Critical thinking has been identified as a critical skill in many different contexts. Just as important to design thinking is generative thinking, where new ideas are generated, opened up and explored. We spoke with design thinking thought leader GK vanPatter to get his insights into the importance of generative thinking.

My dad passed away on October 17, 2020, after contracting COVID-19. He was 90, working on his last movie. Always full of energy, ideas and ready for a new challenge. Although I know that his passing will never leave me, I hope that crossing tonight through the longest night will close the darkness. Tomorrow will bring a bit more light into our lives, and all the memories will make us stronger and better.

Critical thinking is a foundational skill, one of which is software engineering. What do we mean when we say 'critical thinking'? How can we develop this skill?

Foundational skills are the skills used to build other skills, like learning and critical thinking.