Design Thinking Framework to Enhance Object Oriented Design and Problem Analysis Skill in Java Programming Laboratory: An Experience

After being used to a procedural style of programming, programming in an object-oriented style seems to be difficult. The problem analysis skill is also important where it leads to designing solution for complex problems. In the process of problem analysis, it is big challenge for the students to identify classes, attributes, methods and association between the classes from a given problem statement/Scenario and then mapping to program code. The problem analysis is part of design thinking, where it consists of five phases Empathy (Emphasize), Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test. In this course we implemented a modified standard "Design Thinking Framework" through structured enquiry assessment, in our framework few phases are overlapping and it is defined using following phases—1. Define, 2. Ideate & Prototype, 3. Test. This framework is add-on to our previous practice where a comprehensive tutorial for "Object Oriented Thinking" is conducted first to minimize students difficulties. Also it includes "laboratory experiment categorization" to help students in improving problem analysis and design skills. By using the above said approaches, it is observed that the students are able to use object oriented concepts efficiently to solve problems, design solutions and performed better in semester end examination.