Similarities and Differences between Design Thinking and Computational Thinking

The similarities between Design Thinking and Computational Thinking are that they both involve the breakdown of many components in order to create solutions. They both take into consideration of economic, environmental and social factors throughout their process.

Design Thinking uses a design process that encourages and requires students to identify and investigate a need or opportunity and then going through the steps of generating a plan, designing solutions and evaluate the product and process. I believe that this process allows for more investigating whereas the Computational Thinking process seems to be more procedural.

Computational Thinking focuses on problem solving methods with the use of digital systems. It is about interpreting patterns and models as well as organizing data logically.

An example of Design and Technologies, where design thinking is used, would be creating a sustainable vegetable garden at school with a compost bin and worm farm. Whereas Computational Thinking would involve recording UV ratings, designing the garden in the best location where it will get rain and run, measuring rainfall etc.