Redefining the Innovation Capacity of Design Thinking Approach Through In-Depth Understanding of Designerly Capabilities

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing interest in studying design thinking from a capability perspective, given the need for deep implementation at the organizational mindset level. However, the impact of the cognitivist paradigm on design thinking has led to a narrow conceptualization of it as a problem-solving process, which overlooks some of its essential capacities. As a result, the ability of design thinking to extract the real capabilities of designers has been weakened. To address this shortcoming, this study focused on extracting designerly capabilities from the original resource by engaging with designers themselves. In-depth interviews were conducted, and the results were thematically analyzed. The findings reveal that designerly capabilities are significantly different in depth and scope from those derived from the conventional academic view of design thinking. The study identifies some key features of design thinking as practiced by real designers, as follows: Engaging with multiple layers of a problem, Skipping and releasing ideas, Adjusting iteratively, Recognizing patterns, Translating concepts, Incorporating and extending existing solutions, and Balancing ambiguity and clarity, as well as Envisioning and imagining possibilities, Expanding the scope of inquiry and Facilitating confrontation and feedback. These features can be grouped into four dimensions: (1) reflection, (2) generation, (3) inspiration and (4) engagement, which show the dynamic capability of design thinking. This complements previous research and suggests ways to improve the innovation potential of design thinking in organizations.