Design Thinking: Human-Centred Design Methodologies

Design Thinking describes processes involving the application of user research, ideation, participation, and collaboration for problem-solving and innovation across diverse cultural contexts. In practice, Design Thinking embraces rapid iteration, prototyping, co-design, participatory design, and other ethnographic and user-centred methods. Working in collaborative teams, the course encourages students to identify, articulate, and critically respond to ‘wicked’ problems in contemporary design. Addressing complex issues pertaining to broader societal and environmental concerns, student teams conduct research, frame and address transdisciplinary problems, and resolve these through creative outcomes. Students engage in critical thinking through design methodologies, theories, and processes to develop innovative approaches and solutions throughout the semester.