The Rhetoric of Design Thinking: Histories, Theories, and Methods for Innovation in Technical Communication (Routledge Studies in Rhetoric and Communication)

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of design thinking, positioning it as an evolving, multidisciplinary framework essential to advancing technical and professional communication (TPC).

Recognizing design thinking as both practice and philosophy, the book traces its historical evolution and theoretical foundations, examining how it operates within and across various fields. The text critically investigates popular design thinking models, highlighting their adaptability and potential for fostering innovation, empathy, and equity in outcomes. It also critiques design thinking as a matter of practice and a reality of life by identifying and challenging the limitations of technologies, tools, and design techniques. Drawing on rhetoric, cognitive psychology, ethics, and technology, the book illustrates design thinking’s capacity to transcend traditional disciplinary silos, through new discussions about the power dynamics of design methodologies.

This book encourages thoughtful integration of design thinking into communication practices to promote a more inclusive, global approach to innovation and problem-solving. It provokes deeper critical engagement among scholars, educators, and practitioners in the fields of Technical Communication, Rhetoric, Design Studies, and Communication Studies.

Jason C. K. Tham is an Associate Professor of Technical Communication and Rhetoric at Texas Tech University, USA. His recent publications include Design Thinking in Technical Communication (2021), Designing Technical and Professional Communication (2021), UX Writing (2023), and Designing for Social Justice (2025). He is chief editor of Computers and Composition.

Mason Pellegrini is an Assistant Professor of Technical Communication and Rhetoric at Texas Tech University, USA.