Design Research

Design thinking is a thought process that depends on examining all sides of an issue from both a practical and a creative perspective before deciding what course of action is most likely to achieve the desired goal.

Design thinking, which is a major tool within the business world, is a form of solution-focused thinking. The major aspects of design thinking are:

• understanding the practical and emotional needs of a client
• using prototypes or physical models to explore possible ways of achieving goals, and
• being willing to try different paths even though they may result in failure.

Unlike the scientific method of thinking, which is based on a thorough analysis of a problem and involves both observation and experimentation, design thinking begins with a specific goal in mind and then investigates all possible paths that travel toward that goal. With design thinking, it is often necessary to redefine terms, repeat steps, and reexamine initial ideas before achieving the ultimate goal. -- Salem Press Encyclopedia