The history and evolution of the concept of Design Thinking is absolutely fascinating.

TL;DR: Design Thinking is all about hacking designer's brain to figure out how they problem solve by focusing on end-users and studying their cognitive process. It took over 60 years to develop this concept into a step by step approach and adopted widely and globally.

1960: Buckminster Fuller proposed the concept of "Design Science Revolution"—to shift the focus of innovation, from military technology ("weaponry") to improving human lives ("livingry").

He hit fame for for completely something else though - on the geodesic dome architecture.

I love putting the pieces of the puzzles together on a timeline. The Buckminster Fuller era is right before the Beatnik, Punk, and Hackers movements, and challenged limitations on innovation and creativity amidst controls by the upper class. There was a lot of struggle among innovators during that time as they had to license out their designs to limited manufacturers who end up owning the brands. Fuller's work promoted forward-thinking solutions.

The beatnik era pushed forth creativity broadly (music, movies, universities) boosting the middle-class economy. Punk culture rebelled against mainstream norms with DIY creativity and individuality birthing the Maker’s culture, while Hackers innovated in technology and software, pioneering new computing approaches.

1969: Herbert A. Simon wrote "The Sciences of the Artificial." I am reading this at the moment. He introduced the idea of design as a way of thinking, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping/testing, which is now a crucial element of design thinking.

1973: Horst Rittel coined "Wicked Problems" to describe complex, undefined issues that require a deep understanding of people's needs, feelings, and behaviors.

Wicked problems are not your usual problems and doesn't have a binary solutions to it - for example natural disaster, food security, climate change, public health crisis etc

1973: Robert H. McKim published "Experiences in Visual Thinking."

I have read raving reviews on this book and can't wait to read it next. He emphasized solving problems visually through seeing, imagining, and drawing to enhance creativity. According this Kim, focused attention is key

1982: Nigel Cross published a seminal paper "Designerly Ways of Knowing." which explores how designers approach problem-solving differently from non-designers.

The cognitive processes and methods used to solve complex problems set the foundation for design thinking as a way to innovate and problem-solve

1982: Bryan Lawson shared his research on the differences between scientist and designers and how each solve problems.

Scientists are problem-focused, while designers are solution-focused.

For example a biologist studies why a certain species of plants in a forest are dying out by focusing on the problem - the root causes of the decline - soil conditions, climate changes, and insect infestations affecting the plants - "problem focused"

An interior designer tasked with redesigning a small apartment to maximize space and functionality will not be figuring out why the apartment is small, but rather, will brainstorm various layout options, storage solutions, and furniture arrangements to create a comfortable and efficient living environment for the client. - "solution focused"

1987: Peter Rowe published "Design Thinking." I have this book but I have never read it. He explores how design thinking applies in architecture, focusing on the cognitive processes of creating buildings and urban artifacts. His work advances the understanding of design thinking across various fields of specialization.

1991: IDEO was formed in the US by David Kelley, along with Bill Moggridge and Mike Nuttall as an innovation firm that developed and popularized tools and terms that made design thinking accessible and practical.

1992: Richard Buchanan published "Wicked Problems in Design Thinking" expanded design thinking beyond traditional disciplines, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and interdisciplinary thinking to address socio-economic, environmental, and policy challenges.

2004: David Kelley went on to co-found the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (d.school). This became a Silicon Valley hype. He promoted the development, teaching, and application of design thinking, inspiring educational institutions worldwide. I met him about 10 years ago but did not realize who he was nor appreciated the value of design thinking back then.

Although the concept of design thinking is used a lot in software development these days and even in corporate entrepreneurship, it started off with hardware product developments and architecture.

And i think its absolutely interesting how design thinking originated by proposing that creative people think differently and that its worth looking into.