ABSTRACT
The future of university credentials is changing and design is becoming recognised as a competency that can be applied across a range of disciplines due to its ability to solve complex problems and drive innovation with 21st century capabilities. In this introductory chapter, we set out these 21st century capabilities and complex issues, to introduce design thinking within a tertiary education context. This chapter explores and discusses the interdisciplinary nature of design thinking and how it is best positioned to bridge traditional siloed disciplines through its relationship to innovation within the tertiary education sector. In addition, we introduce design thinking pedagogy, provide foundational content that explains why this book is needed, and outline what problems design educators worldwide are currently attempting to address. This chapter hosts an expert sidebar from Professor Cees de Bont, who reflects on and highlights the shift of design education over time and continents.
