Exploring Student Awareness and Perceptions of Design Thinking in Higher Education

Abstract

This study examined the awareness and perceptions of 37 Chinese students enrolled in an international business programme at a Thai university regarding design thinking. A quantitative approach was used, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire with 15 items on a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire assessed students' familiarity with the core principles of design thinking, including creativity, problem-solving, and user-centred design. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the results, providing an understanding of the students' knowledge and its relevance to their academic and future professional development. The findings revealed strong general awareness of design thinking, with most students recognising its emphasis on empathy, collaboration, and problem-solving, as well as its applicability across disciplines. A large proportion of students expressed interest in further learning about design thinking, indicating a positive outlook on its inclusion in their education and future careers. This research offers valuable information on student perceptions of design thinking and suggests areas for improving its teaching in academic settings.