Enhancing Empathy and Innovation in Engineering Education Through Design Thinking and Design of Experiments

Around 15% of the global population, with a 6% prevalence in Mexico, experiences disabilities, underscoring the imperative to address their unique needs. This study focuses on Tecnológico de Monterrey's program, ‘Design and Analysis of Experiments for Engineering Innovation’ (DAEEI), which integrates Design Thinking and Design of Experiments. Investigating the impact of this integration on empathy and user-centered prototypes, the research took place within the DAEEI course, where students designed disability-friendly furniture with significant social impact. Key competencies cultivated include problem-solving, empathy, and innovation, fostering comprehensive engineering education by bridging interdisciplinary and disciplinary knowledge. The results highlight the effectiveness of the DAEEI course, showcasing a transformative impact. Engaged in designing socially impactful furniture, students exhibit enhanced problem-solving skills, heightened empathy, and a propensity for innovative thinking. This approach positions Tecnológico de Monterrey as a pioneer in shaping socially conscious and innovative engineers, poised to meet the evolving needs of an inclusive society.