Experiences and lessons learned with the use of design thinking methodologies in university courses in Ecuador

Abstract

Ecuador is one of the countries, with an innovation index well below other nations in the region. There are many factors that influence this problem, one of them being the little capacity to generate new scientific knowledge that helps in the solution of problems in all productive processes or services. Universities are the pillars for the promotion and practice of innovation and creativity, through educational processes of teaching and learning. This research gathers the university experiences and achievements obtained in the learning, reached by the students and professors, who addressed the REDIMA study case and that constituted an opportunity to apply the Design Thinking methodology and that led us to devise and design solutions innovative to the problems raised.