Design Thinking Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Industry Analysis, By Type (Software, Services), By Application (BFSI, Automotive, Electrical and Electronics, Pharmaceutical, Retail and E-commerce, Manufacturing, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

Last Updated: 20 October 2025
SKU ID: 21739402

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DESIGN THINKING MARKET OVERVIEW

The design thinking market, valued at USD 9.14 billion in 2025, is forecasted to increase to USD 9.81 billion in 2026 and surpass USD 18.39 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.25% from 2025 to 2035.

Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative process that enables teams to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems and create innovative solutions through prototyping and testing. The five stages of empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing are most useful for solving ill-defined or unknown problems. The design thinking mechanisms of various organizations provide human-centered solutions that help improve the customer experience. Above all, design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that combines the capabilities of technology, the prerequisites for business success, and technological capabilities.

The design thinking market will grow during the forecast period based on the increasing need of companies and organizations to respond to the needs of various fields, including consumers. Design thinking provides a mechanism to understand customer requirements from a human perspective. Some problems and complaints are very complex. Design thinking helps you find insights from different sources.

KEY FINDINGS

  • Market Size and Growth: Valued at USD 9.14 billion in 2025, projected to touch USD 18.39 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 7.25%.
  • Key Market Driver: Increasing demand for user-centric solutions drives 58% of organizations to implement design thinking practices globally.
  • Major Market Restraint: Lack of skilled professionals limits 41% of small and medium businesses from fully adopting design thinking methodologies.
  • Emerging Trends: Integration of AI and digital collaboration tools enhances efficiency in 49% of design thinking processes worldwide.
  • Regional Leadership: North America leads with 39% market share, followed by Europe at 31%, due to high corporate adoption rates.
  • Competitive Landscape: Key players focus on software solutions and consulting services, holding 54% of the overall market globally.
  • Market Segmentation: Software 46%, Services 38%, Training 16% of total design thinking market share across industries.
  • Recent Development: Adoption of cloud-based design thinking platforms increased by 37% in 2025 among multinational corporations.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market Growth Restrained by Pandemic due to Supply Chain Disruptions

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, it exposed the structural flaws in our systems. It has crippled our health care, education, labor market and environment. It only talks about regression. In developing countries like India, the growth of poverty is evident, especially among the poor classes. The pandemic reversed all the progress made in improving medicine, education, regular income, clean drinking water and stable environmental conditions. This put design thinkers in a vulnerable position.

LATEST TRENDS

Emerging Industries, Education And Training And Service Design Propel Market Growth

Design thinking presents significant opportunities in emerging sectors, such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), and virtual reality, where user-centered design and innovation are crucial. There is a growing demand for design thinking education and training programs that provide opportunities for design thinking educators, consultants and promoters. Organizations in the service industry can leverage design thinking to enhance customer experiences, streamline processes and create differentiated services. Thus, this factor offers vast growth prospects in the design thinkingmarket growth.

  • According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 16% of Fortune 500 companies have implemented formal design thinking workshops in 2023 to accelerate product development.
  • According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), 85 federal projects adopted design thinking methodologies in 2022 to improve citizen experience and service innovation.
Global-Design-Thinking-Market-Share-By-Type,-2035

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DESIGN THINKING MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Software, Services.

Design thinking is a user-oriented approach to problem solving that has gained wide acceptance in software development. Its emphasis on understanding user needs and wants and its iterative and collaborative nature can lead to better software products.

With the Design Thinking service, organizations and individuals can unleash their creative potential through structured consultation, co-creation and enabling activities.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into BFSI, Automotive, Electrical and Electronics, Pharmaceutical, Retail and E-commerce, Manufacturing, Others.

Electrical design is the process of planning, creating and documenting the electrical systems of a building, machine or device. This includes selection of suitable components, calculation of loads and currents and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Design thinking is the constant iteration of solutions until they are refined and perfected. In the pharmaceutical industry, this means continuous improvement of products and services to meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers.

Design thinking encourages retailers to focus on the needs of their customers. By understanding their needs, wants and pain points, retailers can design products and services that meet their customers ‘expectations.

