Design thinking is a flexible problem solving process that can be used in a variety of settings. While design thinking may be traditionally associated with fields such as product development, it is increasingly being used as an innovative approach to instructional design and training. Design thinking is a non-linear process that seeks to transcend predetermined conceptions of both problems and solutions. Design thinking emphasizes gathering perspectives to truly understand learners and then brainstorming potential solutions in order to create an effective learning experience. Libraries are environments that require training experiences that are tailored to the needs of its employees. Their employees bring a range of experiences to their work. Design thinking as applied to instructional design is an inclusive approach that seeks to understand the experiences of learners and make them partners in the training design process.
