Publications

By: Cara Wrigley, Murray Simons, Aaron Jackson

Abstract:

Design thinking is gaining momentum in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as an important enabler to overcome the limitations of linear problem-solving processes. This chapter presents an audit of how widespread use of design thinking is in the ADF in 2021. It traces the journey to date and surveys the diversity of employment across a range of military workplaces. While not claiming to be definitive, a selection of case studies helps demonstrate strategic, operational and tactical applications. The chapter explores five thematic topics of Force Design, institutional cultural reform, planning and conduct of operations, tactical capability advantage systems, and logistics and procurement. It then examines two additional areas that transcend these thematic groupings: the development of ‘Defence by Design’, the ADF’s first domestically-developed military design method; and design thinking’s employment in joint professional military education (JPME). Further development in the last of these areas will be vital to ensuring that the ADF’s practice of design thinking can build upon the foundation laid by developments in the other areas.