Design Thinking Scale Development: Assessing Reliability and Validity

Abstract

This study aims to develop a scale to measure the design thinking process and to evaluate the reliability and validity of this scale. It fills this gap by introducing a 36-item scale specifically designed to measure design thinking abilities across the five key stages of the design thinking process: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test, to provide an accurate assessment of individual abilities across these stages. Aligned with the well-established design thinking process, the scale comprises five sub-dimensions, each focused on a specific stage. It employs a 5-point Likert-type response format, ensuring nuanced feedback. Rigorous psychometric evaluations confirmed the scale's trustworthiness. Internal consistency within each sub-dimension was exceptional, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeding .80 across all stages. Remarkably, the overall scale achieved an outstanding .95 Cronbach's alpha, signifying unparalleled cohesiveness and reliability. Validity was further established through rigorous statistical analyses. Exploratory component analysis (EFA) accounted for 60% of the variance, confirming the structure and demonstrating strong item-to-factor loadings (ranging from .31 to .74). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided additional validation, with all fit indices exceeding established benchmarks, solidifying the scale's accuracy and applicability. Beyond these impressive psychometric qualities, the study offers several key advantages. The concise 36-item format ensures efficient administration and analysis, while the five distinct sub-dimensions allow for targeted evaluation of specific strengths and weaknesses within each stage. This detailed feedback holds immense value for researchers, educators, and professionals seeking to cultivate design thinking capabilities in diverse settings. By providing a validated and reliable tool for design thinking assessment, this study empowers a comprehensive understanding of individual strengths and weaknesses across the five critical stages. This, in turn, enables targeted interventions and fosters the development of effective design-thinking skills in various contexts.