Design thinking has emerged as one of the most powerful approaches for innovation, problem-solving, and value creation across industries. At its core lies the human instinct for invention—an instinct that has shaped civilizations since ancient times. Throughout history, people have generated ideas rooted in both factual observations and creative imagination, producing inventions that enhance comfort, improve efficiency, and contribute to societal progress.

This book explores that journey of invention and channels it into a structured methodology for modern challenges. By understanding how earlier discoveries were made, design teams can gain insight into ideation, experimentation, user-centric design, and iterative improvement. The text emphasizes the importance of unconventional thinking, critical analysis, and process optimization to develop products and solutions that deliver maximum customer value.

Written in a simple, accessible style, the book helps learners grasp the fundamentals of creativity, design thinking principles, and practical tools like Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and Value Engineering. Real-world case studies further illustrate how design thinking is applied in contemporary problem contexts. Whether you are a student, researcher, entrepreneur, or industry professional, this book will build the foundational skills needed for innovative thinking and efficient design processes.

KEY FEATURES 

1. The major topics of this text include the following. \n
2. • History of inventions
   • Creativity
   • Basic of design Thinking
   • Process Design Thinking using Business Process Reengineering
   • Value Engineering/ Analysis A Means for Design Thinking
   • Case Studies of Design Thinking
3. This text is written in easy-to-read style.
4. Each chapter contains numerous examples
5. A chapter is provided with case studies

R. Panneerselvam, PhD, served as a Professor of Operations and Systems Department of Management Studies at School of Management, Pondicherry University. He possesses a total of 41 years of teaching and research experience at Anna University and Pondicherry University put together. He served as the chairman of Computer Society of India (Pondicherry Chapter) and life member of Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering and Computer Society of India. Prof. Panneerselvam has published more than 100 research articles in leading national and international journals and has authored 25 textbooks. He also provided consultancy, including an overseas consultancy to CEMS, Malaysia. 

Dr Panneerselvam received academic excellence award in an international conference on Advances in Industrial Engineering Practices and Achiever Award from Anna University for outstanding contributions to academics. His areas of research interest include Cellular manufacturing, Assembly line balancing Simulation, Total covering problem, Supply chain management, Ergonomics, Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, Technology disruption, Decision support system for manufacturing industry, etc.

P. Senthilkumar, PhD, is Deputy General Manager, Program Management Office, Farm Division at Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World City, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. He has about 20 years of industry experience in process planning and programme management. Previously, he has served at Valeo Minda Electrical Systems India Pvt. Ltd, Ashok Leyland, Foton Motors, and Lucas TVS Ltd. Dr Senthilkumar has published several research papers in leading national and international journals and has authored several textbooks. His areas of research interest include Project management, Simulation Production scheduling, Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) scheduling etc.

Chapter 1.History of Inventions
Chapter 2.Creativity
Chapter 3.Basics of Design Thinking
Chapter 4.Process Design Thinking using Business Process Reengineering
Chapter 5.Value Engineering/ Analysis A Means for Design Thinking
Chapter 6.Case Studies of Design Thinking