Department of Computer Science and Business Systems

Course Code / Name : 21CB1602 / Design Thinking

Year / Semester: III / VI Regulation: 2021
UNIT I - INTRODUCTION

I. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (5 MARKS) [30 Questions]

A1
1. 1. What is Design Thinking primarily focused on? CO1
A) Developing advanced technical skills
B) Solving complex problems with a user-centered approach
C) Increasing marketing strategies
D) Enhancing productivity through automation
Answer: B
2. Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of Design Thinking? CO1
A) Empathy
B) Ideation
C) Implementation
D) Automation
Answer: D
3. What are the “Four Questions” in the context of Design Thinking? CO1
A) What is the problem? Why is it a problem? Who is it for? How can it be solved?
B) Who are the stakeholders? What is the timeline? What is the budget? Who are
the competitors?
C) What is the product? Who is the team? Where is the market? How is it priced?
D) Why is this important? What can be improved? Who can contribute? When
should it be delivered?
Answer: A
4. Which stage in the Design Thinking process involves generating a wide range of CO1
ideas?
A) Empathize
B) Define
C) Ideate
D) Prototype
Answer: C
5. Empathy in Design Thinking is primarily about: CO1
A) Feeling sorry for the users
B) Understanding and sharing the feelings of users
C) Assuming what users might want
D) Implementing user suggestions directly
Answer: B
A2
1. In the Design Thinking process, what is the main objective of the Prototype phase? CO1
A) To finalize the product design
B) To create a tangible representation of ideas for testing
C) To conduct market analysis
D) To scale the production process
Answer: B
2. Which of the following best describes the iterative nature of Design Thinking? CO1
A) One-time linear process
 B) Cyclical process with repeated testing and refinement
C) Sequential steps followed strictly once
D) Initial stages revisited only after final deployment
Answer: B
3. In Design Thinking, the Define phase is crucial because: CO1
A) It sets the project budget
B) It narrows down the problem statement to focus on
C) It identifies the target market
D) It determines the launch date of the product
Answer: B
4. What does the term "human-centered" imply in Design Thinking? CO1
A) Focusing on business needs over user needs
B) Prioritizing user experiences and needs throughout the design process
C) Designing with the latest technology trends
D) Following the CEO’s vision strictly
Answer: B
5. When planning a Design Thinking project, the first step should be to: CO1
A) Define the technical specifications
B) Understand the needs and challenges of the users
C) Develop the final product
D) Conduct financial analysis
Answer: B
A3
1. Which of the following is NOT typically a tool used in the Empathize phase? CO1
A) User interviews
B) Observations
C) Financial reports
D) Surveys
Answer: C
2. The 'How Might We' questions in Design Thinking are used to: CO1
A) Critique existing designs
B) Reframe the problem as opportunities for design solutions
C) Define project milestones
D) Identify technical requirements
Answer: B
3. In the context of Design Thinking, brainstorming sessions are most associated with CO1
which phase?
A) Define
B) Ideate
C) Prototype
D) Test
Answer: B
4. A key characteristic of a good prototype in Design Thinking is: CO1
A) It must be expensive and detailed
B) It should be a low-cost, quick, and simple representation of ideas
C) It should be the final version of the product
D) It must be developed only by engineers
Answer: B
5. In Design Thinking, why is testing with users important? CO1
A) To validate the financial feasibility
B) To ensure the prototype works as intended and meets user needs
C) To finalize the marketing strategy
D) To decide on the production methods
Answer: B
A4
1. Which of the following is a principle of Design Thinking? CO1
A) Focus on profitability
B) Emphasize on user empathy
 C) Avoid risks
D) Follow traditional methods
Answer: B
2. When planning a Design Thinking project, which of these should be established CO1
early on?
A) User personas
B) Product launch date
C) Marketing budget
D) Distribution channels
Answer: A
3. The role of a Design Thinking facilitator includes: CO1
A) Ensuring the team follows a strict agenda
B) Guiding the team through the Design Thinking process and encouraging
creativity
C) Finalizing the design independently
D) Overseeing the manufacturing process
Answer: B
4. A successful Design Thinking project typically results in: CO1
A) A deeper understanding of the user problem and a well-tested solution
B) Immediate market success
C) A detailed technical specification document
D) High initial production costs
Answer: A
5. How does Design Thinking handle failure during the process? CO1
A) By avoiding it at all costs
B) By considering it as a critical learning opportunity
C) By assigning blame to specific team members
D) By stopping the project and starting over
Answer: B
A5
1. What is the primary goal of Design Thinking? CO1
a) To create a product
b) To understand the user's needs and solve problems creatively
c) To follow traditional design processes
d) To maximize profits for a business
Answer: b) To understand the user's needs and solve problems creatively
2. Which of the following is NOT one of the core stages of the Design Thinking process? CO1
a) Empathize
b) Define
c) Develop
d) Execute
Answer: d) Execute
3. In the Design Thinking process, what is the purpose of the 'Empathize' stage? CO1
a) To gather data on potential customers
b) To brainstorm possible solutions
c) To understand the needs, emotions, and challenges of users
d) To create a prototype of the solution
Answer: c) To understand the needs, emotions, and challenges of users

