A Study on an Idea Generation Process Using Design Thinking in Industry-Academia Collaboration

―A Case Study of New Stationery Product Development―

Abstract

In studies on industry-academia collaboration employing design thinking, difficulties associated with exploratory approaches and with formulating proposals that balance feasibility have been reported. Furthermore, although numerous cases of new product development using design thinking have been documented, there remains a lack of sufficiently accumulated case studies focusing on stationery as the subject matter. This study addresses the issues identified in prior research by examining the process of new product development centered on stationery through an industry-academia collaboration framework. Given the inherently exploratory nature of design thinking-based product development, a case study methodology was adopted. Three distinct cases were conducted sequentially over three academic semesters to allow for a phased and reflective implementation.

The practical contribution of this study lies in providing insights into resolving the challenges identified in existing literature, while simultaneously achieving value creation and value return for stakeholders within the context of industry-academia collaboration. From a theoretical perspective, the study underscores the significance of focusing on novelty and usefulness as a conceptual framework for interpreting the creative aspects of the developed ideas.