Design Thinking Approaches in Education Administration

Nabirye Amina Okwir

Faculty of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

In an era marked by rapid change and increasing complexity, traditional approaches to educational administration often fall short in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing schools and educational institutions. This paper examines the integration of design thinking as a strategic, human-centered methodology for promoting adaptive leadership and fostering innovation within educational administration. Through a review of current practices, case studies, and theoretical insights, the paper highlights how the design thinking process—empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing can transform how educational leaders understand problems, engage stakeholders, and implement sustainable solutions. It emphasizes the role of empathy, collaboration, and experimentation in developing contextually grounded, iterative responses to systemic challenges. The study also examines implementation barriers, leadership roles, and strategic supports necessary for embedding design thinking in educational culture. Ultimately, this research underscores the value of design thinking in cultivating resilient, creative, and responsive educational systems.

Keywords: Design Thinking, Educational Administration, Innovation in Education, Human-Centered Design, Adaptive Leadership, School Reform, Collaborative Problem Solving.

CITE AS: Nabirye Amina Okwir (2025). Design Thinking Approaches in Education Administration. IAA Journal of Arts and Humanities 12(1):119-125. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJAH/2025/121119125