新作坊 Humanity Innovation and Social Practice

Design anthropology not only explores contemporary design culture but also emphasizes the integration of anthropological ethnographic methods and reflexivity into the design process. This approach allows for more effective engagement in the design process and problem-solving by drawing on the discipline’s strengths in building field relationships and fostering reflective thinking. In the interdisciplinary design methodology known as “design thinking”, —promoted by leading design firm IDEO and Stanford University’s d.school—the early stages of design are deeply inspired by ethnographic methods. This methodology has also become a key component of many University Social Responsibility (USR) programs. Within this context, this paper explores how the mindset and research methods of design anthropology can be effectively applied in “design thinking” courses as part of USR initiatives.

In this paper, I share my experience teaching “Design Thinking” from the 2019 Fall semester (108-1) to the 2023 Fall semester (112-1) at the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Program in Humanities and Technology at National Sun Yat-sen University. Drawing from design anthropology, I argue that “design thinking” education under USR should avoid over-reliance on short-term workshops. Instead, a semester-long course should incorporate anthropological reflexivity to clarify the course’s context and objectives, simulate a real design studio environment, and provide appropriate project themes for final projects. These elements immerse students in the process and lead to better learning outcomes.

From the perspective of USR’s goal to address social issues, applying anthropological approaches—such as long-term fieldwork and actor-network theory—within “design thinking” courses can significantly enhance the outcomes of USR-based educational programs.