The mega trends of future society shows that there will be more emphasis
on diversity and individuality in education. However, the feature of school
education still remains in the track of standardization in the name of social
stabilization and effectiveness. In reaction to the task of transformation, 2015
Revised National Curriculum proclaims to move toward creative and convergence
education, in which students can develop the ability to connect interdisciplinary
concepts and to create innovative values. In this context, this research attempted to
investigate the role and characteristics of design education as one of creative
problem solving tools and thinking methods. Based on the literature review, the
concept of Learning by Design(LbD) was proposed focusing on the notion of
design thinking. Focus group interviews were conducted in order to conceptualize
and specify the concepts of LbD and design thinking based on 8 designers'
perception and experience of design practices. As a result, two themes were
generated ‘coordination-connecting beyond boundaries’ and ‘imagery-thinking
through action'. The significance of this study can be found in that it has
provided the conceptual ground for expanding the discourse of design education
within and outside of the field of art education.