About this previous year paper
SECTION A — Very Short Answers (2 Marks Each)
a. Concept of Design
Design is a systematic process of creating solutions that meet user needs in an effective and aesthetic manner.
b. Innovation
Innovation is the implementation of new ideas that create value for users or society.
c. Prosperity
Prosperity refers to a state of well-being, sufficiency, and fulfillment, not mere material accumulation.
d. Brainstorming
A group creativity technique used to generate a large number of ideas without judgment.
e. Problem Statement
A clear and concise description of the issue that needs to be solved.
f. Iteration (Design Thinking)
Repeated testing, refining, and improving solutions based on feedback.
g. Critical Thinking
The ability to analyze, evaluate, and reason logically to make informed decisions.
h. Incongruence
A gap between what exists and what is desired, which triggers the need for design.
i. Weak Argument
An argument with poor logic, insufficient evidence, or false assumptions.
j. Logical Reasoning
The process of drawing valid conclusions based on facts and logical relationships.
SECTION B — Descriptive / Conceptual (10 Marks)
a. Design Thinking & Its Importance
Human-centered problem-solving approach
Focuses on empathy, creativity, and experimentation
Encourages innovation in business and social challenges
Reduces risk through prototyping and testing
b. Actualization & Desire Gap
Actualization: Converting ideas into reality
Gap arises due to lack of resources, clarity, or execution
Design thinking helps bridge this gap systematically
c. Personas
Fictional characters representing target users Based on user research
Helps understand user needs and behavior
d. Characteristics of Critical Thinkers Open-minded
Logical Analytical
Curious Self-reflective
e. Obstacles to Critical Thinking Bias
Emotional reasoning Assumptions
Social pressure Lack of information
SECTION C — Wicked Problems / Creativity (10 Marks)
Wicked Problems
Characteristics: No clear definition
No single solution Interconnected issues
Solutions change the problem
Ways to Solve: Collaboration
Iteration User empathy
Prototyping Creativity vs Innovation
| Creativity | Innovation |
|---|---|
| Idea generation | Idea implementation |
| Imaginative | Practical |
| Conceptual | Action-oriented |
SECTION D — User Understanding Tools (10 Marks)
Customer Journey Map Visual representation of user experience
Stages: Awareness → Consideration → Purchase → Usage
Identifies pain points and opportunities Empathy Mapping
Helps understand: What user says
What user thinks What user does
What user feels