Exploring trait factors associated with design thinking disposition in young adults: A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)

Design thinking, a method for tackling complex problems creatively, lacks clear scientific underpinnings. This study explores the relationship between cognitive and psychological traits and design thinking disposition in 588 young adults by using a cross-sectional survey. Traits such as empathy (perspective-taking and empathic concern), cognitive flexibility, ideation, visualization, and openness to experience were measured. Using fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis and multiple regression analysis, the study identified cognitive flexibility, ideation, and visualization as key traits associating with design thinking disposition. Lower perspective-taking was associated with reduced design thinking disposition, while higher openness to experience and empathic concern correlated with greater design thinking disposition. These insights offer valuable implications for both the theory and education of design thinking.