4. What are the Four Fundamental Questions that guide the Design Thinking process? CO1
a) Who, What, Where, When
b) What, Why, How, When
c) Who, Why, How, What
d) Why, How, Where, When
Answer: c) Who, Why, How, What

5. Which of the following is one of the key principles of Design Thinking? CO1
a) Linear problem-solving
b) Focusing only on technological solutions
c) Iterative prototyping and testing
d) Defining solutions before understanding the problem
 Answer: c) Iterative prototyping and testing
A6
1 What does the 'Define' stage of the Design Thinking process involve? CO1
a) Understanding the problem and generating ideas
b) Generating a deep understanding of user needs
c) Framing the problem based on insights from the Empathize stage
d) Testing the solution on real users
Answer: c) Framing the problem based on insights from the Empathize stage

2 How does Design Thinking help in innovation? CO1

a) By focusing on technological feasibility only
b) By addressing the problem through a human-centered approach
c) By prioritizing business objectives over user needs
d) By avoiding collaboration with users
Answer: b) By addressing the problem through a human-centered approach

3 Which stage in the Design Thinking process involves creating and testing prototypes? CO1
a) Empathize
b) Ideate
c) Prototype
d) Define
Answer: c) Prototype

4 When planning a Design Thinking project, what is an essential first step? CO1
a) Building a prototype
b) Testing the solution
c) Understanding and defining the problem
d) Brainstorming ideas
Answer: c) Understanding and defining the problem

5 In the context of Design Thinking, what does 'Iterative Process' mean? CO1
a) Following a fixed, step-by-step procedure
b) Repeating stages as necessary based on feedback and testing
c) Completing each stage once and moving forward
d) Avoiding revisions after each stage
Answer: b) Repeating stages as necessary based on feedback and testing

TRUE OR FALSE AND MATCH THE FOLLOWING (5 MARKS) [ 30 Questions ]

