Category Archives: Design

Design Thinking for Non-Designers

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How to Approach the Problem Solving Process

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In the world of design, getting started with creative problem solving can feel intimidating if you don’t have a design background. Understanding how to approach a problem from a different perspective is key to success when it comes to finding viable solutions. In this article, we’ll be discussing the basics of design thinking and introducing two case studies that demonstrate how it can be used for both creative and practical problem solving.

What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is an approach to problem solving that focuses on human-centered solutions. It was popularized by design firm IDEO, which is known for its innovative products, like the now-ubiquitous Apple Mouse and the Segway. Design thinking is based on the idea that creative solutions and useful products can be used to meet pressing needs in any project. When it comes to problem solving, design thinking encourages a multidisciplinary approach that includes ideation, prototyping and iterative testing.

At its core, design thinking is about asking the right questions and understanding what the user needs from a product or service. The process starts with an initial investigation into the problem, followed by brainstorming to find possible solutions. Once potential ideas have been identified, the next step involves prototyping and experimentation to discover the best approach. Iterative testing and user feedback help to identify areas for improvement, while also informing the end result. Ultimately, the design thinking process can identify both creative and practical solutions that address the original problem.

Case Study 1 – McKinsey & Co: Designing an App for the Nonprofit Sector

In 2020, McKinsey & Co partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to design a mobile app that would help the nonprofit sector better organize its data. In order to create a product that could truly serve the needs of the sector, the team began by conducting research on the current state of data management and the pain points among nonprofits. Once they identified the problem, they used design thinking to create a product that would solve it.

The team conducted interviews, ran surveys and observed user behavior in order to gain deeper insight into the nonprofit sector and better understand their goals. This enabled them to develop an app prototype that addressed the identified pain points and provided innovative solutions for the nonprofit sector. After consulting with the target audience and refining the product, the final version of the app was released and it quickly became a success.

Case Study 2 – Zenden: Delivering Smart Energy Solutions

This example highlights how design thinking can be used to create a product that meets current needs. Zenden, an energy-focused startup, wanted to create a smart energy system that would improve the efficiency of renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. The team used the design thinking process to develop a solution that would meet this goal.

The team first conducted research on the current energy landscape and identified challenges stemming from energy availability and sustainability. They then held brainstorming sessions to come up with possible solutions and interviewed energy industry professionals to refine their ideas. After extensive prototyping and testing, the team was able to develop a solution that provided a reliable energy source and drastically reduced energy waste.

Conclusion

Design thinking is an invaluable tool for problem solving that allows creators to understand a problem from a human-centered perspective and come up with creative solutions that meet users’ needs. Both of the cases presented here demonstrate how design thinking can be used to create products that consider the needs of the user and deliver potential solutions. With the right approach, even those without a design background can create products that meet the needs of their audience.

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

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Join Me at Innovation Leader’s IMPACT 2019 in San Francisco

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Join Braden Kelley at Innovation Leader's IMPACT 2019 in San Francisco

Want to find out how to learn fast instead of failing fast?

Join me in San Francisco, CA next month – October 22-24, 2019 at Innovation Leader’s IMPACT 2019, their annual conference where innovation leaders from organizations around the world will meet to share innovation best practices.

I’ll be doing a keynote and workshop that will give participants hands-on experience with The Experiment Canvas™ from my forthcoming Human-Centered Innovation Toolkit™.

The Experiment Canvas by Braden Kelley

The Experiment Canvas™ is one of the many tools that I’ve already created for the Human-Centered Innovation Toolkit™, and it is an incredibly valuable tool for use by people following Design Sprint, Design Thinking or other innovation methodologies to craft and execute experiments.

If you’d like to get involved as a patron or premium sponsor to help finish toolkit development and distribution, please contact me.

Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you next month in San Francisco!

