A Rainbow of Collaboration

Rethinking Design Thinking with Creative Confidence

A Rainbow of Collaboration

Reflections by Nadeeka Senaviratne Mada Walawwe and Aino Sievänen.
The illustrations are created jointly by the authors.

At first, design thinking (DT) seemed unfamiliar, yet our curiosity led to learning. Our learning journey in DT, as explored in Tschimmel’s (2025) masterclass, integrates the analytical views of Kimbell (2011; 2012) and the practical optimism of Kelley, D. & Kelley, T. (2013). Genuine creative confidence is achieved through a curious, think-like-a-traveller mindset, along with hands-on practice, experimentation, and collaboration in the iterative and adaptive process of DT.  

“Phases of writing a blog as a team effort”. Visual storytelling with simple drawings helps to communicate concepts, ideas and emotions quickly. (Tschimmel 2025). 

From Solitary Designer to Collaborative Process 

Kimbell (2011) outlines three interpretations of DT, criticizing its central issue of dualism which separates thinking from doing and positions the designer as the sole catalyst.  

Instead of a solitary designer, she argues that designs evolve as users and stakeholders engage with them, shifting the focus from the individual designer to the collaboration of stakeholders (Kimbell 2011). 

Kimbell (2012) refines this view with design-as-practice and design-in-practice, emphasizing that services evolve as users and stakeholders co-create them after leaving the design studio.  

“But where to find creativity, I’m not an artist?”  

Where Kimbell (2011; 2012) offers analysis, Kelley, D. & Kelley, T. (2013) inspire, arguing that creativity is an inherent trait unlocked by courage, not a rare gift. Fear of failure or looking foolish is what holds people back. 

Tschimmel (2025) highlights that divergent thinking, requiring fluidity and flexibility, is the core mechanism for generating original ideas – creativity. 

Yet, scared of creativity? Let us debunk the myth that creativity belongs only to the arts; like children, everyone can build creative confidence to develop previously unimagined, user-centred solutions (Kelley, D. & Kelley, T. 2013). The human is naturally a “what  if –machine“, able to question the status quo.  

Design Thinking as Empowerment   

In a larger view, one could argue that DT is about empowerment. It is about trusting one’s abilities in problem-solving and creative divergent thinking. It is a proactive approach to life itself. DT trains everyone to serve as catalysts for organizational change.  

Collaboration is key 

Collaboration is key in DT and empathy underpins all of it. We see that although Kimbell (2011; 2012) frames DT as under-theorized and Kelley, D. & Kelley, T. (2013) as under-used, they share common ground: innovation is always shaped by collaboration, context, and continuous practice, never solitary.  

“Collaboration through stakeholder involvement”. Drawing is a highly effective communication tool, a skill to practice and explain ideas quickly by sketching (Kelley D. and Kelley T. 2013, 66–71).

Critical Creativity   

Having the courage to create from Kelley, D. & Kelley, T. (2013) while also having the ability to question the fundamental systems of creation from Kimbell (2011; 2012). When in motion, DT’s creative powers support businesses in innovation and societies in change (Kimbell 2011).  

Moving from the corporate world into service innovation, we find both perspectives useful.  

What is next? 

So, next time when someone tells you, “DT will solve everything”, pause. Ask not just how we design, but who is involved, what assumptions shape the process, and whose voices are to be listened to. Use your creative confidence, apply divergent thinking and get collaborative. That is when genuine innovation begins, and DT evolves from a business tool to transform human lives, families, and societies. 

And, to question further: Will be the future of DT, as discussed by Tschimmel (2025), be a hybrid human-machine approach for ethical innovation, integrating artificial intelligence? We are to continue being curious and creative.

References

Kelley, D. & Kelley, T. 2013. Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All. New York: Crown Business. 

Kimbell, L. 2011. Rethinking Design Thinking Part 1. Design & Culture, Vol. 3 (3). 285–306.  

