Deepening students' experiences with problem identification and definition in an empathetic approach: lessons from a university design-thinking program

Abstract

Purpose

This study explored students' experiences of creative problem-solving using a design thinking approach in higher education, mainly focusing on the importance of empathetic approach in the problem identification and definition phase.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a descriptive qualitative research design and thematic analysis, in which observation and 27 semi-structured reports were used to reveal the impact of design thinking on undergraduate students' experience of creative problem-solving.

Findings

The authors found multiple themes in students' responses concerning problem identification and definition in design thinking, which could be described as a systematic innovation process. Four major themes were identified. They included identifying and defining problems in a real-world context, empathizing with people from the target beneficiary group as a process of problem identification and definition, working with a team to expand the empathizing view, and perceiving the need for deep exploration in the empathetic process and defining a problem.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the perceived role of empathy in students' creative problem-solving process. However, the main limitation of this study was the small sample size, which can limit the generalizability of the results of the study. Nonetheless, this study provides valuable insights into understanding the role of empathy and problem identification as an essential process in creative problem-solving.

Practical implications

It is worthwhile to integrate design thinking as an effective teaching and learning strategy in university education, particularly for fostering empathy and creative problem-solving skills in students. Among the processes of design thinking, empathy is critical in the problem identification and definition phase.

Originality/value

This study adds to existing knowledge by examining the role and ways of perceiving real-world problems in a human-centered mindset in university programs.

Citation

Kim, H.J., Yi, P. and Ko, B.W. (2023), "Deepening students' experiences with problem identification and definition in an empathetic approach: lessons from a university design-thinking program", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 852-865. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-03-2022-0083