Often used in innovation conversations, design thinking has permeated many industries, including manufacturing. Design thinking promotes products that meet the needs of the manufacturing market and promote competitiveness and growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Widespread Use Of Design Thinking Mechanisms to Boost The Market

Design thinking is more effective than traditional business thinking models, which is why it is one of the most sought after models in many companies. Thus, this factor offers vast growth prospects in the design thinking market. Widespread use of design thinking mechanisms has been observed in various industries such as manufacturing, electrical and electronics, automotive, pharmaceutical, BFSI, retail, e-commerce and others. Design thinking allows users to visualize a problem from a different perspective. It helps users think creatively and provide idea-centric solutions. Design thinking also allows the user to determine the root cause rather than relying on any assumption or data performance. Such factors are contributing to the growth of the design thinking market. With the help of design thinking, the end result meets the customer's requirements and thus helps organizations to retain their customers.

Increasing Customer Expectation to Propel the Market Expansion

Customers today expect personalized, seamless, and intuitive experiences from products and services. Design thinking enables organizations to gain insight into customer needs and preferences, thereby developing solutions that meet and exceed expectations. The advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics has opened up new possibilities for applying design thinking. These technologies can augment the design thinking process, enabling organizations to gain deeper insights and create more impactful solutions. Design organizations have a better chance of attracting and retaining customers in a saturated market.

  • According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 18% of U.S. enterprises reported that design thinking contributed to faster prototype development and enhanced product quality in 2023.
  • According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 22% of public sector organizations implemented design thinking to optimize workflow efficiency and stakeholder engagement in 2022.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Resistance To Change And Limited Resources to Hinder Market Growth

Applying design thinking requires a change in mindset and culture, which can be difficult for organizations with deep-rooted traditional practices. The design thinking method is less effective because it only offers solutions to solve problems, but does not determine the practicality of the situation. Design thinking also offers its own solutions that lead to less or no interaction with the customer. This can lead to the creation of a solution that does not meet the customer's requirement. Such aspects hinder the design thinking market growth.

  • According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 12% of organizations cited lack of trained personnel as a barrier to fully adopting design thinking in 2023.
  • According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), 10% of government projects reported budget constraints as a limiting factor for the integration of design thinking methodologies in 2022.

DESIGN THINKING MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Dominate the Market due to increased interest in design and design thinking

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

North America accounted for the largest design thinking market share and is projected to grow at a CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing internet speeds, regulation leading to power generation and strong growth in retail, IT and home businesses across the region is some of the key factors driving demand in North America. Thus, the increased interest in design and design thinking encourages the growth of the region. North America has been at the fore front of design thinking adoption, driven by its mature markets, technological advancements, and strong emphasis on innovation. Design thinking is widely practiced in sectors such as technology, healthcare and finance.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market through Innovation and Market Expansion

The design thinking market is significantly influenced by key industry players who play a key role in market dynamics and shaping consumer preferences. These key players have extensive retail networks and online platforms that provide consumers with easy access to a wide range of options. Their strong global presence and brand recognition built consumer trust and loyalty, leading to increased product uptake. In addition, these industry giants continuously invest in research and development, introducing innovative designs, materials and smart features to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. The joint efforts of these major players will significantly affect the competitive situation and the future of the market.

  • Adobe Systems: According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 15% of U.S. enterprises integrated Adobe’s design thinking tools in 2023 to enhance digital innovation and UX design.
  • Frog Design Inc.: According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Frog Design Inc. supported 120 government and public sector projects in 2022, leveraging design thinking to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

List of Top Design Thinking Companies

  • Adobe Systems (U.S.)
  • Frog Design Inc. (U.S.)
  • Enigma (U.S.)
  • IDEO (U.S.)
  • Planbox (Canada)
  • Idea Couture (U.S.)
  • Intuit (U.S.)
  • IBM Corporation (U.S.)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

September 2023: Medtech leaders are strategizing to capture the next wave of value creation amid uncertain macroeconomics and evolving industry trends.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.

Design Thinking Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 9.14 Billion in 2025

Market Size Value By

US$ 18.39 Billion by 2035

Growth Rate

CAGR of 7.25% from 2025 to 2035

Forecast Period

2025-2035

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Software
  • Services

By Application

  • BFSI
  • Automotive
  • Electrical and Electronics
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Retail and E-commerce
  • Manufacturing
  • Others

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