Design Thinking for Chinese Environmental (Art) Design Education: A Case Study within Design Day Marathon

This article investigates the paradigm shift in Chinese environmental (art) design education, moving from a focus on aesthetics and functionality to an emphasis on creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinarity. The reformed education aims to cultivate designers skilled in addressing "VUCA" as innovative changemakers. Design thinking, a human-centered, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and creative methodology, is explored through a pedagogical case study in Beijing Design Marathon. The conclusion highlights seven main capabilities for design-driven innovators: Professional Knowledge, Creativity, Interdisciplinarity, Management & Leadership, Adaptability, Collaborative Innovation, and Social Responsibility. This study offers valuable insights into applying design thinking in Chinese environmental design education and contributes experiential knowledge to the international spatial design education domain.