How Design Thinking is Shaping the Future of Education in India

In the Indian education system, where traditional methods have dominated for decades, there is an increasing recognition of the need for transformation. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and evolving student expectations, educators and policymakers are looking for innovative approaches to improve both teaching and learning. One approach that holds immense promise for Indian schools is Design Thinking—a human-centred process that encourages creativity, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving to reimagine the learning environment.

In India, classrooms are often characterised by teacher-centric instruction, where students are passive recipients of information. This model is increasingly seen as inadequate in preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the 21st century. Design Thinking offers a way to shift this paradigm, focusing on students' needs, experiences, and voices. By involving students in designing their learning environments, educators can make classrooms more engaging and relevant.

For example, a teacher in a public school in Kerala might notice that students are struggling to grasp mathematical concepts. Instead of merely revising the lesson plan, the teacher could engage the students in understanding their learning preferences and challenges. Based on their feedback, the classroom setup could be altered to include more hands-on activities, collaborative group work, and visual aids. This approach helps students feel more connected to the learning process, making them active participants rather than passive listeners.

Design Thinking also has the potential to address deeper systemic issues in Indian education, such as curriculum rigidity, lack of personalised instruction, and the pressure of rote learning. A large number of students in India drop out of school or struggle to perform well academically, not because they lack potential, but because the system fails to cater to their individual needs. By applying Design Thinking, educators can rethink curricula to be more adaptable and aligned with student interests. For instance, schools could introduce project-based learning in subjects like science or social studies, where students actively engage with real-world problems—such as waste management or water conservation—while acquiring academic knowledge.

Moreover, Design Thinking can foster greater collaboration between teachers, parents, and communities. In India, there is often a disconnect between what students learn in school and what their families expect at home. By involving parents and communities in the educational design process, schools can create learning experiences that are more meaningful and reflective of local cultural values. Imagine a rural school in Maharashtra that invites local artisans to collaborate on a design project with students, integrating traditional crafts with modern design principles. This would not only teach students practical skills but also reinforce a sense of community pride and heritage.

At the district or policy level, Design Thinking can help Indian states address challenges like overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and outdated infrastructure. The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with its focus on holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary education, offers a perfect opportunity to integrate Design Thinking into the Indian education framework. For example, under NEP, schools are encouraged to reduce the emphasis on high-stakes examinations and instead focus on continuous assessment and experiential learning. Design Thinking can play a key role in developing these new evaluation models by engaging both students and teachers in creating systems that truly reflect learning outcomes, rather than merely testing memory.

In addition to transforming schools, Design Thinking has the potential to address large-scale challenges in India’s higher education system. Universities, for example, could adopt this approach to redesign curricula that are more interdisciplinary and aligned with industry needs. With India’s growing emphasis on skill development and employability, Design Thinking can help institutions bridge the gap between academic learning and practical skills, preparing students for a rapidly changing job market.

One practical example could be the development of a Design Thinking lab in a technical college in Bengaluru, where students from diverse disciplines such as engineering, design, and management come together to solve real-world problems using creative methods. By working on challenges like developing sustainable urban infrastructure or creating affordable healthcare solutions, students not only gain technical skills but also learn empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving—essential skills for the future workforce.

In India, where the education system is often viewed as rigid and overly standardised, Design Thinking offers a breath of fresh air. It empowers teachers to be innovators in their classrooms, encourages students to be more engaged and reflective, and involves the entire community in the educational process. As more Indian schools and universities begin to experiment with this approach, there is potential for significant improvement in both the quality of education and the overall learning experience.

The future of Indian education, much like the future of the country itself, will depend on the ability to think creatively and adapt to change. By embracing Design Thinking, educators, policymakers, and communities across India can create learning environments that are more responsive, inclusive, and prepared for the demands of the 21st century.