Design Thinking

A human-centered approach to innovation

Design thinking is a non-linear process: there is no step-by-step order.

Design thinking is a iterative process: each step should be done multiple times.

Ingredients

1. People
2. Space which facilitates collaboration & creativity
3. Process which is iterative

Iterate

Iterate. Iterate. Iterate again.

Revisit different steps at any time and redefine the problem or solution based on new insights.

Divergent and Convergent Thinking

Diverge to create choices. Converge to make choices.

Synthesis

"Synthesis is the art of meaning-making, pattern finding and direction setting." (IDEO)

Problem and Solution Space

First explore problem space. Then explore solution space.

In each space first apply a divergent style of thinking (analyze), then a convergent style of thinking (synthesize).

Steps

• Empathize (divergent) (problem space)
  • Research users needs
  • Listen and observe
  • "The better we can empathize with people, the easier we can create value for them" (IDEO)
• Define (convergent) (problem space)
  • Synthesize gained insight to a clear problem statement
• Ideate (divergent) (solution space)
  • Brainstorm solutions in an open, judgment-free ideation space
  • "If you want to have good ideas you must have many ideas" (Linus Pauling)
• Prototype (convergent) (solution space)
  • Synthesize potential solutions (isolate, combine, refine)
  • Develop a prototype which can be communicated to or experienced by users
  • "Prototyping allows us to fail early so we can succeed sooner" (David Kelley)
  • Just good enough
• Test
  • Collect feedback

Resources

• https://de.slideshare.net/ucyc4e/ideo-design-thinking-workshop-2016
• https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/design-thinking
• https://www.figma.com/resource-library/what-is-design-thinking/