Can design thinking be understood in a Bergsonian way?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Relevance of research

1.2. Structure

2. Theoretical foundations

2.1. Design thinking

2.1.1. Notion of design thinking

2.1.1.1. From design to design thinking

2.1.1.2. Process View

2.1.1.3. Fields of application

2.1.2. Thinking processes

2.1.3. Empathy and intuition in design thinking

2.1.3.1. Empathy

2.1.3.2. Creativity

2.1.3.3. Intuition

2.1.3.4. Designing with time

2.2. Bergson’s philosophy

2.2.1. From instinct and intelligence to intuition

2.2.2. Forms of knowledge

2.2.3. Duration

3. Methodology

3.1 Research design

3.2 Data collection

3.2.1 Problem-centric interview

3.2.2 Selection of interview partners

3.3. Data formatting

4. Results

5. Theory building

5.1. Notion of design thinking

5.1.1. Objectives of design thinking

5.1.2. Fields of applications

5.1.3. Design thinking – what is it?

5.1.3.1. Design thinking process

5.1.3.2. Design thinking mind set

5.2. Intuition

5.2.1. Ungraspable intuition

5.2.2. Intuition in design thinking

5.2.2.1. Intuition in the process

5.2.2.2. Intuition in the method

5.2.3. Analysis vs. intuition

5.2.4. Experience and intuition

5.3. Problem understanding

5.3.1. Empathy and observation to view the problem from the inside

5.3.2. Problem definition

5.3.3. False problems

5.3.4. Complexity in problems

5.4. Creativity

5.4.1. Creativity in the design thinking process

5.4.2. Memory and creativity

5.5. Notion of time

5.5.1. Iterations in design thinking

5.5.2. No finality

5.5.3. Multiplicity and process ciew

6. Conclusion and implications

6.1. Summary of findings

6.2. Limitations

6.3. Implications for practitioners

6.4. Implications for researchers

Research Objectives and Core Themes

The primary goal of this thesis is to investigate whether the processual approach of design thinking can be understood through the philosophical lens of Henri Bergson. By analyzing the work of design practitioners, the research seeks to fill the gap in current management literature regarding the neglected dimensions of intuition and time in design thinking.

• Exploring the philosophical alignment between Bergson’s process philosophy and design thinking practices.
• Examining the role of intuition in problem understanding, ideation, and decision-making within corporate environments.
• Analyzing the processual nature of design thinking, particularly the concepts of iteration, duration, and multiplicity.
• Bridging the gap between empirical practitioner insights and theoretical philosophical concepts of time and creativity.

Book Excerpt

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Outlines the research relevance, focusing on the lack of philosophical engagement with intuition and time in design thinking literature.

2. Theoretical foundations: Provides a comprehensive review of design thinking literature and an introduction to the process philosophy of Henri Bergson.

3. Methodology: Details the choice of Grounded Theory as the research method and explains the empirical approach using problem-centric interviews.

4. Results: Presents an extract of the data gathered from interviews with ten design thinking practitioners.

5. Theory building: Synthesizes the empirical findings with Bergson’s philosophical concepts across five core dimensions: design thinking, intuition, problem understanding, creativity, and time.

6. Conclusion and implications: Summarizes key findings, acknowledges study limitations, and provides implications for both practitioners and researchers.

Keywords

Design thinking, Henri Bergson, Intuition, Process philosophy, Duration, Problem understanding, Creativity, Innovation, Grounded Theory, Management, Empathy, Temporalization, Multiplicity, Action-oriented, Empirical study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this master thesis?

The work focuses on understanding design thinking from a philosophical perspective, specifically utilizing the philosophy of Henri Bergson to analyze design thinking practices.

What are the primary thematic fields addressed in the thesis?

The core themes are the notion of design thinking itself, the role of intuition, how problems are understood, the nature of creativity, and the philosophical concept of time.

What is the ultimate research objective?

The goal is to determine if design thinking can be grounded in a Bergsonian perspective, particularly regarding the neglected dimensions of intuition and time in business literature.

Which methodology was selected for this study?

The author employed Grounded Theory to conduct an empirical study involving ten interviews with experienced design thinking practitioners.

What is covered in the main section of the thesis?

The main section (Theory Building) consolidates empirical findings with Bergson’s concepts, specifically looking at how design thinking relates to intuition, problem-posing, and processual change.

How would you describe the key terminology?

The key terms include Bergsonian duration (psychological time), élan vital (creative impulse), intuition (direct grasp of reality), and iterative problem-solving.

How does the author define the "wicked problems" encountered in design?

Based on Buchanan and Schön, these are described as messy, indeterminate situations characterized by confusing information and conflicting stakeholder values.

Does the thesis suggest that design thinking is purely analytical?

No, the research argues that while analysis is useful for validation, design thinking relies heavily on intuition to handle the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the process.