Design thinking is ambidextrous

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the theoretical gap between design thinking (DT) and management. DT is a strategic concept in the current business world whereas the discussion of it is still insufficient. Ambidexterity could be a promising concept to explain the benefits of DT in the realm of management and strategy. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a thorough literature review and theoretical analysis, and offers propositions that engage the outcome of DT and the ambidextrous learning and innovation. Findings The author suggests the connection between DT and ambidexterity. By thoroughly discussing the effect of the traits of DT on ambidexterity, the author proposes that DT can facilitate ambidextrous learning, and ambidextrous learning could mediate the relationships between DT and ambidextrous innovation. Research limitations/implications This paper offers a preliminary ground for the operationalization of it. Besides, ambidexterity could provide a lens to discuss DT with other strategic concept. Furthermore, the discussion extends understanding of the pursuit of individual ambidexterity. Practical implications This paper provides a clearer reason for managers to adopt DT. Furthermore, it might facilitate the management education in management schools to incorporate DT as a section topic, and subsequently propagate education of DT in management schools. Originality/value The paper offers a theoretical platform for the study of DT in the field of management and strategy, which was rare before. The integration of DT and ambidexterity offers a decision support to the managers. Furthermore, it serves as a new approach to obtain ambidexterity in organization, which addresses the call of the research on the micro-foundations of management.

Design orientation in new product development and its measurement

“…Design thinking defines design as a state of mind and is considered a precursor to design action by both academics (Martin, 2009) and professionals (Svengren, 1995). Following Zheng (2018, p. 743) design thinking “is a thinking pattern that tries to define the true problem and solve it comprehensively”. The author notes that design thinking combines thought and action as it integrates creative behaviours and mastery of execution.…”

“…It represents an alternative management philosophy driven by ideas, a consciousness infused into the organization that emphasizes the importance of intuition-driven design and creative feelings simultaneously (Venkatesh et al ., 2012). To create design concepts, each company develops its own mix of design thinking: user focus (Norman, 2013; Kolko, 2015; Zheng, 2018; Bason and Austin, 2019), collaborations between departments (Borja de Mozota, 2002; Veryzer and Borja de Mozota, 2005; Chen and Venkatesh, 2013; Luchs et al ., 2016), testing and iteration (Norman, 2013; Kolko, 2015; Zheng, 2018; Bason and Austin, 2019), the use of brand image to establish a design language (Veryzer and Borja de Mozota, 2005; Verganti, 2008; Noble and Kumar, 2010; Chen and Venkatesh, 2013; Luchs et al ., 2016), as well as a competitive orientation (Borja de Mozota, 2002; Moll et al ., 2007; Dell’Era and Verganti, 2007; Beverland et al ., 2010; Chen and Venkatesh, 2013).…”

Peran Ambideksteritas Pembelajaran Sebagai Pemediasi Pada Hubungan Kapabilitas Berpikir Desain Terhadap Kapabilitas Inovasi: Studi Pada Perusahaan Startup

“…Hal ini yang menyebabkan berpikir desain menjadi topik yang hangat saat ini di kalangan akademisi dan praktisi (Volkova & Jakobsone, 2016) dan terus tumbuh dari berbagai sektor bisnis di seluruh dunia (Schmiedgen et al, 2016). Kemampuan berpikir desain dianggap mampu menciptakan ambideksteritas pengetahuan karena memiliki enam ciri-ciri utama yaitu digerakkan oleh masalah, berpusat pada manusia atau para pemangku kepentingan, eksperimentasi, visualisasi, dan gabungan antara penalaran analitis dan penalaran intuitif (Beverland et al, 2018;Zheng, 2018).…”

“…Ada panggilan untuk penelitian lebih lanjut untuk meningkatkan pemahaman berpikir desain di bidang manajerial dan strategis (Gruber et al, 2015). Zheng (2018) lebih lanjut menjelaskan arah penelitian berpikir desain dalam bidang manajemen strategi adalah penelitian yang menghubungkan antara berpikir desain dengan ambideksteritas pembelajaran.…”

“…Namun, penelitian yang melakukan uji empiris hubungan antara pemikiran desain dan ambideksteritas masih belum banyak diteliti. Merujuk Zheng (2018), hanya ada dua studi yang menghubungkan kedua konsep ini (Beverland et al, 2015& Martin, 2010.…”