Empathy, Human- and life-centered approach, Problem statement, Ideation, Prototyping, Testing, and Design critiques. Need finding: Problem context; User personas; Observation of context; Talking to users; Constraints; Problem statement. 

• Definition and philosophy of design thinking

Design Thinking is a human-centered, iterative problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy, ideation, experimentation, and collaboration. It focuses on understanding real user needs and creating innovative solutions that are both technically feasible and user-desirable.

Philosophy:

• 1. 1. • Solving the right problem (not just solving problems right)
          Encouraging creativity and empathy
          Embracing ambiguity and iterative prototyping
          
          

• Importance of human-centered design
  
  

• Relevance in the context of emerging technologies (AR/V
  
  

• 1. 1960s-70s: Originated in architecture and engineering (Herbert Simon’s work on problem-solving)
     
     

  2. 1990s: Popularized by IDEO, a design firm that formalized it into a usable framework
     
     

  3. 2000s-Present: Adopted by businesses, educators, and technologists, especially for digital and immersive solutions
     
     

It evolved from being a tool for product designers to a mindset for innovation across various fields.

• Comparison with traditional software/system design approaches
  
  

• Advantages in AR/VR contexts:
  
  

  • Iterative prototyping
    
    

  • User-centric interactivity
    
    

  • Empathy-driven innovation
    
    

• Empathize – Understanding user needs and context
  
  

  • User interviews, observations, and personas
    
    

  • AR/VR-specific empathy tools (e.g., immersive user experience)
    
    

• Define – Problem framing and insights
  
  

  • Problem statements in immersive environments
    
    

• Ideate – Generating creative solutions
  
  

  • Brainstorming for AR/VR interactions and interfaces
    
    

• Prototype – Rapid development of solutions
  
  

  • Low-fidelity to high-fidelity AR/VR prototypes
    
    

  • Tools and platforms for quick prototyping (Unity, Unreal, Lens Studio)
    
    

• Test – User feedback and iteration
  
  

  • AR/VR usability testing
    
    

  • Gathering feedback using immersive experience tracking

• Enhancing empathy through immersive storytelling
  
  

• Enabling realistic prototyping and simulation
  
  

• Immersive ideation techniques and virtual collaboration
  
  

• Case studies of AR/VR projects developed using design thinking

• Introduction to AR/VR development environments:
  
  

  • Unity with Vuforia/AR Foundation
    
    

  • Unreal Engine for VR
    
    

  • WebAR, 8thWall, Spark AR
    
    

• Hardware platforms (HoloLens, Oculus Quest, Magic Leap, mobile AR)

• Education, healthcare, architecture, retail, and tourism
  
  

• How design thinking influenced successful AR/VR project outcomes

• Brainstorm an AR/VR solution to a local problem using design thinking steps
  
  

• Case study analysis of a real AR/VR product developed through iterative design
  
  

• Group project: Create a basic AR/VR prototype using design thinking principles