B1 – TRUE / FALSE
1. Design Thinking primarily focuses on solving technical problems using advanced CO1
algorithms.
Answer: False
2. The "Four Questions" of Design Thinking include: What is the problem? Why is it a CO1
problem? Who is it for? How can it be solved?
Answer: True
3. Empathy is a crucial element in Design Thinking because it involves understanding the CO1
technical aspects of a problem.
Answer: False
4. The Ideate phase in Design Thinking is where the team generates a wide range of ideas CO1
without immediate judgment.
Answer: True
5. Prototyping in Design Thinking should only be done after the final design is CO1
confirmed.
Answer: False
B2– TRUE / FALSE
1. An iterative approach in Design Thinking means that solutions are continuously CO1
improved based on user feedback and testing.
Answer: True
2. The Define phase helps to narrow down the broad problem area into a specific, CO1
actionable problem statement.
 Answer: True
3. Human-centered design in Design Thinking means prioritizing user needs over all CO1
other factors.
Answer: True
4. Design Thinking only applies to the design of physical products and cannot be used CO1
for services or processes.
Answer: False
5. In the Test phase, the objective is to gather feedback to validate or improve the CO1
prototype.
Answer: True
B3– TRUE / FALSE
1. The principle of embracing ambiguity in Design Thinking encourages exploring CO1
multiple possibilities rather than sticking to a single solution.
Answer: True
2. User interviews and observations are common methods used during the Define phase CO1
of Design Thinking.
Answer: False
3. A prototype in Design Thinking should be detailed and as close to the final product CO1
as possible.
Answer: False
4. Design Thinking is a linear process that follows a strict sequence of steps without CO1
revisiting earlier phases.
Answer: False
5. In planning a Design Thinking project, it is essential to identify the stakeholders and CO1
define project goals early on.
Answer: True
B4– TRUE / FALSE
1. Contextual awareness in Design Thinking refers to considering the user’s CO1
environment and situation when designing solutions.
Answer: True
2. During the Ideate phase, the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible, even if CO1
they seem impractical initially.
Answer: True
3. The ultimate goal of Design Thinking is to create solutions that are desirable for CO1
users, feasible to implement, and viable in the market.
Answer: True
4. Empathic research in Design Thinking involves only quantitative data analysis to CO1
understand user behaviors.
Answer: False
5. A Design Thinking facilitator's role includes guiding the team through the process CO1
and fostering an environment for creative problem-solving.
Answer: True

