BOARD # 254: IUSE: A design thinking approach to fostering engineering students’ empathy in smart manufacturing education
- Conference
- Location
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Publication Date
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June 22, 2025
- Start Date
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June 22, 2025
- End Date
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August 15, 2025
- Conference Session
- Tagged Topic
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NSF Grantees Poster Session
- Page Count
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6
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/55615
- Download Count
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1
Paper Authors
Hengtao Tang University of South Carolina
Hengtao Tang is an assistant professor in Learning, Design and Technologies at the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on self-regulated learning in engineering education, especially using learning analytics and machine learning algorithms to understand the self-regulated learning process, profile self-regulated learners, and create AI-scaffolded interventions to support self-regulated learning.
Ramy Harik Clemson University
Dr. Ramy Harik, a Fulbright Scholar, is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina and a resident researcher at the McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research. He is currently a v
Abstract
The rapid evolution of advanced manufacturing systems requires a workforce adept in solving the problem but also understanding the impact of their solution on others. To address this critical need, we propose integrating design thinking as an intervention into a college-level engineering course. This project aims to equip students with abilities to develop empathy while solving authentic problems, which are essential in the increasingly complex world of advanced manufacturing. An experiential learning design in a college-level engineering course was structured around design thinking processes, a human-centered approach to innovation that balances technical constraints with user needs. Students engaged in iterative problem-solving processes including defining the problem, ideation, and creating simulation prototypes and design briefs. We applied pre- and post-surveys to measure students’ cognitive empathy. Statistical analysis confirmed the design thinking intervention improved student’s cognitive empathy in solving engineering problems. This project demonstrates the potential of integrating design thinking with engineering education to improve students’ understanding of advanced manufacturing but also developing critical soft skills such as empathy. This model provides a replicable framework for fostering a well-rounded skill set in future engineers and help them to be better prepared to address the challenges of modern manufacturing systems.
Tang, H., & Harik, R. (2025, June), BOARD # 254: IUSE: A design thinking approach to fostering engineering students’ empathy in smart manufacturing education Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55615
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