Design Thinking

Design Thinking

Design Thinking

A practical approach
Benjamin März, Nick Ackerhans
Originally developed in the software industry, a method inspired by the mindset of designers has proven to be a broadly applicable approach to solving complex problems. Design thinking holds the potential to contribute positively to social and economic change. A look at its development offers valuable insights for a deeper understanding.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | 2025 | Edition 4 | Pages 68-75
A Learning Factory in Transition

A Learning Factory in Transition

Innovatively meeting the demands of the modern labor market
Nick Ackerhans, Benjamin März
Agile methods are extremely useful in solving complex problems. This is particularly beneficial in market environments where the routines of traditional corporate management are constantly being questioned. Agility is closely linked to the core ideas of Lean Management, as evidenced by the focus on processes and people. Lean factories facilitate a hands-on engagement with Lean principles, thereby promoting agile process management in various production contexts.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | Edition 4 | Pages 63-68
Promoting Agility in Entrepreneurial Innovation

Promoting Agility in Entrepreneurial Innovation

A competence platform for small and medium-sized enterprises
Justus von Geibler ORCID Icon, Julius Piwowar ORCID Icon, Patrik Fröhlich ORCID Icon, Filiz Meidrodt ORCID Icon, Dominik Lenz ORCID Icon
Companies with traditional working and manufacturing structures face the challenge of progressive digitalization and internationalization. In order to adapt, many companies aim to develop digital and agile working skills and competences. This paper describes the conception of a digital platform to promote agility in innovation of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in structurally weak regions and to contribute to their innovativeness and future viability.
Industrie 4.0 Management | Volume 39 | 2023 | Edition 6 | Pages 27-31 | DOI 10.30844/IM_23-6_27-31
Innovation Needs Thinking outside the Box

Innovation Needs Thinking outside the Box

Identifying Future-Proof Business Models with Service Design and Design Thinking
Franz Koller, Carina Völpel
Digitalization changes industrial value-added processes as well as the expectations and requirements of customers, staff, suppliers and partners. For industrial companies, these changes bring risks and opportunities. They need to react and adapt their products and services to remain competitive and survive in the digital age. With service design and design thinking, companies can identify future-proof business areas to develop products and services that bring users added value. We will introduce you to the nature and effects of such design processes and outline the benefits for your company.
Industrie 4.0 Management | Volume 34 | 2018 | Edition 4 | Pages 62-66