GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia
Design thinking is a creative problem-solving approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and creating solutions that are both innovative and practical. It’s an approach that seeks to understand the user, context, and constraints of a problem and create solutions that are tailored to these needs.
Design thinking is based on the idea that through a combination of creativity, collaboration, and experimentation, it is possible to create solutions to even the most complex problems. This process involves a series of steps that encourage designers to go beyond the surface and consider not only the user’s needs but also the implications of their solution.
The first step of design thinking is to define the problem. This involves getting to the root of the problem, understanding user needs and expectations, and considering the broader context in which the problem exists. Once the problem is defined, the next step is to brainstorm potential solutions. This involves the use of creative methods such as brainstorming and prototyping to generate ideas and solutions that address the problem.
The third step is to test and refine the solutions. This involves testing the solutions with users and further refining them based on feedback. Testing also helps to uncover new insights that can be used to improve the solutions.
Finally, the last step of design thinking is to develop and implement the solutions. This involves taking the ideas, solutions, and insights generated during the process and turning them into tangible products or services.
Design thinking is a powerful and versatile approach to problem-solving that can be applied to a wide range of problems. It focuses on understanding the user’s needs, creating innovative solutions, and testing and refining solutions based on user feedback. By following this process, designers can create solutions that are tailored to the user’s needs and context.
SPECIAL BONUS: Braden Kelley’s Problem Finding Canvas can be a super useful starting point for doing design thinking or human-centered design.
“The Problem Finding Canvas should help you investigate a handful of areas to explore, choose the one most important to you, extract all of the potential challenges and opportunities and choose one to prioritize.”
Image credit: Unsplash
Sign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.