Connect with me on Twitter (@innovate) to orchestrate a meetup to learn about my work at Oracle or to sit down with me at the event to explore any of the powerful tools in the Change Planning Toolkit™ or Human-Centered Innovation Toolkit™.


Accelerate your change and transformation success

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Human-Centered Design: An Introduction

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Human-Centered Design: An Introduction

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations of all sizes are striving to remain ahead of the curve. One of the most effective strategies for achieving this goal is to design products, services, and experiences with the user in mind. This approach, known as human-centered design, is based on the idea that the best products, services, and experiences are those which are designed to meet the needs and wants of the people who will use them.

At its core, human-centered design is a process of understanding user needs, developing solutions to meet those needs, and validating and refining those solutions through user feedback. It involves a deep understanding of the users, their needs, the context in which they are used, and the environment in which they are created.

The goal of human-centered design is to create products, services, and experiences that are both effective and enjoyable for the users. This approach to design often results in improved user satisfaction, increased productivity, and improved customer loyalty.

Case Study 1 – Google

Google is a prime example of a company that uses human-centered design to create products and services that are both effective and enjoyable for its users. The company uses a variety of methods to understand user needs, including user research, interviews, surveys, and analytics. Google also uses prototyping and testing to validate and refine its design solutions.

Case Study 2 – Apple

Apple is another great example of a company that uses human-centered design to create products and services that are both effective and enjoyable for its users. Apple’s approach to design involves a deep understanding of the user’s needs and wants, the context in which they are used, and the environment in which they are created. Apple uses a variety of methods including user research, interviews, surveys, and analytics to understand user needs. Additionally, the company uses prototyping and testing to validate and refine its design solutions.

Conclusion

Human-centered design is an effective approach for creating products, services, and experiences that meet the needs and wants of the people who use them. By understanding the user, developing solutions to meet those needs, and validating and refining those solutions through user feedback, organizations can create products and services that are both effective and enjoyable for their users. Google and Apple are two great examples of companies that have successfully implemented human-centered design processes to create products and services that are both effective and enjoyable for their users.

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: Pexels

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The Role of Design Thinking in Business Innovation

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The Role of Design Thinking in Business Innovation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Design thinking is a problem-solving process that starts with the customer and their needs, and works backwards to come up with innovative solutions that meet those needs. It is a process that puts the user at the center of the solution, and allows companies to innovate in order to stay ahead of their competition. Design thinking is an invaluable tool for businesses that are looking to innovate, as it helps them create better customer experiences and develop new products and services.

When it comes to business innovation, design thinking can play a critical role. It is a powerful tool for understanding customer needs and developing innovative solutions that meet those needs. Design thinking can be applied to any business situation and can help companies identify opportunities for improvement, develop new products and services, and create better customer experiences.

To illustrate the value of design thinking in business innovation, let’s look at two case studies.

Case Study 1: Airbnb

Airbnb is a hospitality company that uses design thinking to innovate. Airbnb used design thinking to create an experience that was tailored to the customer’s needs. Instead of offering a traditional hotel experience, Airbnb focused on providing an experience that was personal, affordable, and convenient. They used design thinking to create a platform that allows users to rent out their homes for short-term stays. By understanding the customer’s needs and focusing on creating an experience tailored to those needs, Airbnb was able to create a platform that revolutionized the hospitality industry.

Case Study 2: Twitter

Twitter is a social media platform that uses design thinking to innovate. Twitter used design thinking to create a platform that was tailored to the customer’s needs. They focused on creating a platform that was easy to use, allowed users to express their opinions, and connected people around the world. By understanding the customer’s needs and focusing on creating an experience tailored to those needs, Twitter was able to create a platform that revolutionized the way people communicate online.

Conclusion

These case studies illustrate the power of design thinking in business innovation. Design thinking helps companies understand customer needs and develop innovative solutions that meet those needs. It is a powerful tool for businesses that are looking to innovate and create better customer experiences.

