Design Thinking and Innovation: Synthesising Concepts of Knowledge Co-creation in Spaces of Professional Development

Abstract

This paper explores how design thinking connects to concepts of knowledge creation and innovation. A case study of a knowledge sharing network in the social services sector is used to illustrate how design thinking supports Ba, the spaces for knowledge creation. Further exploration of the four enabling conditions for Ba resulted in delineation of two distinct types: relational and structural. Relational enablers support three groups of enabling conditions: interaction, shared values and communication. It is proposed that design thinking aligns well with relational enabling conditions for Ba to create the ideal spaces for knowledge creation. The group of structural enablers can assist or obstruct change and relate to the culture and management approaches of an organization, which may or may not be assisted by design thinking. However, to ensure that design thinking is not undermined, and innovation is achieved, the presence of an appropriate structural enabler is critical for success.

Keywords:

• design thinking
• innovation
• knowledge co-creation
• Ba

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to the L&DEx team and members for their contribution. We are also grateful to SSSC Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie, staff and stakeholders for their support and input throughout the Re-Imagining project.

The authors would like to acknowledge the support received from Steven Farrier and Nick Bizas on the CREANOVA project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John Davis

Professor John Davis is Professor of Childhood Inclusion at Moray House School of Education at the University of Edinburgh. His research has examined the development of participatory methods in childhood and focused on understanding children and young people’s perspectives of inclusion, social justice and integrated working. His major concern has been to develop contemporary and innovative examples of inclusion that have been utilized by children, families and professionals to change children’s services. His research has also examined international approaches to multi-professional working and increased our understanding of the factors that foster creative and innovative learning. His work has been utilized in major policy development in a range of national and international governmental and organizational contexts.

Catherine Ann Docherty

Catherine Docherty is the founder and Managing Director of Journey Associates, a dynamic innovation and design management consultancy. Catherine has been involved in the fields of design and innovation for 19 years and has managed a range of national and international projects relating to design, innovation and sustainability. Catherine was previously Programme Director at the Institute of Design Innovation at Glasgow School of Art. Catherine directs a range of research and knowledge exchange projects applying design thinking to complex issues to realize user-focused and practical solutions supporting innovation in the public and private sectors. Projects are diverse and include Access to Mental Health Services for Adults in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area; Collective Futures: Exploring Co-operative Business Models for Designer Makers; Design Innovation Support Programme for SMEs in partnership with Scottish Enterprise; the Future of Scottish Public Libraries; Climate Change Communications within Local Communities; and the Re-Imagining Workforce Development and Planning for the Scottish Social Services Council.

Kate Dowling

Kate Dowling is an Innovation Designer at Glasgow School of Art whose skill-set spans service design, graphic design, user research and project management. She is particularly involved in user-centred, participatory design approaches for graphic and digital applications to enhance user experience. Kate is involved in delivering a number of research and knowledge exchange projects including for the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), Glasgow City Council, and the NHS.