Information skills training based on design thinking: work experience at the University of Cienfuegos, Cuba

Abstract

Design thinking constitutes a key tool for the transformation of learning environments, by placing the student at the center of the entire educational process and promoting the use of tools and instruments that facilitate communication and the transmission of information. This study describes the experience of using the design thinking methodology in the Information Literacy Program for first-year students at the "Carlos Rafael Rodríguez" University of Cienfuegos, Cuba. The research is qualitative, descriptive and is based on a case study. Within the research methods and techniques, documentary analysis is used, the focus group with the librarians of the Resource Center for Learning and Research to know the expectations and experiences of the methodological proposal, the interview with the person in charge of the Department of Information with the objective of identifying the strengths and opportunities of the library institution in the design of activities based on design thinking, as well as a questionnaire to students to validate the applicability of the strategy. The results show the need to use this initiative to adapt the training strategy to the real needs of students according to their professional profile, and thus encourage greater use of the university library in academic and scientific activity. The conclusions point to design thinking as a work methodology that contributes to the development and strengthening of creative, innovative and critical thinking by providing significant experiences in the formation of professional skills.