Introduction to Design Thinking – Turkish German University Istanbul

CLIENT: TAU Istanbul | LECTURE: Introduction to Design Thinking  | ISTANBUL, 06.11.2024

Design Thinking is not just a methodology for solving complex challenges—it’s a mindset and an approach that thrives in creative, dynamic environments. Typically, it unfolds in open spaces with large whiteboards, flexible areas for standing work, and ample room for co-creative exchange among small groups. But what happens when these ideal conditions are absent?

This was precisely the challenge I encountered at the Turkish-German University in Istanbul, where I was tasked with delivering a four-hour introductory session on Design Thinking to 55 first-semester engineering students—all within the confines of a traditional lecture hall. While such environments are far from the archetypal Design Thinking spaces, they offered a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the success of Design Thinking lies not in the room itself but in the creativity, curiosity, and adaptability of the people within it.

Traditional classrooms, with their fixed seating and hierarchical setup, can often seem at odds with the needs of Design Thinking. This methodology thrives on open collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and iterative prototyping, which require physical flexibility and visual tools. None of these were readily available in our setting.

Yet, this was the space I had to work with. My mission was to help the students not only understand the principles of Design Thinking but also experience them firsthand—within these constraints

This discovery laid the foundation for understanding the principles of Design Thinking, including:

With these principles in mind, we set out to transform the lecture hall into a makeshift Design Thinking environment. Walls and windows became projection surfaces, while desks and chairs were rearranged to encourage group work. The students quickly adapted, forming small teams and immersing themselves in the process.

What emerged was a dynamic atmosphere of collaboration, curiosity, and rapid prototyping. Each team worked with the tools and materials available, proving that the essence of Design Thinking lies in people, not spaces.

Despite the constraints, the session was a resounding success. The students demonstrated remarkable creativity and teamwork, producing innovative ideas in a short time. They embraced the iterative nature of Design Thinking, understanding that the process is more about learning and evolving than delivering polished outcomes.

This experience reinforced an essential truth: Design Thinking doesn’t require perfect spaces. Instead, it thrives on the spirit, mindset, and willingness of the participants to approach problems in new and unconventional ways.

This session would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of the team at the Turkish-German University. A special thank you to Prof. Dilek Zamantili Nayir for the invitation and to Prof. Parissa Haghirian for her recommendation. I am also deeply grateful to Onur, Selen, and Elif, whose assistance was invaluable in overcoming the challenges of this session.

What stood out most was the incredible potential of this new generation of Turkish students. Their openness to learning, creativity, and collaboration was inspiring, and I am confident that they will play a vital role in shaping the future of innovation and problem-solving.

Through this experience, I was reminded that Design Thinking is not bound by physical environments—it is boundless in its ability to adapt, inspire, and create solutions in any setting. This lesson will stay with me and, I hope, with the students who participated in this transformative session.

Ready to bring Design Thinking to your team? Let’s talk about how to create impactful sessions, no matter the constraints.

If you are interested in our Design Thinking+ workshops, here is a small selection: