Tag Archives: Design Thinking

Fostering a Culture of Design Thinking

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Strategies for Business Leaders

Fostering a Culture of Design Thinking

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, it is essential for leaders to foster a culture of design thinking within their organizations. Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that places the user at the center of the process, with a focus on empathy, collaboration, and experimentation. By embracing design thinking, businesses can create innovative solutions that truly meet the needs of their customers, drive growth, and stay ahead of the competition.

To successfully foster a culture of design thinking within an organization, business leaders must first understand the key principles and strategies that underpin this approach. This includes encouraging a mindset of curiosity and experimentation, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and creating a safe space for employees to explore new ideas and take risks. Leaders must also lead by example, embodying the principles of design thinking in their own decision-making and problem-solving processes.

Case Study 1: Airbnb

One company that has successfully embraced design thinking is Airbnb. By focusing on the needs and experiences of their users, Airbnb has been able to revolutionize the way people travel and find accommodation. Through a user-centered design process, Airbnb has been able to create a platform that is intuitive, accessible, and personalized, leading to a loyal customer base and continued success in the competitive travel industry.

Case Study 2: Nike

Another company that has made design thinking a central part of its culture is Nike. Nike has a long history of innovation and design, with a strong focus on understanding the needs and desires of their customers. By incorporating design thinking into their product development process, Nike has been able to create cutting-edge athletic wear and footwear that not only meets the functional needs of athletes but also resonates with their sense of style and identity. This approach has helped Nike stay at the forefront of the sports industry and maintain its position as a leading global brand.

Conclusion

Fostering a culture of design thinking is essential for businesses looking to drive innovation, engage customers, and stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing market. By embracing the principles of design thinking and creating a supportive environment for experimentation and collaboration, business leaders can unlock new opportunities for growth and success. By following the example of companies like Airbnb and Nike, organizations can create products and services that truly resonate with their customers and deliver lasting value.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Design Thinking: A Powerful Tool for Cultivating Employee Creativity

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Design Thinking: A Powerful Tool for Cultivating Employee Creativity

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business world, companies are constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition and foster innovation within their organizations. One tool that has gained popularity in recent years is design thinking. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that focuses on understanding the needs and desires of end users in order to create innovative solutions. By putting the end user at the center of the design process, companies can develop products and services that truly resonate with their target audience and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Design thinking encourages a collaborative and iterative approach to problem-solving, which empowers employees to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges. As companies continue to embrace design thinking as a key strategy for cultivating employee creativity, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking innovations and successful businesses emerge in the future.

Case Study 1: Airbnb

One of the most well-known examples of a company using design thinking to foster employee creativity is Airbnb. The popular vacation rental platform has a unique company culture that emphasizes creativity and innovation. In order to encourage employees to think outside the box and come up with new ideas, Airbnb has implemented a number of design thinking techniques.

For example, in their annual Innovation Week, employees are given the opportunity to pitch new ideas and work on innovative projects that are outside of their usual job responsibilities. This not only allows employees to flex their creative muscles, but also fosters collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas across different departments.

As a result of their focus on design thinking and employee creativity, Airbnb has been able to stay ahead of the competition and continue to innovate in the rapidly changing travel industry.

Case Study 2: IDEO

Another great example of a company successfully using design thinking to cultivate employee creativity is IDEO, a global design and innovation firm. IDEO is known for its innovative approach to design thinking, which involves a deep understanding of the end user and the development of human-centered solutions.

At IDEO, employees are encouraged to think creatively and work collaboratively to solve complex design challenges. One of the ways they do this is through their “Design Thinking Bootcamp,” where employees are given the opportunity to work on real-world design challenges in a fast-paced, immersive environment.

Through their focus on design thinking and employee creativity, IDEO has been able to attract top talent and work with some of the world’s leading companies to develop groundbreaking products and services.

Conclusion

Design thinking is a powerful tool for cultivating employee creativity and fostering innovation within organizations. By incorporating design thinking principles into their everyday practices, companies can create a culture of creativity and innovation that will help them stay ahead of the competition and continue to thrive in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Wikimedia

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Design Thinking for Non-profits

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Solving Social Challenges with Human-centered Approaches

Design Thinking for Non-profits

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly evolving world, non-profit organizations face numerous complex social challenges that require innovative and effective solutions. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach that focuses on human-centered solutions, is increasingly being embraced by non-profits as a powerful tool to create meaningful change. By leveraging empathy, collaboration, and iterative processes, non-profits can successfully tackle social issues while ensuring that the needs and experiences of the communities they serve are at the forefront. In this thought leadership article, we will explore the application of design thinking in the non-profit sector and provide two case study examples that demonstrate its effectiveness in solving social challenges.

