Design Thinking: Chasing the What If

Abstract: This article presents a research project that set out to better understand the transformational learning of students working with a real-world client in the design thinking process. The article presents a case study involving a partnership between Grand Valley State University and Founders Brewery to design, develop, market, and distribute a “Born and Brewed in Michigan” beer. The project involved a multi-level, qualitative research approach collecting data from Grand Valley State University students in INT-323: Design Thinking to Meet Real-World Needs and employees of Founders who were actively engaged in designing a beer and strategic marketing plan from January 2020 through April 2021. It is argued that students who engage in the design thinking process with a client in a real-world application develop a deeper understanding of theories associated with a course while refining skills that will transfer into their professional and personal lives. This article will provide insight into why design thinking ought to be adapted into interdisciplinary curriculum development.