Design thinking is a human-oriented and creative problem-solving skill that can empathize with the user's senses. Today, classical problem-solving approaches are replaced by design thinking practices that include multidimensional thinking skills. The mission of higher education curriculums is to enable students to use their design thinking skills effectively in higher education. In this study; the views of academics on design thinking skills in different disciplines in higher education were consulted. A qualitative research method was used in the study and data were collected by interview technique. The research was carried out in Istanbul in the fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year, with the participation of two state universities and (N=15) academicians. In this context, a six-question semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. The data were analyzed with thematic coding and content analysis techniques, which are among the qualitative analysis methods. According to the research findings; while academics thought that there was a "high, multi-faceted and complementary relationship" between design and thinking skills, it was revealed that they defined the concept of design thinking as "human-based, user needs-based, solution-oriented and creativity based''. Design thinker individuals' it is stated that they should have features such as "empathy, analysis, being open to innovation, high imagination, attention to details and creative thinking.” It is seen that academics use design thinking in their courses in practices such as "problem solving method, design project, researching real-life problems, developing thinking skills". In addition, the academicians stated that "they do not have knowledge about design thinking skills, some of them have theoretical knowledge, but those who have knowledge have weak practice levels". Finally, it is seen that they make suggestions that "design thinking practices should be added to the course content, applied training should be increased, thinking skills should be developed and innovative thoughts should be included".
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