17
Mar 2025
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Drama Classes for Kids
Mayoor Private School, 42nd St. Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi, UAE
In today’s changing landscape, innovative pathways are integral for the betterment of our present and a resilient future. Learn design thinking’s dynamic and flexible approach to deconstructing challenges in your professional and personal contexts.
Bridging theory and application, the workshop will engage participants in a hands-on, experiential approach to learning, delving into the introductory frameworks of design thinking and its real-world applications.
Join us for an immersive session to develop human-centric solutions rooted in empathy, creativity, and iteration.
Workshop Highlights:
· Understand the fundamental principles and stages of design thinking
· Develop skills to implement the five-step design thinking process: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test
· Understand how to apply these steps to practical scenarios ranging from personal challenges to complex societal issues to professional contexts.
· Learn strategies to ask better questions, take calculated risks, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
Note: Participation Certificate will be provided.
Aastha is an independent writer, scholar, and educator. They write essays on design, art, architecture, and culture, drawing from their background in architecture and an MS in Critical, Curatorial, Conceptual Practices from Columbia University GSAPP, New York. As Founding Editor of Proseterity, a literary publication, they work with thinkers and writers who pose new ‘what ifs’ to disrupt the status quo and forge alternative presents and futures. As an educator, Aastha teaches critical thinking, creative writing, and research methodology with a focus on ‘disrupting the episteme’. Their writings on design and culture, informed by anti-caste, anti-racism, and feminist politics, appear in Tribune Mag UK, Hyperallergic, ICON, Wallpaper, Metropolis, STIRworld, The Hindu, Disegno, and more. They have also held editorial roles in New York and Mumbai, edited books, and curated exhibitions and events. Aastha believes in the annihilation of caste, class, race, and gender and strives to work, live, and love by these principles.
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Understanding How Design Thinking Evolved
Design thinking has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s when it was primarily rooted in technical and scientific design. During this period, architects, industrial designers, and product/system designers began to explore how design could be utilised as a structured approach to solving complex problems. The focus was largely on functionality and aesthetics, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into a more comprehensive methodology.
In 1978 a pivotal shift occurred when the connection between design and creativity was recognized. This marked an important transition in how designers approached their work; rather than merely focusing on form and function, they began to incorporate creative problem-solving techniques into their processes. By the 1980s, design thinking had evolved into a solution-focused framework emphasising understanding user needs and iterating on ideas.
The 1990s saw significant developments with IDEO—a design consultancy co-founded by David Kelley—who played a crucial role in mainstreaming design thinking as we know it today. Kelley’s work alongside Tim Brown and Roger Martin helped solidify this approach within various industries. In 2004, Kelley founded d.school (the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford), which became instrumental in teaching this methodology. Since then, design thinking has transformed from being viewed merely as a method into an essential mindset for innovation across disciplines.
Contribution of Notable Experts in Design Thinking
Design thinking has evolved through the contributions of numerous influential figures, each bringing unique perspectives and methodologies to the field. One of the earliest proponents, Herbert Simon, emphasized problem-solving and decision-making processes in design. His work laid foundational principles that continue to inform design thinking today.
Horst Rittel introduced the concept of "wicked problems," Bill Moggridge was a pioneer in interaction design and co-founder of IDEO, a firm renowned for its innovative design practices. Richard Buchanan expanded on these ideas by exploring the role of design as a form of communication and problem-solving across various disciplines. Buckminster Fuller is celebrated for his visionary designs aimed at sustainability and efficiency, encouraging designers to think about their impact on society and the environment. Similarly, Victor Papanek championed socially responsible design, advocating for products that serve humanity rather than merely commercial interests.
Women have also played crucial roles in advancing design thinking. Deborah Szebeko has worked extensively on integrating strategic foresight into service design; Jane Fulton Suri is known for her emphasis on empathy in user experience; while Liz Sanders has been instrumental in developing co-creation methods that engage users directly in the creative process.
Together, these figures illustrate how diverse perspectives enhance our understanding of design thinking, making it an essential framework for addressing contemporary challenges across various fields.
Notable Examples of Uses of Design Thinking
Design thinking has emerged as a powerful methodology that transcends industries, from health to technology, enabling organisations—startups, nonprofits, or large corporations—to innovate effectively by centring their efforts around user needs. This human-centred approach encourages teams to empathise with users, define problems clearly, ideate solutions creatively, prototype rapidly, and test iteratively.
PillPack has redefined the pharmacy experience by using design thinking to simplify patient medication management. Airbnb revolutionised travel accommodations through its platform by understanding the needs of both hosts and guests. In the health tech space, Willow introduced the first wearable breast pump designed for convenience and mobility. Uber Eats, Nike, Netflix, and Life-saving Dot, are also examples that illustrate how brands across diverse domains harness the power of design thinking not only to understand but also to solve user problems more effectively—ultimately improving overall experiences and fostering loyalty among their customers.
