APPLYING DESIGN THINKING IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Design thinking has emerged as a powerful human-centered approach for problem-solving and innovation, particularly in educational technology development. This study explores the structured application of design thinking through its three main stages—immersion, idea generation, and prototyping—and expands on practical procedures such as idea collection, analysis, selection, and refinement. Using qualitative methods including brainstorming, participant observation, and interviews, the study identifies user needs and translates them into functional requirements for software development. The findings demonstrate that design thinking enhances the development of user-centered educational solutions by promoting creativity, collaboration, and iterative improvement. The study concludes that integrating design thinking into educational program development significantly improves the relevance and effectiveness of learning tools, especially in mobile learning environments.