Integrating Design Thinking Practices into the Public Sector

Abstract

This paper argues that design thinking is well suited for addressing wicked problems in the public sector because many of the methods used in design are closely aligned with existing public sector strategies. An in-depth analysis of user centered, collaboration, and creative thinking practices found in the public sector and design thinking compares what the different strategies set out to achieve and how they impact problem solving. From this comparison, I identify areas where these strategies can converge to create new integrative ways of working that produce more innovative results. The integrative practices introduced provide a framework for applying design thinking to the public sector.