In order to better grasp the overall characteristics of design thinking related research and master the current design thinking research progress, the work aims to explore the development trend of future design thinking in China by conducting visual map analysis on research hotspots and trends in relevant literature. The scientific graph of the literature in CNKI and Web of Science databases was mapped by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software combined with qualitative literature research methods. Then, the visual analysis was carried out from the two aspects of research breadth and depth, and the research context of design thinking in China and abroad was sorted out. The number of Chinese and foreign literature on design thinking is on the rise. Chinese research focuses on space design, service and product design, art education, other designs, and ways of thinking. In recent years, research fields such as rural revitalization, maker education, and STEM education have been opened up. Foreign research hotspots focus on design management, creativity, computer thinking, education and sustainable development. The application of digital technology is a new field of foreign design thinking research.