B5 – MATCH THE FOLLOWING

1. 1. Brainstorming A. Creating visual narratives to explore a, 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - D CO1
user experiences. b, 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - D, 4 - A
2. Prototyping B. Generating a wide range of ideas c, 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - D, 4 - A
rapidly. d, 1 - D, 2- C, 3 - B, 4- A
3. User Testing C. Building models to explore and
validate ideas.
4. Storyboarding D. Gathering feedback from users on
early designs.
2. 1. Empathy A. Believing that solutions are possible a, 1 - D, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 - B CO1
and attainable. b, 1 - B, 2 - A, 3 - D, 4 - C
2. Optimism B. Understanding and sharing the feelingsc, 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - A
of users. d, 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - B, 4 - D
3. Experimentalis C. Valuing diverse perspectives and
 m working together.
4. Collaboration D. Willingness to try new approaches and
learn from failures.
3. 1. Human- A. Generating a wide range of potential a, 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - D CO1
Centered solutions. b, 1 - C, 2 – D,3 - A, 4 - B
Design c, 1 - B, 2- C, 3 - A, 4 - D
2. Iterative B. Narrowing down options to focus on the d, 1 most
- D, 2- C, 3 - B, 4- A
Process viable solution.
3. Divergent C. Creating solutions that prioritize user
Thinking needs and experiences.
4. Convergent D. Continuously refining and improving
Thinking ideas based on feedback.
4. 1. Empathize A. Building tangible representations for
a, 1a-subset
C, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - A CO1
Phase of ideas to explore and test them. b, 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 - D
2. Define Phase B. Generating a wide range of ideas and potential
c, 1 - B, 2 - A, 3 - C, 4 - D
solutions. d, 1 - D, 2 - C, 3 - B, 2 - A
3. Ideate Phase C. Understanding the user's needs and problems
through observation and engagement.
4. Prototype D. Clearly articulating the problem based on insights.
Phase
5. 1. User A. Ideate Phase a, 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - A CO1
Interviews b, 1 - D, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - C
2. Brainstorming B. Prototype Phase c, 1 - B, 2 - A, 3 - C, 4 - D
3. Creating C. Empathize Phase d, 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - D
Storyboards
4. Testing D. Test Phase
Prototypes
B6 – MATCH THE FOLLOWING
1. 1. Empathize A. To explore a wide range of ideas and a, 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - A CO1
potential solutions. b, 1 - B, 2 - D, 3 - A, 4 - C
2. Define B. To gather feedback to refine and c, 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - A, 4 - B
improve prototypes. d, 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 – D
3. Ideate C. To deeply understand user needs and
challenges.
4. Test D. To synthesize findings into a clear
problem statement.
2. 1. Storyboards A. Collecting structured feedback from a a, 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - D CO1
large group of users. b, 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - D, 4 - A
2. Mind Maps B. Visualizing the user’s journey through c, 1 - B, 2- D, 3 - A, 4 - C
a process or experience. d, 1 - D, 2- C, 3 - B, 4- 1
3. User C. Identifying strengths, weaknesses,
Surveys opportunities, and threats.
4. SWOT D. Mapping out relationships and
Analysis connections between ideas.
3. 1. Empathy A. Conducting interviews to understand a, 1 - D, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 - B CO1
user needs. b, 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - D, 4 - C
2. Ideation B. Gathering feedback from users to refine c, 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - A
solutions. d, 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - B, 4 - D
3. Prototypin C. Generating as many ideas as possible in
g a short period.
4. Testing D. Creating a low-fidelity model to explore
ideas.
4. 1. Persona A. A detailed visual representation of a a, 1 - D, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - A CO1
user’s experience and touchpoints b, 1 - C, 2 - B, 3 - D, 4 - A
2. User B. A tool that captures the user's feelings, c, 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - D, 4 - C
Journey thoughts, and behaviors. d, 1 - D, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 – B
Map
3. Empathy C. A narrative that describes how a user
Map interacts with a product or service..
4. Scenario D. A fictional character representing a user
type.
5. 1. Stakeholder A. Determining the necessary a, 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - D CO1
Analysis personnel, budget, and tools. b, 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - D, 4 - B
 2. Resource B. Identifying who will be affected c, 1 - B, 2- A, 3 - C, 4 - D
Planning and involved in the project. d, 1 - D, 2- C, 3 - B, 4- 1
3. Goal Setting C. Establishing what the project
aims to achieve.
4. Timeline D. Scheduling the key milestones
Creation and deliverables
II. FILL IN THE BLANKS (5 MARKS) [ 30 Questions ]

C1
1 Design Thinking is a ____________ approach to problem-solving that centers on CO1
understanding the needs of the ____________.
Answer: human-centered, user
2 In the Empathize phase, designers engage deeply with users to understand their CO1
__________ and __________.
Answer: needs, experiences
3 A fundamental principle of Design Thinking is __________, which involves CO1
putting oneself in the user's __________ to understand their perspectives.
Answer: empathy, shoes
4 During the Define phase, the team synthesizes their findings to craft a clear CO1
__________ __________ that addresses the users’ needs.
Answer: problem statement
5 The process of generating a large number of ideas without immediate judgment or CO1
evaluation is known as __________.
Answer: ideation
C2
1 The "Four Questions" in Design Thinking are: What is the __________? Why is it CO1
a __________? Who is it for? How can it be __________?
Answer: problem, problem, solved
2 .__________ are early, rough versions of ideas that are built to explore concepts CO1
and test with users.
Answer: Prototypes
3 The final phase in the Design Thinking process, __________, involves refining CO1
solutions based on feedback from user testing.
Answer: Test
4 Design Thinking encourages an __________ process, where solutions are CO1
continually improved based on user feedback and testing.
Answer: iterative
5 The principle of __________ __________ means designing solutions that are CO1
viable, feasible, and desirable.
Answer: human-centered design
C3
1. When planning a Design Thinking project, understanding the __________ CO1
context is crucial for framing the problem effectively.
Answer: user’s
2. The question "How Might We?" is used to __________ the problem in a way CO1
that encourages creativity and solution finding.
Answer: reframe
3. In Design Thinking, __________ and observations are commonly used CO1
techniques to gather insights about users.
Answer: interviews
4. A successful prototype should be __________ and __________ to allow for CO1
quick testing and iteration.
Answer: simple, inexpensive
5. __________ is a principle of Design Thinking that emphasizes considering the CO1
environment and context in which users operate.
Answer: Contextual awareness
 C4
1. During the Ideate phase, teams should aim to generate __________ quantities CO1
of ideas before narrowing them down.
Answer: large

