Design Thinking Models and Tools to Support the Design Process

Design Thinking (DT) is not only about solving problems but it also delivers multi-dimension, innovative, and pragmatic perspectives which reflect users’ demands. In education, DT has been regarded as a constructivist teaching methodology that integrates both divergent thinking and aggregated thinking. DT is a process from conceiving, prototyping to evaluation and finally defining innovative solutions. Such a process should be flexible, nonlinear, and dynamic. However, it depends on the application process of the Design Thinking models. Based on literature review and case study analysis, this section (1) reviews a list of typical Design Thinking models and their processes, (2) compares and analyzes these models to describe their core attributes and thinking characteristics, and (3) introduces commonly used thinking tools to explain how they provide new solutions for teaching design and engaging students in learning. This study provides new insights for educators to explore how to build a future school.