Kimbell, L. 2012. Rethinking Design Thinking Part 2. Design & Culture, Vol. 4 (2).  129–148. 

Tschimmel, K. 2025. Design Thinking Masterclass at SID. [lecture]. Held on 5-6 September. Laurea University of Applied Sciences. 

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4 responses to “A Rainbow of Collaboration”

  1. eduardo.solorzano.tejeda Avatar
    eduardo.solorzano.tejeda

    I think creativity and innovation often emerge in unexpected moments, when we feel more relaxed and confident. Ideas don’t just appear at random, though. In my experience, creating something new requires trial, deep focus, asking questions, and insisting on finding alternatives.

    After that, the brain does its magic in the background (it needs time to process and recover). Even when we are not pushing hard, fresh ideas can surface. But as creatives, it is our task to guide those ideas so they find the right direction and serve their purpose.

    That’s where critical thinking plays a key role. The better prepared we are, the better solutions we can bring to life, and preparation comes mainly from practice and experience. As you mentioned, confidence and empowerment are very important for this. 🤓 😇

    Reply
  2. anita.marin Avatar
    anita.marin

    Thank you for the beautiful blog post crowned with wonderful illustrations. Your thoughts on the value of collaboration resonated with me. Nowadays there is a popular idea, that human society is moving toward a kind of “collective intellect” — something like bees or ants — and your post captured that thinking really well.

    I stopped by the line “Everyone can build creative confidence to develop previously unimagined, user-centred solutions.” It feels to be challenging in today’s world, where AI can sketch, ideate, and write so efficiently and smoothly, that your own creations might feel “not good enough.” Your blog reminded me that creative confidence is about the courage to bring our own human perspective into the process.

    Reply
  3. Huong Thai Avatar
    Huong Thai

    What a colorful written post! The title “A Rainbow of Collaboration” instantly caught my attention. Comparing collaboration to a rainbow is such a poetic and creative metaphor that reflects not only the diversity and vibrancy of teamwork but also your artistic way of thinking. 🌈

    I especially resonate with this statement: “Genuine creative confidence is achieved through a curious, think-like-a-traveller mindset, along with hands-on practice, experimentation, and collaboration in the iterative and adaptive process of DT.”
    It’s so true! Curiosity is the spark that fuels creativity, but I often wonder—how do we cultivate curiosity in others? What kind of environment or experiences can awaken that “traveller mindset” in someone who might not naturally think that way?

    Your references to Kimbell (2012) really helped me understand that design, practice, and collaboration are not separate elements but rather a unified set that should always go hand in hand. It’s a reminder that design thinking is not just a method but a mindset shaped by interaction and co-creation.

    Like Kimbell, Tschimmel (2022) emphasizes that creative thinking isn’t just an innate talent, it can be nurtured through personal experience, environment, and cultural context. This gives me hope that with the right exposure and mindset, anyone can grow their creative confidence.

    Thank you for this inspiring reflection! It’s a great reminder of how collaboration and curiosity can truly transform the way we approach design and innovation.

    Reply
  4. Shahida Parvin Avatar
    Shahida Parvin

    I appreciate your insightful analysis on Design Thinking, Nadeeka and Aino. I truly like how you draw attention to the transition from the “solitary designer” to a collaborative and participatory process, reiterating Kimbell’s (2011; 2012) assertion that design is not the product of individual genius but rather of shared practice.

    Your talk about creative confidence is encouraging since it serves as a reminder that, as Kelley and Kelley (2013) imply, creativity is a mindset based on boldness and curiosity rather than an exclusive gift. I really appreciate your analytical approach to examining who is involved in the process and whose opinions are heard.

    Lastly, it’s a really pertinent and interesting point you raised regarding the future of DT and AI integration (Tschimmel, 2025). The ways in which ethics, empathy, and teamwork will continue to influence this hybrid human–machine approach are fascinating to consider.
    An excellent and well-rounded analysis of the principles and methods of creative teamwork.

    Reply

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