Enhancing Design Thinking Skills through a Multi-Interaction Blended Project-Based Learning Model in Higher Education

This study develops a multi-interaction-based Project-Based Learning (PJBL) model aimed at enhancing design thinking skills among higher education students. Addressing the challenges of the Education 4.0 era, this model emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, which are essential competencies for students. Using the ADDIE framework (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate), the research involves needs analysis, model design, development of learning tools, experimental implementation, and effectiveness evaluation. The findings indicate that the model significantly improves students’ design thinking skills, as demonstrated by statistical tests during the implementation phase. Key interactions include collaboration among students, lecturers, and external stakeholders such as industry partners and the community. The learning process incorporates stages of empathy, idea exploration, prototype development, and project implementation. Additionally, the model has proven both academically relevant and applicable to real-world contexts, fostering increased student motivation and engagement. This model is expected to be widely adopted across various programs, contributing to the development of adaptive, innovative, and competitive graduates. The study provides valuable insights into the advancement of multi-interaction-based PJBL in Indonesian higher education.