Design Thinking Applied: The Process of Creating a Technology-Mediated Debriefing Module

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the effectiveness of using design thinking to create a technology-mediated debriefing module (mock up/story board) for practical nursing students. Participants (faculty, students, instructional designers and technologists) were guided by a facilitator through the 5 phases of design thinking. An analysis of focus group data, researcher notes and participant interviews revealed six themes: co-construction of knowledge, consensus building, student voice, sharing of unique subject matter expertise, the design thinking process guides and the Community of Inquiry. The collaborative, problem solving nature of the design team resulted in the creation of a professional community of learning. Within this community of learning all three presences of the Community of Inquiry model were evident (social, cognitive and teaching) creating an optimal learning environment for innovative inquiry, problem solving and design. The design thinking process provided a structured methodology which enabled sharing, learning and co-construction of new knowledge.