Design Thinking as a Strategic Planning Tool for Adapted Physical Activity Programs within a University Setting

Abstract

As a community-campus partnership, the adapted physical activity programs at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis used design thinking as a method for strategic planning to assist in expanding and developing community-based programming. In partnering with the Design thinking graduate program at Herron School of Art and Design, the Adapted Physical Activity Clinics collaborated on the participatory research project using the design thinking process framework over 16 weeks. By the end of the strategic planning process, the programs determined a sustainable mission and vision. Design thinking also revealed the benefits that the programs and their future opportunities hold, not only to the families served, but also to undergraduate students participating in service learning.