Abstract

Design thinking as a field of inquiry offers effective methodologies for solving complex problems in order to achieve quality and creativity in design. Theoretically, design thinking research does not receive enough attention among architectural scholars and its outcomes are not sufficiently adopted in architectural practice. This study aims to address several issues related to design thinking research and practice, investigate their related limitations, and provide suggestions to overcome these limitations, with special reference to Egypt. To this end, the study applies analytical and deductive methodologies, adopting a qualitative approach supported by several semi-structured interviews with a sample of expert academic Egyptian architects. This study investigates contemporary interest in design thinking research, demonstrates the various methodologies for researching design thinking, discusses the impact of communication skills in supporting design thinking skills, and explains the role of the creative environment in improving the quality of architectural practice. Finally, the study explores some reasons behind the limited interest in design thinking research, presents an experiment in which design diaries are used in design thinking research, demonstrates the need for methodical training in communication skills in architectural education, and suggests objectives for improving the environment of architectural practice.