A Development of a Design Thinking Model to Enhance Career Skills for Bangkok Metropolitan Communities

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) examine design thinking strategies suitable for Bangkok metropolitan communities, (2) develop a context-responsive design thinking model, and (3) apply the developed model to enhance career skills among community youth. A Research and Development (R&D) methodology integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. The research was conducted through model development, implementation, and evaluation. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, participatory observation, questionnaires, activity records, focus group discussions, and innovation assessment forms. The study involved educators in Bangkok and 40 youth from communities along the Lat Phrao Canal, selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicated that design thinking for urban communities should be flexible, easy to understand, participatory, and integrated with local wisdom. The developed Community Design Thinking (CDT) model comprised five stages: Community Understanding, Community Needs Identification, Creative Ideation, Simple Prototyping, and Community Testing and Refinement. The model was rated at the highest level of appropriateness (M = 4.62, SD = 0.42). Its five-week implementation with 40 youth generated four feasible projects Thai Fusion, SkillShare Community, Eco Craft, and Food Bike and the overall implementation evaluation was at the highest level (M = 4.60, SD = 0.36). One month after participation, 30% of participants had further developed their outputs and begun testing sales or services, 37.5% had applied design thinking to other problems or projects, and 12.5% had obtained internship or employment opportunities related to the skills developed. The findings suggest that community-based design thinking can connect experiential learning, creativity, and career development in an urban community context.