Design Thinking for New Business Contexts: A Critical Analysis through Theory and Practice

This textbook identifies and critically explores the new business landscape through the lens of design thinking and contemporary industry practice, bridging the divide between the design and business domains. The book outlines the evolution of design thinking and the relationship between business and design, as well as provides in-depth studies of design thinking in turbulent business contexts, that includes the themes of sustainability, branding and organisational innovation. At its core, it articulates that design thinking is vital to establishing dynamic interdisciplinary thinking models that lead to organizational innovation. Featuring case studies and learning tasks, the book presents design thinking for readers as an organisational philosophy as opposed to a simple problem-solving tool.

Yujia Huang is a lecturer at University of Dundee, Scotland. Drawing upon her extensive industry experience and academic development in design, she adopts a systematic and transdisciplinary approach that critically addresses individual, organisational, and social problems and innovation. Her expertise lies in design thinking applications, design-driven business innovation, and user-centred design research.

David Hands is an academic and leading author on all aspects of transformational design leadership. His research interests are varied and diverse, encompassing design driven innovation, design policy development and implementation, knowledge diffusion and strategic growth within SME’s and large organisations.