Case Study 1: WaterAid’s Innovative Solution for Accessible Water Supply in Ethiopia

WaterAid, an international non-profit organization working to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, adopted design thinking principles to address the challenge of scarce and unreliable water supply in a rural region of Ethiopia. Recognizing the importance of involving the local community in the solution development process, WaterAid engaged in empathy-building exercises and conducted interviews with residents to gain insights into their lived experiences.

Through the empathetic understanding gained, WaterAid discovered that the main problem was not the lack of water sources but rather the existing water sources’ unreliability. To address this, they implemented a design thinking approach that involved collaboration with local residents, engineers, and government officials to co-create a sustainable solution. The resulting innovation was a solar-powered water pumping system that leveraged renewable energy to provide a reliable and continuous water supply to the community. This human-centered approach not only solved the immediate challenge but also empowered the community by involving them in the problem-solving process.

Case Study 2: IDEO.org’s Design Thinking Approach for Financial Inclusion in Kenya

IDEO.org, a non-profit design and innovation organization, used design thinking to tackle the issue of financial exclusion faced by smallholder farmers in Kenya. Facing numerous barriers to accessing financial services, these farmers struggled to invest in their businesses and enhance productivity. IDEO.org employed a design thinking framework that placed the end-users, the farmers, at the center of the solution development process.

By conducting in-depth interviews and on-the-ground research, IDEO.org gained valuable insights into the farmers’ needs and challenges. They discovered that financial exclusion was exacerbated by a lack of trust and knowledge among the farming community. IDEO.org then collaborated with farmers, local financial institutions, and technology experts to devise a solution that would address these underlying issues. The result was a mobile-based platform that simplified financial transactions, provided easy-to-understand financial literacy resources, and fostered trust through transparent and personalized interactions.

Through this design thinking approach, smallholder farmers gained access to previously unavailable financial resources and were able to harness their entrepreneurial potential, leading to increased productivity and improved livelihoods.

Conclusion

Design thinking has proven to be a powerful tool for non-profit organizations aiming to address complex social challenges. By centering their solutions around the experiences and needs of the communities they serve, non-profits can create interventions that are effective, sustainable, and empowering. The case studies of WaterAid and IDEO.org demonstrate how design thinking can lead to innovative and impactful solutions that transform lives.

Non-profits should embrace design thinking as an essential part of their problem-solving toolkit, fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and learning that enables them to adapt and iterate their approaches continually. By taking a human-centered approach to tackle social challenges, non-profit organizations can create lasting change that truly improves lives and provides the necessary tools for a brighter and more equitable future.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pexels

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Design Thinking in the Workplace

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Creating a Culture of Innovation

Design Thinking in the Workplace

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations are increasingly realizing the importance of fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach rooted in human-centered design, has emerged as a powerful tool for organizations seeking to create an environment conducive to innovation. By embracing design thinking, companies can transform their workplaces into hubs of creativity, unlock untapped potential, and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we explore the concept of design thinking and delve into two case study examples that illustrate its impact on creating a culture of innovation in the workplace.

Case Study 1: Airbnb’s Reinvention of Customer Experience

Airbnb, the disruptive accommodation-sharing platform, understood the need to revamp their user experience to meet the evolving needs of their customers. By integrating design thinking into their organizational culture, Airbnb was able to create a culture of innovation that propelled them to new heights. The company embraced empathy as a core principle, encouraging employees to immerse themselves in the lives of their customers to gain a deep understanding of their pain points and desires.

Using design thinking methodologies, Airbnb redesigned its entire booking process to provide a more intuitive and seamless experience for their users. The company’s cross-functional teams used ideation sessions and rapid prototyping to test and refine their ideas, fostering an environment of collaboration and iteration. The result was not only a user-friendly and engaging platform but also a transformative cultural shift that made innovation a part of the company’s DNA.

Case Study 2: IBM’s Design Thinking Transformation

IBM, a technology giant with a long-standing legacy, recognized the need to reinvent itself to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. The company embarked on a design thinking transformation by embedding design as a fundamental approach to problem-solving across its entire organization. IBM understood that design thinking would not only enhance their product development but also spark a cultural shift within their workforce, making them more agile and responsive to market needs.

