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Exploring Design Thinking for Innovation in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Review of Varied Influential Factors

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  • Oluwatoyin Ayodele AJANI

    (Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Durban University of Technology, South Africa)

  • Shoba RATHILAL

    (Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Durban University of Technology, South Africa)

Abstract

This paper reviews current research about the use of design thinking in inspiring innovation at higher education institutions. One such aspect of design thinking, a human-centered approach, has found a foothold in various industries, including the educational sector, with many perceiving design thinking as the way to tackle complex matters. This study synthesizes different possible variables related to the applicability of higher education design thinking. Important among these are empathy, collaboration, and iteration, as well as their role in enhancing innovative growth among faculty, students, and staff. It looks at the extent of the culture of an organization, the openness and support of leadership, and choices, while at the same time examining the stumbling blocks that would face the regular diffusion of design thinking in educational practices, e.g. the resistance to change, the absence of support within the educational environment, and reluctance in training. This work, then, is very much pertinent to the broader understanding of design thinking as a lever for innovation in higher education by practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.

Suggested Citation

  • Oluwatoyin Ayodele AJANI & Shoba RATHILAL, 2025. "Exploring Design Thinking for Innovation in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Review of Varied Influential Factors," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 12(1), pages 21-32, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:jsserr:v:12:y:2025:i:1:p:21-32
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15804504
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sihem Ben Mahmoud Jouini & Christophe Midler & Philippe Silberzahn, 2016. "Contributions of Design Thinking to Project Management in an Innovation Context," Post-Print hal-02313406, HAL.
    2. Louiza BELAID, 2024. "Transforming Learning in Algerian Higher Education: The Impact of UFMC Training on Technology Integration," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 11(2), pages 8-16, December.
    3. Marco Brand & Victor Tiberius & Peter M. Bican & Alexander Brem, 2021. "Agility as an innovation driver: towards an agile front end of innovation framework," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 157-187, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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