Through the systematic analysis on 1 482 design thinking literature from the renowned international database Web of Science (WOS) over a span of 20 years, the work aims to obtain a more objective and credible understanding of the field. Based on the combination of bibliometrics with content analysis, the overall profile, theoretical foundations, research hotspots, and dynamic trends of design thinking research were analyzed, interpreted and discussed. Design thinking research has shown rapid development, mainly concentrated in the disciplines of business management, design, and education, with Stanford University in the United States as the academic research core. The theoretical foundations of design thinking mainly originate from six research perspectives of management innovation, wicked problems, reflective practice, designerly thinking, design science, and creative activities. The hot topics mainly focus on five themes of ontological cognition of design thinking, innovative strategies of design thinking, applications of design thinking in education, empowering product development with design thinking, and multi-domain practices of design thinking. The research demonstrates a development trend from systemic thinking discourse to scientific cognitive analysis, from specialized design practices to the integration of diverse knowledge resources, and from solution of complex problems to open innovation methodologies. Design thinking research exhibits significant interdisciplinary and practical characteristics, with innovation as its essential attribute.