Foundational Concept

Understanding the difference between Design Thinking and traditional problem-solving approaches is crucial for knowing when and how to apply each method effectively. While both aim to solve problems, they differ fundamentally in their assumptions, processes, and outcomes.

Understanding the history of Design Thinking reveals why it works, how it became widespread, and where it's heading. This evolution story spans six decades and involves some of the most influential thinkers in design, business, and innovation.

Through seven years of research across 20+ industries with over 1,000 participants, I discovered that Design Thinkers aren't just people who know the process, they're individuals who possess and actively use specific capabilities. More importantly, I found that these capabilities are innate human abilities that everyone possesses, though their strength and expression vary significantly among individuals.

One of the challenges with introducing Design Thinking is that this concept does not have one agreed-upon definition. Depending on the source you consult, the definition differs slightly, and the concept can be elusive to understand. To address this challenge, I consulted 164 pieces of scholarly and popular literature to arrive at a research-based definition. Here's how I answer the question: What is Design Thinking?