Exploring Design Thinking

The purpose of this qualitative single instrumental exploratory theory-building holistic researcher case study was to explore a novel approach to military transformation; a prototype of a problem solving methodology that accounts for an inescapable reality in the current and future operational environment: complexity and uncertainty. Design thinking was used as an essential component supporting a theoretical framework to explore the process of solving complex ill-structured problems. Separately much has been written on the theories of design thinking problem solving program improvement and collaborative learning. However no material exists that explores the intrinsic value of a design thinking-led education for military planners in a practical setting. Based on the themes that formed through observations document analysis and individual interviews I concluded that when presented with a complex ill-defined problem and in the absence of receiving comprehensive and specific planning guidance participants effectively collaborated and used the design thinking methodology.