Abstract
In this narrative review, examination of design thinking as a possible methodology utilized to disrupt higher education not only in bioinformatics and the sciences but also across all disciplinary fields. Design thinking is a human-centric problem solving approach that stresses on empathy, iterations through quick prototyping and address real world problems. Including design thinking principles in the curriculum provides an immersion of fresh relevant educational experiences that will keep learners engaged and future-ready. A review grounded in theory describes design thinking and how it has been implemented to challenge deeper learning of higher education based on its impacts across a range of educational contexts. There is strong evidence in empirical studies that design thinking improves student engagement, creativity and critical skill development as well as improved results of interdisciplinary work (Kiewra et al., 1991).These advantages better prepares students to address major issues and create long-term, human-focused solutions. Design thinking is an education methodology that adapts to the needs of a shifting social network. It enables the students and educators to acquire the skills & mindset needed as change agents, effectively tackling complex real-world problem while fostering a culture of innovation and empathy. The future of higher education is an open book, and as that reality continues to re-write itself becoming a malleable tide upon which we find ourselves negotiating our way through on the eve another year’s end design thinking as operational principle is perhaps answering fundamental calls for change. Longitudinal impact studies, different disciplines or other levels of education to test scalability and generalizability with design thinking as an example core content for development; the role of digital tools to support individual learning processes within this collaborative teaching context should be examined. frameworks need to be developed in order that scholarship can validate, refine and enrich pedagogical efforts. This review highlights the transformative nature of design thinking for students to be proactive, ethical leaders in their future careers.
Keywords: design thinking, higher education, pedagogy