Changes in Research on Design Thinking

─ Literature Study using Network Analysis

Abstract

This research analyzes the evolution of research themes related to Design Thinking in the academic field in order to gain an overall perspective. Analysis of 1,986 papers revealed 16 major clusters and identified a main paper for each cluster. The papers were divided into three areas. First, from 1991 to 2003, the main research was theoretical systemization research focused on the design process in industrial design. Research has evolved since then into the evaluation of projects based on design thinking. Second, research on the application of design thinking to the field of education began in 2004, and since 2015 has expanded into other academic fields. Third, research with the largest number of papers is the field of business. Since 2004 it has expanded to include a variety of industries. Today, organizational research and research related to the healthcare industry are rapidly increasing, and the application of design thinking to sustainability and policy making is a growing area of interest.