Visual Design Thinking: Understanding the role of knowledge visualization in the design thinking process

This paper sheds light on the role of visualization methods within the design thinking process. It provides a conceptual framework showing illustrative examples of visualization for each phase indicating its functions and benefits. Based on a thorough understanding of the functions and benefits of knowledge visualization in general, this paper seeks to provide a first overview of the use of visualization in design thinking informing and supporting practitioners and researcher for more conscious selections of visualization methods in their design thinking efforts.