Design thinking and AI in TVET: driving human-centred digital transformation in vocational education
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This systematic literature review explores the convergence of design thinking (DT) and artificial intelligence (AI) as transformative strategies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Amidst accelerating technological shifts, TVET systems face growing pressure to equip learners not only with technical skills but also with creativity, adaptability, and systems thinking. DT and AI, while individually valuable, remain under-integrated in vocational curricula, often limited to isolated pilot initiatives without strategic institutional anchoring. This review synthesizes findings from 12 empirical studies published between 2021 and 2025, analyzing their methodologies, impacts, and thematic contributions. Three overarching themes emerged: (i) design thinking as a driver of pedagogical transformation in vocational settings; (ii) leveraging emerging technologies to personalize and humanize learning in TVET; and (iii) integrating design thinking with institutional strategy for workforce readiness in TVET. While these studies showcase innovative practices, critical gaps persist particularly in long-term scalability, ethical AI integration, and systemic policy frameworks. Notably, few studies operationalize the combined use of DT and AI within holistic institutional strategies. This review argues for a paradigm shift: repositioning TVET as a human-centered engine for digital innovation. It calls for co-created, cross-sector frameworks that embed AI-powered DT models into educational policy and institutional planning. The findings highlight an urgent need for sustainable, evidence-based models to make vocational education responsive, inclusive, and future-ready.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
References
Adarkwah, M. A., & Islam, A. Y. M. A. (2025). Enhancing entrepreneurial skills of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through immersive learning in the metaverse: A design thinking approach. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 20(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2524609
Bugliesi, M., & Micelli, S. (2024). Fostering SMEs digital innovation through advanced training and design thinking: Italy as a case study. In G. Prastacos & N. Pouloudi (Eds.), Leading and managing in the digital era: Lecture notes in information systems and organisation (Vol. 69, pp. 121-133). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65782-5_9
Diaz-Lauzurica, B., & Moreno-Salinas, D. (2023). Applying design thinking to enhance programming education in vocational and compulsory secondary schools. Applied Sciences, 13(23), Article 12792. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312792
Eamcharoen, P. (2024). Teaching design thinking process with an interactive video-based course to vocational students. AsTEN Journal of Teacher Education, 8(1), 153-171. https://doi.org/10.56278/asten.v8i.2777
Havidotinnisa, S., Afini, F., Saryadi, Y., & Mufti, I. (2024). The role of design thinking in artificial intelligence disruption: A systematic literature review. Multifinance, 2(2), 136-147. https://doi.org/10.61397/mfc.v2i2.323
Hoaihongthong, S., Laorach, C., & Laonayor, P. (2024). Digital competencies of secretarial students in Thailand. International Journal of Education and Practice, 12(3), 953-967. https://doi.org/10.18488/61.v12i3.3815
Hussein, S. S., Ramly, N., Zurita Wan Ahmad, W. A., Mohammed Ridzuan, M. I. A., Wesma Salehen, P. M., & Dang, D. (2024). Achieving sustainable digital transformation in TVET institutions through enterprise architecture. The Journal of Technical Education and Training, 16(2), 51-62. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2024.16.02.005
Jusoh, M. Y. F., Nor Asniza, I., Wan Azani, M., Nashrul Fazli, M. N., Siti Norhazlin, M. S., & Rendi Restiana, S. (2025). Fostering innovation in K-12 education: A systematic review of the integration of design thinking within educational technology. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 53(1), 153-174. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.53.1.153174
Kruger, M., Hoff, A., & Schrader, L. (2024). Diagnostics of the design thinker personality profile with the Big Five assessment for educational work. Journal of Innovation Management, 12(1), 96-108. https://doi.org/10.24840/2183-0606_012.001_0005
Lin, Q., Liu, Z., & Sun, Y. (2024). To improve students' learning motivation of vocational colleges through design thinking. In J. L. C., B. V. E., W. Q., & S. F. (Eds.), Frontiers in artificial intelligence and applications (Vol. 383, pp. 809-819). IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/FAIA231496
Liu, G.-C., & Ko, C.-H. (2021). Effects of social media and design thinking on corporate identity design course in Taiwan. E-Learning and Digital Media, 18(3), 251-268. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753020950879
Merolli, M., Lyons, K., Burns, K., Perrier, M., Smart, A., & Donald, K. J. (2024). Innovate, educate, elevate: Empowering tomorrow's health professionals through a contemporary learning module in digital transformation of health. In B.-F. J. (Ed.), Studies in health technology and informatics (Vol. 318, pp. 54-59). IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI240891
Qianqian, L., Wenjuan, Y., & Yuanbo, S. (2025a). Research on the application of design thinking in teaching to improve the learning atmosphere in vocational college. In L. C. Jain, V. E. Balas, Q. Wu, & F. Shi (Eds.), Frontiers in artificial intelligence and applications (Vol. 405, pp. 289-299). IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/FAIA250278
Qianqian, L., Zhenghong, L., & Yuanbo, S. (2025b). To improve the students' career adaptability of vocational colleges through design thinking. In L. C. Jain, V. E. Balas, Q. Wu, & F. Shi (Eds.), Frontiers in artificial intelligence and applications (Vol. 405, pp. 300-309). IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/FAIA250279
Rajamanickam, S., Che' Rus, R., & Abdul Raji, M. N. (2024). Enhancing TVET for a digital-ready workforce: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Modern Education, 6(23), 865-881. https://doi.org/10.35631/IJMOE.623060
Wang, X., Ratanaolarn, T., & Sitthiworachart, J. (2025). Integrating project-based blended learning and design thinking to enhance creativity and openness to experience. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2500760