Synergistic Effects of Integrating Design Thinking and Regenerative Practices in Business Management Innovation

FAN WANG

doi:10.71411/jassp.2026.1171

Authors

Fan Wang Mahidol University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7843-1620

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71411/jassp.2026.1171

Keywords:

Design Thinking, Business Management, Regenerative Practices, Synergy, Innovation

Abstract

As the severity of environmental and societal concerns continues to rise, the limitations of traditional design management techniques become apparent. In this context, IDEO Design Thinking Model has emerged. This study aims to reflect on and explore how design thinking can drive the transformation of design management within the context of regenerative practices, which promote sustainability. The objectives of this study were: 1) To identify the supportive elements of regenerative practices based on the IDEO design thinking model from D.School; 2) To determine the challenges and solutions associated with integrating design thinking with regenerative practices. This study employs a qualitative research method based on the IDEO Design Thinking Model from D.School. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 stakeholders. Findings: 1) The specific elements of the IDEO design thinking model (Empathy, Definition, Envisioning, Prototyping, Experimenting) positively contribute to the implementation of regenerative practices. In the field of social innovation, the integration of design thinking with regenerative practices can create synergistic effects; 2) The innovative methods of design thinking can facilitate the implementation of regenerative practices, especially in solving complex issues, and addressing social and environmental challenges. This study introduces a novel conceptual linkage between creative design methodologies. This approach advances sustainability and inspires future business and innovation research.

Author Biography

Fan Wang, Mahidol University

Dr.Fan Wang

References

[1] Alam, S., & Islam, M. T. (2017). Impact of Blue Ocean Strategy on Organizational Performance: A literature review toward implementation logic. IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 19(1), 1–8.

[2] Anderson, D. M. (2020). Design for manufacturability: How to use concurrent engineering to rapidly develop low-cost, high-quality products for lean production(2nd ed.). Productivity Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429285981

[3] Auernhammer, J., & Roth, B. (2021). The origin and evolution of Stanford University’s design thinking: From product design to design thinking in innovation management. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38(6), 623–644. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12594

[4] Bason, C. (2017). Leading public design: Discovering human-centred governance. Policy Press.

[5] Brekke, T. (2019). Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Innovation, and Regional Economic Development: Enhancing the entrepreneurial discovery process in regional development. http://hdl.handle.net/11250/2621301

[6] Cai, Y., Lin, J., & Zhang, R. (2023). When and how to implement design thinking in the innovation process: A longitudinal case study. Technovation, 126, 102816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102816

[7] Chang, W., & Taylor, S. A. (2016). The effectiveness of customer participation in new product development: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marketing, 80(1), 47–64. https://doi.org/10.1509/jm.14.0057

[8] Christodoulou, I., & Langley, P. A. (2020). A gaming simulation approach to understanding blue ocean strategy development as a transition from traditional competitive strategy. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 28(8), 727–752. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965254X.2019.1597916

[9] Cooper, R. G. (2019). The drivers of success in new-product development. Industrial Marketing Management, 76, 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2018.07.005

[10] Dell’Era, C., Magistretti, S., Candi, M., Bianchi, M., Calabretta, G., Stigliani, I., & Verganti, R. (2025). Design thinking in action: A quantitative study of design thinking practices in innovation projects. Journal of Knowledge Management, 29(11), 32–58. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-04-2024-0424

[11] Dervishaj, A. (2023). From sustainability to regeneration: A digital framework with BIM and computational design methods. Architecture, Structures and Construction, 3, 315–336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44150-023-00094-9

[12] Fox, A. R. (2022). Generative design for agile robot based additive manufacturing for sustainable aesthetic furniture products[Doctoral dissertation, Brunel University London]. https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/25966

[13] Hagen, B., Zucchella, A., & Ghauri, P. (2019). From Fragile to Agile: Marketing as a Key Driver of Entrepreneurial Internationalization. Anglia Ruskin Research Online (ARRO). https://hdl.handle.net/10779/aru.23760972.v1

[14] Hassi, L., & Laakso, M. (2011a). Conceptions of design thinking in the design and management discourses. 1–10.

[15] Hassi, L., & Laakso, M. (2011b). Design thinking in the management discourse: Defining the elements of the concept. In 18th international product development management conference, Innovate Through Design.

[16] Irbīte, A., & Strode, A. (2016). DESIGN THINKING MODELS IN DESIGN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 4, 488–500. https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2016vol4.1584

[17] Knight, A. P., Greer, L. L., & De Jong, B. (2020). Start-up teams: A multidimensional conceptualization, integrative review of past research, and future research agenda. Academy of Management Annals, 14(1), 231–266. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2018.0061

[18] Kolko, J. (2015). Design thinking comes of age. Harvard Business Review, 93(9), 66–71.

[19] Kshetri, N. (2017). The evolution of the internet of things industry and market in China: An interplay of institutions, demands and supply. Telecommunications Policy, 41(1), 49–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2016.11.002

[20] Kurakayev, A. (2020). Design Thinking for Digital Transformation.

[21] Liedtka, J. (2015). Perspective: Linking design thinking with innovation outcomes through cognitive bias reduction. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(6), 925–938. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12179

[22] Liedtka, J., King, A., & Bennett, K. (2013). Solving problems with design thinking: Ten stories of what works. Columbia University Press.

[23] Lin, K. Y. (2018). User experience-based product design for smart production to empower industry 4.0 in the glass recycling circular economy. Computers and Industrial Engineering, 125, 729–738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2018.06.023

[24] Lobanov, I. (2017). Business design: Strategy practice in innovation consulting[Master’s thesis, University of St. Gallen].

[25] Lugmayr, A., Stockleben, B., Zou, Y., Anzenhofer, S., & Jalonen, M. (2013). Applying “Design Thinking” in the context of media management education. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 71(1), 119–157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-013-1361-8

[26] Magistretti, S., Ardito, L., & Messeni Petruzzelli, A. (2021). Framing the microfoundations of design thinking as a dynamic capability for innovation: Reconciling theory and practice. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38(6), 645–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12586

[27] Norman, D. A., & Verganti, R. (2014). Incremental and radical innovation: Design research vs. technology and meaning change. Design Issues, 30(1), 78–96. https://doi.org/10.1162/DESI_a_00250

[28] Rahman, M. H., & Choudhury, S. (2019). The influence of blue ocean strategy on organizational performance. Global Disclosure of Economics and Business, 8(2), 91–104.

[29] Rosa, M. (2017). Characterizing design thinking towards integration with product-service system development process[Doctoral dissertation, Universidade de São Paulo].

[30] Salinger, K. (2021). Identification and characterisation of success-oriented innovations of organisational structures and their determinants[Doctoral dissertation, University of Innsbruck].

[31] Seidel, V. P., & Fixson, S. K. (2013). Adopting design thinking in novice multidisciplinary teams: The application and limits of design methods and reflexive practices. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 30(S1), 19–33. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12061

[32] Tschimmel, K. (2012). Design Thinking as an effective Toolkit for Innovation. In ISPIM Conference Proceedings(p. 1). The International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM).

[33] Verganti, R., Dell’Era, C., & Swan, K. S. (2021). Design thinking: Critical analysis and future evolution. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 38(6), 603–622. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12610

[34] Verganti, R., Vendraminelli, L., & Iansiti, M. (2020). Innovation and design in the age of artificial intelligence. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 37(3), 212–227. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12523

[35] Zhou, B. (2024). Architecting Innovative Engineering Organizations within Large Technology Enterprises Using a Systems Thinking Approach[Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology].