Future of tech: how to work with AI using computational thinking and design thinking

Have you ever faced a tricky problem and thought, “How do I tackle this?” That’s where computational thinking comes in. This approach breaks down complex issues into smaller, manageable parts. It encourages you to solve problems using logical reasoning and pattern recognition, which are crucial in today’s data-driven world.

For instance, if you are organising a school event, computational thinking helps you break tasks into smaller pieces, outline the steps needed based on past events and create a timeline to keep everything on track.

Design thinking encourages us to ask questions like: “How can we improve a process?” or “What features would make an experience more enjoyable for the user?”

This approach emphasises empathy and creativity, helping us understand user needs and create solutions that are both fun and functional.

For example, when designing a new app, it is essential to consider how users will interact with it. It should be easy to use and meet their needs.

By adopting computational and design thinking into your mindset, you can become a creative problem solver and design technology that makes a positive difference in people’s lives.

While computational thinking focuses on breaking complex problems into smaller parts and recognising patterns to find solutions, design thinking emphasises empathy for user needs and creating innovative solutions (see graphic). These approaches help us leverage AI effectively in our daily lives.

It is crucial to embrace all of AI’s opportunities and explore how it can solve problems and drive innovation. With computational and design thinking, you can influence how AI develops. Here are examples of how AI is changing industries and improving lives.

1. Large language models (LLMs): Think of LLMs like ChatGPT as personal tutors. They can help with computational thinking by deconstructing complex essay topics (break it down), identifying patterns in your writing (pattern recognition) and creating new ideas. They help you brainstorm, summarise readings and provide feedback, leading to a more refined final product (solution).

2. Recommendation systems: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify use AI to analyse your habits. They identify patterns in what you enjoy (pattern recognition) and suggest tailored content (solution). The process also shows design thinking, as it considers what users want (empathy) to improve their experience (define) and refines suggestions using feedback (prototype and test).

3. Smart home devices: Imagine coming home to the perfect temperature because your smart thermostat learned your schedule. It involves computational thinking as it breaks down your daily routines (break it down), identifies usage patterns (pattern recognition) and adjusts its settings (solution). It also reflects design thinking, as these devices prioritise user needs (empathy) and undergo testing to ensure they enhance comfort (define, prototype and design).

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