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 an 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.