The present work project investigates the implications of design thinking on an interbusiness
collaborative project, unveiling both the benefits and fragilities that derive
from the use of such methodology within the mentioned context. The study is organized
in two parts. The first one starts with a literature review on the two relevant frames of
reference – design thinking and business collaboration. It proceeds to the creation of a
conceptual framework to assess the potential value of the design-based approach. The
second part focuses on the practical application of to the newly developed instrument to
the inTRAIN project – R&D for railway interiors