2. In the Define phase, one goal is to transform observations and insights into a CO1
__________ __________ that guides the design process.
Answer: clear statement
3. Design Thinking projects should start with __________ research to understand CO1
users’ pain points and aspirations.
Answer: empathic
4. One core principle of Design Thinking is __________, which means solutions CO1
should align with user desires, technological capabilities, and business
objectives.
Answer: feasibility
5. Effective planning of a Design Thinking project includes setting __________, CO1
identifying stakeholders, and defining __________.
Answer: goals, timelines
C5
1. The primary goal of Design Thinking is to focus on __________ to create CO1
innovative solutions.
Answer: the user

2. The five stages of the Design Thinking process are Empathize, Define, CO1
__________, Prototype, and Test.
Answer: Ideate

3. In the Design Thinking process, the __________ stage involves understanding CO1
the needs, emotions, and challenges of the user.
Answer: Empathize

4. The four fundamental questions that guide the Design Thinking process are CO1
Who, __________, How, and What.
Answer: Why

5. __________ is a core principle of Design Thinking that emphasizes generating CO1

many ideas without judgment to explore possible solutions.
Answer: Ideation

C6
1. The process of Design Thinking is often described as being __________, meaning CO1
stages can be revisited and refined based on feedback.
Answer: iterative
2. The __________ stage involves framing the problem clearly based on insights gathered CO1
during the Empathize phase.
Answer: Define

3. In the Design Thinking approach, the goal of the __________ stage is to create low- CO1
fidelity prototypes that can be tested and refined.
Answer: Prototype

4. When planning a Design Thinking project, it is essential to first __________ the CO1
problem before diving into brainstorming solutions.
Answer: define

5. In Design Thinking, the focus is on solving problems with a __________-centered CO1

approach, ensuring solutions address real user needs.
Answer: human

III. SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (5 MARKS) [ 30 Questions ]

D1
1. What is the primary focus of Design Thinking? CO1
The primary focus of Design Thinking is on understanding and solving
problems from a human-centered perspective.
2. Name the five phases of the Design Thinking process. CO1
The five phases are Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
3. What is the goal of the Empathize phase in Design Thinking? CO1
The goal is to understand the user's needs, experiences, and challenges
through observation and engagement.
4. How does the Define phase contribute to the Design Thinking process? CO1
The Define phase synthesizes insights gathered during the Empathize
phase into a clear and actionable problem statement.
5. What is the purpose of the Ideate phase in Design Thinking? CO1
The purpose is to generate a wide range of creative ideas and potential
solutions.
D2
1. What role do prototypes play in Design Thinking? CO1
Prototypes are tangible representations of ideas used to explore and test
solutions quickly and cost-effectively.
2. Why is testing an essential phase in the Design Thinking process? CO1
Testing gathers feedback from users to refine and improve prototypes,
ensuring the final solution effectively meets user needs.
3. Define "human-centered design." CO1
Human-centered design focuses on creating solutions that are deeply
rooted in understanding and addressing user needs and experiences.
4. What are the "Four Questions" used to guide the Design Thinking process? CO1
The Four Questions are: What is the problem? Why is it a problem? Who
is it for? How can it be solved?
5. What is meant by "iterative process" in Design Thinking? CO1
An iterative process involves repeatedly refining and improving ideas
and solutions based on feedback and new insights.
D3
1. How do empathy maps help in the Design Thinking process? CO1
Empathy maps capture and visualize what users say, think, feel, and do,
helping to understand their needs and experiences better.
2. What is a persona in Design Thinking? CO1
A persona is a fictional character representing a typical user group, used
to guide design decisions based on user needs and behaviors.

