Module 1: Introduction to Design Thinking

Understanding the fundamentals of design thinking and its application in creating sustainable, immersive tourism experiences for SMEs.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Knowledge:

  • Understand the principles of design thinking and its five key stages: Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
  • Recognise the importance of design thinking in the context of sustainable tourism.
  • Identify key elements of design thinking that enhance user-centric and innovative approaches in tourism.
Skills:
  • Apply design thinking methodologies to tourism-related challenges, focusing on sustainability and community engagement.
  • Develop a mindset for solving complex problems with creative and innovative strategies.
  • Begin to structure sustainable tourism experiences with a focus on environmental, cultural, and social responsibility.
Competences:
  • Foster collaboration with stakeholders to innovate and improve tourist experiences.
  • Implement design thinking principles into business models that promote sustainable and immersive tourism.
  • Critically evaluate how to incorporate community and environmental goals into tourism experiences.

Module Overview

This module introduces the foundational concepts of design thinking, a user-centred approach to solving complex problems. In the context of tourism, design thinking allows SMEs to innovate and develop immersive and sustainable experiences. By focusing on empathy, collaboration, and iterative prototyping, design thinking provides a pathway to more responsible and meaningful tourist experiences.

The module will explore each stage of design thinking, providing real-world examples from the tourism industry and practical exercises aligned with the TRIP-LED Design Navigator.


1. What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation and problem-solving that focuses on understanding the users’ needs, exploring creative solutions, and iterating prototypes based on feedback.



2. The Five Stages of Design Thinking

Design thinking is divided into five stages: Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Each stage has its unique focus, but all aim to put the user—tourists, in the context of this course—at the centre of the process. 


3. Importance of design thinking in sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism is an evolving sector that seeks to balance the needs of tourists with the protection of local cultures, environments, and economies. Design thinking offers a dynamic and practical approach to achieving this balance by focusing on empathy, creativity, and iterative development. By adopting design thinking principles, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism can innovate and create experiences that are not only sustainable but also immersive and meaningful for their guests.

This key topic explores the importance of design thinking in sustainable tourism, with a focus on immersive tourism and the challenges and opportunities faced by tourism SMEs.


Practical Activity

Empathy Mapping for Sustainable Tourism



References


End-of-Module Quiz: Introduction to Design Thinking

Begin
1. What is Design Thinking?
2. The Five Stages of Design Thinking
3. Importance of design thinking in sustainable tourism.
Practical Activity
References
End-of-Module Quiz: Introduction to Design Thinking
Begin

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.