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: Pixabay

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Using Design Thinking to Create Engaging Experiences for Customers

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Using Design Thinking to Create Engaging Experiences for Customers

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Design thinking is a creative problem-solving process that can be used to develop products, services, and experiences that are both meaningful and engaging to customers. It is a customer-centered approach that helps organizations to identify and solve customer problems, develop new ideas, and create innovative solutions that meet customer needs and create a positive customer experience.

Design thinking is based on the belief that customer feedback is the key to understanding customer needs, wants, and desires. By engaging customers in the design process, organizations can create experiences that are tailored to customer needs and preferences.

Design thinking is an iterative process that involves research, analysis, and testing. Through a series of iterations, ideas are continually tested and refined until the desired customer experience is achieved. By involving customers in the design process, organizations are able to create experiences that are both meaningful and engaging for customers.

In this article, we will discuss two case studies of organizations that have successfully used design thinking to create engaging experiences for customers.

Case Study 1: Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based service that enables users to access the latest versions of Adobe’s creative software. Adobe used design thinking to create an engaging customer experience.

Adobe began by researching customer needs and preferences. They conducted interviews with customers, gathered feedback from customer surveys, and analyzed customer data. This research allowed Adobe to gain a better understanding of customer needs and preferences.

Adobe then used this customer feedback to develop a new customer experience. They created an intuitive and user-friendly interface, created an easy-to-navigate online store, and implemented a personalized learning experience.

Finally, Adobe tested the new customer experience with customers. This allowed them to identify any issues and refine the customer experience based on customer feedback.

The result was an engaging customer experience that was tailored to customer needs and preferences. The new customer experience allowed customers to access the latest versions of Adobe’s software quickly and easily, and enabled them to explore the features and benefits of the software.

Case Study 2: Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is a subscription-based service that provides customers with access to free shipping, streaming media, and other benefits. Amazon used design thinking to create an engaging customer experience.

Amazon began by researching customer needs and preferences. They conducted interviews with customers, gathered feedback from customer surveys, and analyzed customer data. This research allowed Amazon to gain a better understanding of customer needs and preferences.

Amazon then used this customer feedback to develop a new customer experience. They created an intuitive and user-friendly interface, created an easy-to-navigate online store, and implemented a personalized learning experience.

Finally, Amazon tested the new customer experience with customers. This allowed them to identify any issues and refine the customer experience based on customer feedback.

The result was an engaging customer experience that was tailored to customer needs and preferences. The new customer experience allowed customers to explore Amazon Prime benefits quickly and easily, and enabled them to access the features and benefits of the service.

Conclusion

Design thinking is a powerful tool that can be used to create engaging customer experiences. By engaging customers in the design process, organizations can create experiences that are tailored to customer needs and preferences. The two case studies discussed in this article demonstrate how organizations can use design thinking to create engaging experiences for customers.

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: Pixabay

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Understanding How Human-Centered Design Can Transform Your Organization

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Understanding How Human-Centered Design Can Transform Your Organization

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

As organizations strive for success in the digital age, understanding human-centered design (HCD) is essential. HCD is a method of problem-solving that puts the focus on the end-user or consumer, considering their needs and preferences first and foremost. This design strategy has been proven to yield high-quality, user-friendly products and services that respond to the needs of the consumer.

Organizations that implement HCD are often more successful in the long run, as they are able to create products and services that are tailored to the consumer, resulting in improved user engagement and loyalty. Additionally, organizations that use HCD can better understand the needs of their target audience, allowing them to quickly adapt their offering to stay ahead of the competition.

Case Study 1: Dyson

Dyson is a perfect example of an organization that has leveraged HCD to create an innovative product and remain competitive. Dyson was founded in 1993 when James Dyson decided to use HCD to solve the problem of inefficient vacuum cleaners. By observing the user in their home environment, Dyson was able to identify the shortcomings of traditional vacuum cleaners, and design a product that addressed these issues. The result was the Dyson vacuum cleaner, which revolutionized the industry and has remained a top-seller ever since.

