Why Use Design Thinking in Higher Education?
Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. – Edward de Bono
In today’s technology and information world, all the information that students need are available at one’s fingertips through the Internet. So, they need something more that can allow them to accomplish greater heights in life, whether in personal or professional life.
There are many unknowns regarding; what the future of employment holds. What exactly will a graduate job look like by 2025 or 2030? There is one thing that appears certain: human abilities that are superior compared to those of computers and artificial intelligence will get more acceptance in day to day activities. For instance, creativity, problem-solving, and empathy will be the need of the hour. The capacity to work across disciplines and cultures will be highly valued given the enormous issues the globe is facing.
We at Explorra Consultancy believe that one of the best approaches is to offer training and workshops that advance the concepts of empathy, problem solving, and understanding. All of this can be accomplished by introducing students to the human-centered Design Thinking Approach.
A study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) found that through design thinking, students applied the strategies they had learned to entirely new problems, without prompting, and that they also performed better on projects. Notably, the biggest benefits went to low-achieving students.
With Design Thinking Approach, students will be able to learn the important 3E’s which focuses on innovation and design. The three E’s are:
● Explore
● Experiment
● Express
Explore – This is the initial phase of the process, in which the student uses study, observation, comprehension, and documentation to gain a deeper understanding of self, others, and the world.
Experiment – This phase entails giving the observation data (data in the form of survey, interviews or brainstorming) a concrete notion and shape. Ideation, analysis & synthesis, ideation solution, innovation, prototype, rapid prototyping, and quick testing are among the techniques covered.
Express – This phase allows students to present their work using ‘doing skills,’ such as prototyping – putting an idea on paper, turning that paper into a concept/model, and then turning that model into business solutions, as well as building thematic displays and pitch decks.
Design thinking will help students develop a growth mindset, resilience, and entrepreneurial abilities to better prepare them for life in the real world. Design thinking will infuse students with:
- Ability to see and identify needs and goals given the context and limitations of a scenario
- Capacity to frame opportunities and creative possibilities
- Art of coming up with original thoughts
- Necessity for testing and improving solutions
Design thinking enables students to explore rather than force feed or just channel their thoughts in one particular method by giving them enough space and freedom to think. Students are able to develop innovative, useful ideas and solutions as a result.
What are you still holding out for? To learn more about our workshops and training programmes that help students develop, learn, and be prepared for the future, call us at or send us an email at