IBM’s design thinking transformation focused on nurturing a diverse, collaborative, and empathetic workforce. Teams were trained on empathy-building techniques, actively involving end-users in the design process. Through ongoing collaboration and iteration, IBM successfully designed innovative products and experiences that addressed their customers’ emerging needs. The transformation empowered employees to think beyond technical solutions, fostering a culture where creativity and innovation thrived.

Key Learnings:

The case studies above offer valuable insights into how organizations can leverage design thinking to create a culture of innovation in the workplace. Some key learnings include:

1. Embracing empathy: By placing empathy at the core of their design thinking process, both Airbnb and IBM were able to gain a deep understanding of their customers’ needs, thus enabling them to design products and services that truly resonate.

2. Cross-functional collaboration: Integrating design thinking requires breaking down departmental silos and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Both companies emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving, ultimately resulting in breakthrough ideas.

3. Iterative prototyping: Rapid prototyping and iterative testing allow organizations to continuously refine and improve their offerings. Embracing a mindset of learning from failure encourages risk-taking and propels innovation forward.

Conclusion

Design thinking has proven to be a powerful tool in creating a culture of innovation in the workplace. By fostering empathy, encouraging collaboration, and embracing iterative prototyping, organizations like Airbnb and IBM have harnessed the potential of design thinking to transform their products, services, and organizational cultures. As companies strive to stay ahead of disruption and adapt to the ever-changing needs of their customers, integrating design thinking into their DNA can provide a competitive advantage and unlock new possibilities for innovation.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pexels

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Why Sometimes Being Certifiable is a Good Thing

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Certified Design Thinking ProfessionalRecently I became a Certified Design Thinking Professional (CDTP) through the Global Innovation Institute (GInI).

I’m sure you’ve probably heard someone say that an individual is certifiable. In the negative context of the word it means that an individual is “officially recognized as needing treatment for mental disorder” according to the Oxford Languages dictionary.

BUT, there is of course a positive meaning to the word certifiable as well – “able or needing to be certified.”

I’ve been doing human-centered design, or what some people refer to as ‘design thinking’, for more than twenty years – since I built Symantec’s first web-based technical support and customer service capabilities. But, despite decades of experience I’ve never bothered to get certified. So, why now?

Well, recently I finished building and launching a Design Thinking program for Oracle customers similar to Salesforce Ignite, Deloitte Greenhouse, EY Wavespace, SAP Leonardo, etc. Now as I explore a range of potential new opportunities to tackle next, there is one inescapable fact that presents itself very quickly:

Companies are extremely risk averse as they evaluate potential vendors and employees, and so they place a great deal of value on diplomas and certifications as a way of decreasing the perceived risk of hiring the services of a new employee or contractor.

This is valuable to the individual as well, but certifications help to increase the knowledge and confidence for the person too. And, tools like the Applied Innovation Master Book (AInMB) contain not only valuable information about design thinking, but also about innovation in the bargain. And, the Applied Innovation Master Book gives you one place to jump back to for selecting the methods you want to leverage each time you engage in a new design challenge.

So, does it make sense to get certified in everything you could possibly get certified on?

Maybe not. But, there are definitely times where being certifiable is a good thing.

Keep innovating!


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Integrating Design Thinking into the Innovation DNA of Organizations

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Integrating Design Thinking into the Innovation DNA of Organizations

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation. One powerful approach that has gained traction in recent years is design thinking. Originally popularized by design firm IDEO, design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

While design thinking is often associated with the design industry, its principles can be applied across a wide range of industries and disciplines. When organizations integrate design thinking into their innovation processes, they can unlock new opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and customer-centricity.

Case Study 1: Airbnb

One of the most well-known examples of a company that has successfully integrated design thinking into its innovation DNA is Airbnb. Founded in 2008, Airbnb disrupted the hospitality industry by allowing individuals to rent out their homes to travelers. At the core of Airbnb’s success is its commitment to understanding and empathizing with the needs of its users.

By using design thinking principles, Airbnb was able to create a platform that not only meets the functional needs of travelers but also taps into the emotional aspects of travel, such as the desire for unique and authentic experiences. Through prototyping and testing, Airbnb continuously refines its user experience and stays ahead of the competition.

Case Study 2: IBM

Another organization that has embraced design thinking as a key driver of innovation is IBM. In 2012, IBM launched Design Thinking as part of its corporate strategy to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. By equipping its employees with design thinking tools and methodologies, IBM has been able to transform its product development process and create user-centric solutions.

