The history of design thinking is fairly complex, thus the various points of origin assist in a better understanding thereof. These points of origin are critiqued and compared in an attempt to further illuminate the value and values of design thinking as an approach. As a result, the different origins of design thinking are linked to the characteristics identified by Owen (2005a:12-14; 2006a:3-5; 2006b:24-25) and Brown (2008a; 2009a:49-62, 71-77, 85-86), which further communicate the need for value and values in design thinking.

In addition, this study investigates various criticisms against design thinking, in an attempt to understand many of the uncertainties surrounding the term. Moreover, the various criticisms are discussed and critiqued in order to build a case for design thinking, as well as the value and values it may add to any future outcome.

Lastly, this study briefly explores the ethical values that underpin certain responsibilities within design thinking. Ethics and responsibilities play a key role in any design and design thinking outcome, and are discussed with this in mind.