Problem Framing in Design Thinking Pedagogy for Transformative Praxis Toward Sustainability

Sustainability challenges, being wicked, make problem framing essential to effectively direct problem-solving efforts. Problem framing is the process through which sustainability issues are conceptualized, and it has implications for the action. Inadequate or lack of problem framing can exacerbate situations implanting unsustainability or restraining action toward sustainability. Therefore, problem framing can be considered a brink for transformative praxis toward actions to achieve sustainability. Higher sustainability education (HSE) has been linked to sustainability as it aims to educate leaders who can contribute toward dealing with sustainability challenges. To nurture such leaders, HSE must train learners on problem framing. The chapter discusses design thinking (DT) as a pedagogy to train learners on problem framing while presenting the design and implementation of literature-based tools for the problem-framing stage in DT during a Hybrid Field Exercise Course at the University of Tokyo. The presented tools are critically assessed based on learners’ perspectives, and the way forward is presented to improve the learning process further to train students on problem framing for sustainability. The chapter offers lessons to inform curriculum design and learning practice to train learners on problem framing in HSE.