Article
Engaging Through Design Thinking: Catalyzing Integration, Iteration, Innovation, and Implementation
e Journal of Public Affairs
(2019)
Abstract
In response to the challenges presented by traditional university and classroom structures, this article offers a set of hybrid pedagogical strategies for transdisciplinary, collaborative, community-based learning that responds to a “real-world need” in “real time.” These strategies emerge from “Design Thinking to Meet Real World Needs,” a project-based general education undergraduate course that harnesses best practices from research on design thinking, transdisciplinarity, and sustainability science. Seeking to inspire empathetic listening and creative confidence (Kelley & Kelley, 2013), the course begins in partnership and in place, engaging students in collaborative participatory action. Emphasizing integration, iteration, ideation, and implementation, the course encourages students to innovate in order to address a local wicked problem. This article is particularly relevant for educators and administrators hoping to catalyze innovative co-participatory engagement projects that move beyond traditional university structures and thus engage more directly with the needs of the community.
Keywords
- civic engagement,
- design thinking,
- wicked problems,
- pedagogy,
- creative confidence
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring 2019
Citation Information
Danielle L Lake, Marc Lehman and Linda Chamberlain. "Engaging Through Design Thinking: Catalyzing Integration, Iteration, Innovation, and Implementation" e Journal of Public Affairs Vol. 8 Iss. 1 (2019) ISSN: 2162-9161 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/danielle_lake/53/