Design Thinking
Reshape the way you approach problem-solving with a transformative and innovative concept.
“Questioning and fantasy are two prime requisites of the creative personality.” John E.Arnold
Design thinking is a mindset rather than steps of processes. It encourages to question the actual, underlying causes of the problem and going beyond surface-level observations. Helps to discover breakthrough ideas that may initially seemed far-fetched. Think beyond boundaries and end up with innovative solutions. Iterate on the solutions and adapt on the feedback.
To understand and adapt this mindset, firstly you need to see a problem in a multi-layered structure. Problems comes from humans, humans are complex beings which naturally makes their problems complex. Two most important actions of addressing the core of this multilayered complexity is questioning and observing.
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Design thinking is a human-centered problem solving approach. In addition to asking questions to understand, it involves empathising with users and observing their actions in defining their needs. It is in search of finding the most value by continuously testing multiple solutions with the user until the desired outcome. Design thinking guides you to first iterate on solving the right thing, then iterate on solving the thing right.
First phase is understanding the user along with the problem. In this step the most crucial thing is to pay attention to human actions, learn about their capabilities, experience their point of view and ask basic questions. Always keep in mind that ‘complexity can be best solved by simplicity’. Like suggesting KISS approach in product, web page, application development… Ask simple questions even though they sound stupid. In every iteration of this phase you and your team will discover new user perspectives, user needs which will lead to solution ideas. When you are sure about addressing the correct problem then second phase can start. Some methods for this phase are 5 Whys, storytelling, mind-mapping, empathy mapping.
Second phase is to analyse the pain-points and needs of the user as the outcome of the first phase and converge to the problem to solve. Some methods for this phase are negative brainstorming, affinity diagraming, problem statement creation-user x need y so that z will happen-, how might we questions
Third phase is to create ideas. Again it is time to diverge to ideas. The atmosphere should be open and non-judgemental. Encourage participants for the most radical, seemingly impossible ideas. There are a lot of techniques to practice this, for instance try to create a connection between two random selected unrelated items, or ask to a child and grow on his ideas. Incorporater games, toys or other playful elements during the brainstorming session, try visiting different environments to stimulate creativity and trigger the 'Think Out of The Box'.
Fourth phase is to analyse the ideas and converge into solutions. Paper and digital prototyping are the two well known techniques of this phase. To understand how the user experiences the prototypes try Storyboarding. Illustrate the user’s journey and interactions with the product. Do the role-playing and act as if you are the user, simulating the interactions. To simulate a product or service try Wizard of Oz technique.
Last phase is to get feedback and insights on the developed prototypes. It is a validation of the proposed solution and improve on the outcomes. Guide the users in the beginning then observe them interacting with the prototype. Additionally collect feedback through surveys, interviews and feedback forms. Some methods of this phase are A/B testing, questionnaires, surveys, analysis of data through analytics tools as heatmaps, session recordings, usability testing.
In conclusion, design thinking is not just a tool or a process; it is a transformative mindset that equips us with the ability to create innovative solutions that address complex human challenges with empathy, creativity, and purpose. Cycling on these phases might seem time-consuming, well the investment is well worth it. Keep in mind that a wrong solution is worse than a no solution.
