BEYOND DESIGN THINKING - WHOSE PERSPECTIVE IS DRIVING THE PEOPLE-CENTRIC APPROACH TO CHANGE?

This research paper attempts to position fundamental principles of design thinking within a framework of problem-solving theory. The roles that are assumed in a co-creation community, team or workplace, are influenced by a champion who arises and systematically anchors alternatives and ideas once proposals are about to be realised. By embracing diversity, design thinking introduces interdisciplinary challenges that can lead to radical change and break-through innovation. This paper attempts to trace design thinking back to its foundational concern with the design of novel products, services, and business models. Regarding design thinking as a problem-focused (rather than solution-fixated) ethos, mindset or disposition, instead of merely a practitioners' tool, we believe that this perspective is needed to deepen our understanding of design thinking. Hence, this paper provides a literature review at some depth, guided by a purpose-driven question: How do individual roles in an organisation become utilized throughout the anchoring and implementation of design thinking among stakeholders?