Research Application of Design Thinking
Kavi Jain, Engineering Correspondent, shares insights on lab-based research at Princeton. One student, during their BSE Fall Semester, delved into the Engineering Sequence and was introduced to the concept of Design Thinking through a book called "Design Thinking" by Peter Rowe.
The student's project, a web-based calculator for the middle school science fair, calculated an individual's carbon footprint based on environmental factors like food consumption and public transportation usage. However, the project was disqualified because it lacked a hypothesis, which the judge considered a violation of the scientific method.
This experience underscores the adaptability of the scientific method, which is not only applicable to traditional scientific cause-effect experiments but also to design and engineering research projects. While the classic scientific method emphasizes hypothesis formulation and experimental testing, its underlying principles—iterative inquiry, observation, analysis, hypothesis generation, and validation—can be modified for other research types.
In design and engineering research, iterative cyclical processes resembling the scientific method are fundamental. For example, engineering design processes use similarly structured cycles of defining problems, creating solutions, testing prototypes, and refining designs. This approach aligns with the scientific method’s core of making observations, generating hypotheses (possible solutions), and validating through tests or experiments, but focuses on product realization rather than pure discovery.
Some frameworks explicitly integrate the scientific method with design research methodologies. For instance, the design research methodology (DRM) used in engineering blends interactive research principles with scientific inquiry cycles, emphasizing iterative development and validation tailored to complex technical problems. Scholars note that the scientific method is not a rigid recipe but a flexible, evolving cycle that includes creativity and adaptation, which suits the exploratory and applied nature of design projects.
Design Thinking places a relatively high importance on the solution's impact. Design Thinkers primarily focus on the overall effectiveness of potential solutions, worrying about the individual details afterwards. This creative and entrepreneurial research process promotes a mindset that values innovative and impactful solutions over traditional, hypothesis-driven research.
The student learned the importance of designing creative and impactful solutions. They also emphasized the importance of mentorship in research, stressing that going alone is not the best approach. Research-based courses, like the Engineering Sequence, provide a valuable platform for students to explore these concepts and develop their skills.
Design Thinking can be applied in disciplines beyond the scientific realm, such as art, fashion design, and novel writing. Its emphasis on creativity, impact, and the user experience makes it a versatile approach that can drive innovation across various fields.
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