Case Study 2: Airbnb

Airbnb is another great example of an organization that has successfully implemented HCD. The company recognized the need for a better way to book short-term lodging, and created a service that was tailored to the needs of their target audience. By understanding the needs of their users, Airbnb was able to create a booking platform that was both user-friendly and secure, resulting in improved customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

By understanding and implementing HCD, organizations can create more user-centric products and services that are tailored to the needs of their target audience. This not only leads to improved user engagement and loyalty, but also allows organizations to stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

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: Pexels

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

Five Keys to Doing Good Ethnographic Research

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Five Keys to Doing Good Ethnographic Research

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Ethnographic research is a powerful tool for understanding the beliefs, behavior, and culture of a given population or group. It is a powerful tool for gaining insight into the lived experiences of a particular group and can be used to inform policy, decision making, and marketing. Ethnographic research involves observing and recording the social interactions and activities of a particular group in their natural environment. The following are some key tips to help ensure a successful ethnographic research project.

1. Specify Your Objectives

Before embarking on an ethnographic research project, it is important to set out clear objectives. Having a clear goal and objectives will help to ensure that the research is conducted in a focused and productive way. It is also important to consider the time and resources available for the research project, as these will have an impact on the depth and breadth of the research that can be conducted.

2. Choose the Right Location

Choosing the right location is essential when doing an ethnographic research project. The researcher should select a location that is accessible and provides an opportunity to observe the target group in their natural environment. It is also important to ensure that the location is safe and secure, as well as respectful of the privacy of the participants.

3. Develop a Research Plan

Developing a research plan is essential for successful ethnographic research. The research plan should include a timeline for data collection, an assessment of the resources available, and a detailed method for data collection. It is important to consider the ethical implications of the research and to develop a plan for protecting the participants’ rights and privacy.

4. Gather Data

The data gathering stage of an ethnographic research project is arguably the most important. Ethnographic research should involve the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. This includes gathering data through observation, interviews, and other methods. The researcher should strive to gain a deeper understanding of the target group and their culture through the collection of data.

5. Analyze the Data

Once the data has been collected, it is important to analyze it in order to gain insights into the beliefs, behavior, and culture of the target group. This can be done through a variety of methods, including statistical analysis, content analysis, and thematic analysis. The researcher should strive to draw meaningful conclusions from the data that can inform policy, decision making, and marketing.

Ethnographic research can be an invaluable tool for gaining an understanding of the beliefs, behavior, and culture of a particular group. However, it is important to ensure that a well-thought-out research plan is in place, and that the right data is gathered and analyzed in a meaningful way. Following these tips should help ensure a successful ethnographic research project.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Design Thinking and its Impact on Human-Centered Design

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Design Thinking and its Impact on Human-Centered Design

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Design thinking is an iterative process used to create innovative solutions to complex problems. It involves a holistic approach to understanding and addressing issues related to human needs, technology, and the environment. This approach has had a profound impact on the way human-centered design is approached, giving designers more tools to create meaningful experiences for users.

Design thinking is a creative process that begins with understanding the user. It involves empathizing with their wants, needs and motivations, and using this knowledge to develop creative solutions. Designers use this process to identify opportunities for improvement, and to create innovative products, services, and experiences.

At the core of design thinking is the concept of human-centered design. Human-centered design puts the user at the center of the design process, focusing on their needs and desires, and designing for them instead of for the designer. This approach focuses on creating solutions that are tailored to the user, rather than solutions that are merely aesthetically pleasing or technically sophisticated.

One example of the impact of design thinking on human-centered design is the development of “experience design.” Experience design is a process used to create an emotional connection between a product, service or experience and the user. It involves understanding the user’s needs, desires, and motivations, and designing an experience that meets them. By focusing on the user’s needs, experience design can create a more meaningful and personal experience for the user.

