PI: Jonathan Antonio Edelman

Abstract

Context:
Design Thinking is undergoing a critical transformation. As Design Thinking becomes a robust discipline, anecdotally based methods and practices must be replaced by new content grounded in empirical evidence and rigorous theory.

Problem:
From the Academy, Design Thinking is challenged to communicate the same rigor and theoretical depth required by other academic disciplines; from Industry the demand is for robust, reliable and verifiable methods.

Solution:
The development of research-based training materials with an emphasis on domain appropriate tools for Digital Engineering, Digital Transformation and Innovation.

Reseach questions:
Can research-based educational training materials improve performance of design teams?
Does increased team performance due to research-based educational training materials lead to better design outcomes?

Goals:
Create and verify a collection research-based training materials for Design Thinkers. Radically improve design team performance.

Plan:
Survey Design Thinking research conducted over the past decade. Select cases for development. Iteratively Develop new frameworks, tools and methods. Test and Verify new training materials with design teams.

Analysis:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of video streams (measuring behaviors, team interactions; questionnaires (participant satisfaction), outcomes of redesign challenges (expert assessment).

Validation:
Measurement of team performance and redesign challenge outcomes:
Quantitative, measurement of team performance.
Qualitative: expert assessment of design outcomes.