3. Explain the difference between divergent and convergent thinking. CO1

Divergent thinking involves generating a wide range of ideas and
possibilities, while convergent thinking focuses on narrowing down options to
find the most viable solution.

4. Why is collaboration important in Design Thinking? CO1

Collaboration brings together diverse perspectives and expertise,
fostering innovation and creating more robust solutions.

5. What is the role of a Design Thinking facilitator? CO1

A facilitator guides the team through the Design Thinking process,
ensuring a productive and creative environment for problem-solving.

D4
1. How does a user journey map aid in the design process? CO1
A user journey map visually outlines the steps and experiences of a user
when interacting with a product or service, highlighting opportunities for
improvement.
2. What is the significance of defining clear project goals in Design Thinking? CO1
Clear project goals provide direction and focus, ensuring that the team
works towards solving the right problem effectively.
3. Name two common methods used in the Empathize phase to understand user CO1
needs.
Common methods include user interviews and observations.
4. What does prototyping enable in the context of Design Thinking? CO1
Prototyping enables quick exploration and validation of ideas through
tangible models or simulations.
5. How does testing with users contribute to the success of a Design Thinking CO1
project?
Testing with users provides valuable feedback that helps refine and
optimize the solution to better meet user needs and expectations.

D5
1. What is the main goal of Design Thinking? CO1
The main goal is to create innovative, user-centered solutions by understanding user
needs and addressing problems creatively.

2. What are the five stages of the Design Thinking process? CO1
The five stages are Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.

3. What happens during the Empathize stage of Design Thinking? CO1

During the Empathize stage, designers gather insights by understanding the users’
needs, emotions, and challenges through interviews, observations, and research.

4. Why is it important to define the problem in Design Thinking? CO1

Defining the problem helps to clearly understand the users' needs and ensure that
solutions are aligned with solving the right problem.

5. What is the purpose of the Ideate stage? CO1

The purpose of the Ideate stage is to generate a wide range of ideas and solutions,
encouraging creative thinking without judgment.
 D6

1 What is a prototype in Design Thinking? CO1

A prototype is a tangible or visual representation of a solution that can be tested,
refined, and iterated based on feedback.

2 Why the process of Design Thinking is considered iterative? CO1

Design Thinking is iterative because designers continuously refine and improve their
solutions based on feedback and testing, revisiting earlier stages if necessary.

3 How do you plan a Design Thinking project? CO1

Planning a Design Thinking project involves understanding the problem, defining the
user needs, selecting appropriate methods for each stage, and organizing time and
resources for research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

4 What is meant by a human-centered approach in Design Thinking? CO1

A human-centered approach focuses on deeply understanding and addressing the needs,
desires, and limitations of the end users throughout the design process.

5 What are the Four Fundamental Questions in Design Thinking? CO1

The Four Fundamental Questions are Who, Why, How, and What. These guide the
exploration and solution development process.

IV. ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS ( EACH 10 MARKS )

1. Explain the importance of Design Thinking in problem-solving. How does it differ CO1
from traditional problem-solving approaches? Provide examples to support your
answer.
2. Describe the five stages of the Design Thinking process. For each stage, discuss the CO1
activities involved and why they are critical to creating innovative solutions.
3. What are the Four Fundamental Questions in Design Thinking? How do these CO1
questions help in framing the problem and guiding the design process? Provide real-
world examples to illustrate your points.
4. Discuss the key principles of Design Thinking. How do these principles influence the CO1
way designers approach challenges and create user-centered solutions?
5. When planning a Design Thinking project, what are the critical steps you need to take CO1
before starting the ideation phase? Explain how understanding the problem, the user,
and the context contributes to a successful project outcome.

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