One of the most notable outcomes of IBM’s integration of design thinking is the development of Watson, its artificial intelligence platform. By applying design thinking principles, IBM was able to create a user-friendly interface for Watson that demystified artificial intelligence for a broader audience and enabled users to easily interact with the technology.

Conclusion

Integrating design thinking into the innovation DNA of organizations can lead to transformative and customer-centric outcomes. By putting empathy at the center of problem-solving, organizations can understand the needs and pain points of their users, leading to more innovative and successful solutions. As demonstrated by Airbnb and IBM, design thinking is not just a design tool – it is a mindset that can drive organizational success in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Design Thinking and Diversity & Inclusion

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Fostering Innovation through Different Perspectives

Design Thinking and Diversity & Inclusion

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Design Thinking has emerged as a powerful methodology that enables organizations to tackle complex problems and create innovative solutions. At its core, Design Thinking encourages empathy, collaboration, and iteration. However, to fully reap the benefits of this approach, organizations must recognize the importance of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) in the design process. By incorporating diverse perspectives, organizations can foster innovation and create solutions that better serve their customers and communities. In this article, we will explore how Design Thinking and D&I complement each other and present two case studies highlighting their impact on innovation.

Case Study 1: Procter & Gamble’s “Design for Women”

Procter & Gamble (P&G), a multinational consumer goods company, aimed to develop a razor specifically designed for women. To achieve this, they assembled a diverse team comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including women with different ethnicities, ages, and cultural experiences.

By incorporating D&I principles into the design process, the team empathized with the diverse needs and preferences of women worldwide. This approach led to the creation of the “Venus Embrace,” a razor that not only performed exceptionally well but also catered to the specific needs of women, such as comfort, ease of use, and aesthetics.

P&G’s commitment to D&I through Design Thinking not only resulted in a successful product but also reinforced their reputation as a brand that truly understands and values its target audience. This case study demonstrates how acknowledging and embracing diversity can lead to breakthrough innovations that resonate with customers on a deeper level.

Case Study 2: Airbnb and Inclusive Design

Airbnb, a leading online marketplace for accommodations, recognized early on that their success depended on creating an inclusive platform that catered to a wide range of travelers. To achieve this, they adopted Design Thinking principles and focused on incorporating D&I into their design process.

Airbnb initiated “The Airbnb Design Language System” project, which aimed to provide an accessible and inclusive user experience across their platform. They collaborated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and different ethnicities. By involving these diverse stakeholders, Airbnb gained valuable insights into the specific challenges that certain groups faced when using their platform.

Through Design Thinking, Airbnb developed features such as improved filters for accessibility requirements, expanded language options, and inclusive profile settings. These enhancements not only made the platform more user-friendly but also created a strong sense of belonging for users from all backgrounds.

By incorporating D&I principles into their design process, Airbnb gained a competitive edge that enabled them to tap into previously underserved markets. This case study demonstrates how Design Thinking and embracing different perspectives can drive innovation while promoting social equality and inclusivity.

Conclusion

Design Thinking and Diversity & Inclusion are integral to fostering innovation in today’s rapidly changing world. The case studies of Procter & Gamble and Airbnb highlight the power of incorporating diverse perspectives into the design process. Incorporating D&I enables companies to empathize with their target audience, uncover unmet needs, and create innovative solutions that cater to a broader customer base. Embracing diversity not only leads to more successful products and services but also plays a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society. As organizations strive to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers, Design Thinking and D&I will continue to be essential drivers of innovation and growth.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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Voting Closed – Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020

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Vote for Top 40 Innovation BloggersFor more than a decade I’ve devoted myself to making innovation insights accessible for the greater good, because I truly believe that the better our organizations get at delivering value to their stakeholders the less waste of natural resources and human resources there will be.

As a result I am eternally grateful to all of you out there who take the time to create and share great innovation articles, presentations, white papers, and videos and to make a list of the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers available each year.

My lists from the eight previous years have been tremendously popular:

Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2012
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2013
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2014
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2015
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2016
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2017
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2018
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2019

Business Strategy Innovation is now looking for the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020.

Do you, or does someone you know, write articles about innovation?

Or do you just have someone that you like to read that writes about innovation, or some of the important adjacencies – trends, consumer psychology, change, leadership, strategy, marketing, management, collaboration, or social media (as they relate to innovation)?

Well, Business Strategy Innovation is looking to recognize the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers and you helped us find them with your nominations. Now it is time to vote, and help us narrow things down to a list of the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020.

