Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Design Thinking Methodology has become one of the more actively explored innovations in the design of modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, promising gains in efficiency and reliability that legacy, largely manual approaches have struggled to deliver.

Despite this potential, many existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems were not originally designed with design thinking methodology in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in cognitive load during task completion that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Design Thinking Methodology can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Existing approaches to cognitive load during task completion within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems remain largely reactive and fragmented, with little systematic use of design thinking methodology despite its demonstrated value elsewhere. This study addresses the resulting gap by designing and evaluating a solution built specifically around design thinking methodology.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a design thinking methodology-based approach to improving cognitive load during task completion in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Design Thinking Methodology in enhancing cognitive load during task completion within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying design thinking methodology in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can design thinking methodology be applied to improve cognitive load during task completion in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems?
2. How effective is Design Thinking Methodology at enhancing cognitive load during task completion within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying design thinking methodology in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in design thinking methodology for their own enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and contributes to the broader literature on applied UI/UX design by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a design thinking methodology-based approach to improving cognitive load during task completion within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Reflecting its clearly defined scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.