Perspective and Use of Empathy in Design Thinking

Abstract

The paper takes a closer look into one of the main attributes of Design Thinking: Empathy. The motivation for doing so has its roots in the post Design Thinking period, which we are entering now, following a rich decade of the use of this approach to innovation. Approaching a Designerly Thinking perspective of what the designer does in practice, five different epistemological paths will give an understanding of the effects empathy has in the design process. Empathy is addressed by exploring two main aspects, the emotional and the cognitive. The theoretical perspective of Design Thinking, seen as a reflexive practice, or as a creator of meaning, or even as a problem solving activity, is used to understand how empathy can be used in a design context. This aspect is then further analyzed using the results of a large workshop where Design Thinking was used. Keywords-Empathy; Design Thinking; Designerly Thinking;