Another example of the impact of design thinking on human-centered design is the development of “service design.” Service design is a process used to create a positive customer experience by understanding their needs, desires, and motivations, and designing an experience that meets them. This approach focuses on creating solutions that are tailored to the customer, rather than solutions that are merely aesthetically pleasing or technically sophisticated. Service design can help companies create a unique and personal experience for their customers, which can lead to increased loyalty and engagement.

Design thinking and human-centered design have revolutionized the way designers approach creating solutions for users. By putting users at the center of the design process, designers are able to create solutions that are tailored to their needs and desires. This has led to more meaningful experiences for the user, and has revolutionized the way products, services, and experiences are designed.

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: Pixabay

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

Using Human-Centered Design to Create Meaningful Connections

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Using Human-Centered Design to Create Meaningful Connections

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Humans crave meaningful connections with each other, and human-centered design can help facilitate that. Human-centered design is a creative approach to problem solving that focuses on the needs of people and their environment, rather than just the technical aspects of the problem. It takes into account the user’s feelings, values, and motivations to create solutions that are not only effective, but also create meaningful connections between people.

Human-Centered Design helps create meaningful connections by allowing designers to empathize with their users and create products and services that are tailored to their needs. This approach puts users at the center of the design process, allowing for a deeper understanding of their needs, desires, and limitations. This understanding helps designers create products and services that are more meaningful, relevant, and useful to users. By creating meaningful connections, Human-Centered Design can help create products and services that are not only useful but also emotionally satisfying to users.

Case Study 1

Apple’s success is largely attributed to its focus on human-centered design. The company’s products are designed with the user in mind, taking into account the user’s values, feelings, and motivations. By understanding the user and their needs, Apple is able to create products that are not only technically advanced, but also create meaningful connections with its users.

Case Study 2

Microsoft has also adopted a human-centered design approach. The company has developed products that focus on the user’s experience and provide solutions that are tailored to the user’s needs. For example, its Xbox gaming console was designed with the intention of creating a meaningful connection between the user and the game. The console is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, and the games themselves are designed to be enjoyable and engaging.

Conclusion

Human-centered design is an effective approach to creating meaningful connections between people. By understanding the user’s needs, values, and motivations, companies can create products and services that are tailored to the user’s experience. This approach has been successfully used by companies such as Apple and Microsoft to create meaningful connections with their users.

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: Pixabay

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

What is Ethnography?

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What is Ethnography?

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Ethnography is an important method of research in the social sciences, used to gain a detailed understanding of groups of people and their cultural practices. It involves the observation of a group’s behavior, language, beliefs, values, and interactions with their environment. Ethnographers often conduct interviews and surveys in order to gain a deeper understanding of their subjects.

The goal of ethnography is to provide an in-depth understanding of the culture of a group of people. This includes looking at the group’s history, language, and material culture, as well as its social and political structures. Ethnographers also examine the group’s rituals, beliefs, and values. By looking closely at the different elements of a culture, ethnographers can develop an understanding of how the group interacts with its environment and with other groups.

An ethnographer’s primary tool is observation. Ethnographers must observe their subjects in their natural environment and take note of their behavior, language, and interactions. They may also conduct interviews and surveys in order to gain a better understanding of the group’s beliefs and values.

Ethnographers need to be aware of their own biases and preconceptions, as these can influence the results of their research. They must also consider the ethical implications of their research and ensure that their subjects are treated with respect.

The primary purpose of ethnography is to gain an understanding of a particular culture and its people. This understanding can be used to inform policy decisions and to improve the lives of the people being studied. Ethnographers may also use their research to create educational materials or works of art.

Ethnography is an invaluable tool for understanding the diversity of cultures around the world. By observing and recording the behavior, beliefs, and values of a group of people, ethnographers can gain an understanding of their culture and how it interacts with its environment. This understanding can be used to inform policy decisions and improve the lives of the people being studied.

Image credit: Unsplash

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