From Idea to Innovation: Exploring the Application of Design Thinking in Product Development

Sammanfattning: Design thinking (DT) is a popular method and methodology for leveraging innovation. However, using DT in practical organisational settings is challenging because there is little acknowledgment of such research in academia. The few existing researches about the utilization of DT has been misinterpreted by organisations due to the phenomenon on wicked problems, leading to misuse of the method. This research investigates and enhances interdisciplinary approaches that can enhance the utilization of DT in product development for driving innovation. This qualitative case study was conducted by two full-time engineer students over a span of twenty weeks, starting in mid-January, as a thesis project for their industrial product realization studies at Jönköping University. The case study was carried out at a manufacturing company, Thule, in Sweden, specializing in outdoor recreational products. Using the IDEO method of DT, the study implements a systematic approach to develop a new, innovative solution. The project began with an extensive analysis of the market competition, users, and the company Thule, using innovative techniques such as brainstorming and various stages of sketching to address identified user challenges. Utilizing DT methods for innovation was successful as the insights were transformed into a tangible concept using computer-aided design and prototyping tools. As a result of implementing DT, a conceptualised approach was developed that ultimately lead to the innovative idea of creating a modular camping box mounted to the car's tow bar.