• Home
• News
• Career
• Campus
• Colleges
• 18 Under 18
• Workshops

Follow us on

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram

From Idea to Reality: 5 Must-Read Books on Design Thinking!

Ever wished you had a superpower to solve any problem creatively? Well, design thinking is just that! It's a human-centered approach to problem-solving that focuses on understanding user needs, brainstorming innovative solutions, and testing them out. It's not just for designers; it's a valuable skill for everyone, especially students. In today's rapidly changing world, where innovation is key, design thinking helps you develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. It empowers you to tackle real-world challenges with confidence, whether it's designing a new app, organising a school event, or even figuring out a better way to study. Design thinking is a skill that is valued by top universities and employers alike.

For high school students, design thinking can be a game-changer. It encourages you to think outside the box, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and work collaboratively. It helps you develop empathy, understand diverse perspectives, and create solutions that truly meet people's needs. These skills are not only essential for academic success but also for future careers in any field. Design thinking is a core element in many innovative programmes and startup ventures.

5 Books on Design Thinking

Here are five fantastic books that can help you dive deeper into the world of design thinking:

1. "Change by Design" by Tim Brown: This book, written by the CEO of IDEO, a renowned design firm, provides a comprehensive overview of design thinking and its application in various fields. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to the concept. It emphasises the importance of human-centered design and provides real-world examples of how design thinking has transformed businesses and organizations.
2. "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman: This classic explores the principles of good and bad design, focusing on usability and user experience. It teaches you how to observe the world around you and identify design flaws in everyday objects. This sharpens your observational skills, a crucial part of design thinking.
3. "Creative Confidence" by David Kelley and Tom Kelley: This book encourages readers to unleash their creative potential and overcome the fear of failure. It emphasises the importance of believing in your ability to create and innovate, a core principle of design thinking. It shares practical strategies for building creative confidence and fostering a culture of innovation.
4. "Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days" by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz: This practical guide offers a step-by-step process for conducting design sprints, a fast-paced method for solving problems and testing solutions in a short amount of time. It's a great resource for students looking to apply design thinking to real-world projects.
5. "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" by Nir Eyal: While focused on product design, this book offers valuable insights into understanding user behavior and creating products that people love. It explores the psychology behind habit formation and offers a framework for designing engaging experiences. This is particularly relevant for students interested in entrepreneurship and creating innovative products.

So, there you have it – your design thinking reading list! Remember, design thinking isn't just about creating cool gadgets or apps; it's about making the world a better place, one thoughtful solution at a time.