Build a Common Language of Innovation on your team

The deadline for submitting votes is January 7, 2021 at midnight GMT.

The ranking will be done by me with influence from votes and nominations. The quality and quantity of contributions by an author will be a BIG contributing factor (through the end of the voting period).

You can vote in any of these three ways (and each earns points for them, so please feel free to vote all three ways):

  1. Sending us the name of the blogger by @reply on twitter to @innovate
  2. Adding the name of the blogger as a comment to this article’s posting on Facebook
  3. Adding the name of the blogger as a comment to this article’s posting on our Linkedin Page (Be sure and follow us)

The official Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020 and the contest winners will then be announced here in early January 2021.

Here is who received nominations (in alphabetical order):

Adi Gaskell – @adigaskell
Alex Goryachev
Andy Heikkila – @AndyO_TheHammer
Arlen Meyers
Braden Kelley – @innovate
Chad McAllister – @ChadMcAllister
Chris Beswick
Dan Blacharski – @Dan_Blacharski
Daniel Burrus – @DanielBurrus
Daniel Lock
Dave Wendland
David Burkus
Douglas Ferguson
Drew Boyd – @DrewBoyd
Frank Mattes – @FrankMattes
Gregg Fraley – @greggfraley
Greg Satell – @Digitaltonto
Hugo de Sousa
Ian Ure
Janet Sernack – @JanetSernack
Jay Boolkin
Jeffrey Baumgartner – @creativejeffrey
Jeff Freedman – @SmallArmyAgency
Jeffrey Phillips – @ovoinnovation
Jorge Barba – @JorgeBarba
Julian Birkinshaw – @JBirkinshaw
Julie Anixter – @julieanixter
Kate Hammer – @Kate_Hammer
Kevin McFarthing – @InnovationFixer
Kevin Namaky – @knamaky
Kevin Popovic
Lou Killeffer – @LKilleffer
Mari Anixter- @MariAnixter
Maria Paula Oliveira – @mpaulaoliveira
Marty Zwilling – @StartupPro
Matthew E May – @MatthewEMay
Michael Graber – @SouthernGrowth
Mike Brown – @Brainzooming
Mike Shipulski – @MikeShipulski
Mukesh Gupta
Nick Partridge – @KnewNewNeu
Nicolas Bry – @NicoBry
Pamela Soin
Paul Hobcraft – @Paul4innovating
Paul Sloane – @paulsloane
Pete Foley – @foley_pete
Ralph Christian Ohr – @ralph_ohr
Richard Haasnoot – @Innovate2Grow
Robert B Tucker – @RobertBTucker
Rowan Gibson – @RowanGibson
Saul Kaplan – @skap5
Scott Anthony – @ScottDAnthony
Scott Bowden – @scottbowden51
Shelly Greenway – @ChiefDistiller
Soren Kaplan – @SorenKaplan
Stefan Lindegaard – @Lindegaard
Stephen Shapiro – @stephenshapiro
Steven Forth – @StevenForth
Tamara Kleinberg – @LaunchStreet
Tim Stroh
Tom Koulopoulos – @TKspeaks
Yoram Solomon – @yoram

We’re curious to see who you think is worth reading!


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Nominations Closed for the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020

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Nominations Open for the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020Business Strategy Innovation loves making innovation insights accessible for the greater good, because we truly believe that the better our organizations get at delivering value to their stakeholders the less waste of natural resources and human resources there will be.

As a result we are eternally grateful to all of you out there who take the time to create and share great innovation articles, presentations, white papers, and videos with Braden Kelley and the Business Strategy Innovation team. As a small thank you to those of you who follow along, we like to make a list of the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers available each year!

Our lists from the ten previous years have been tremendously popular, including:

Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2012
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2013
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2014
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2015
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2016
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2017
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2018
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2019

Do you just have someone that you like to read that writes about innovation, or some of the important adjacencies – trends, consumer psychology, change, leadership, strategy, behavioral economics, collaboration, or design thinking?

Business Strategy Innovation is now looking for the Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020.

The deadline for submitting nominations is December 31, 2020 at midnight GMT.

You can submit a nomination either of these two ways:

  1. Sending us the name of the blogger and the url of their blog by @reply on twitter to @innovate
  2. Sending the name of the blogger and the url of their blog and your e-mail address using our contact form

So, think about who you like to read and let us know by midnight GMT on December 31, 2020.

We will then compile a voting list of all the nominations, and publish it on January 1, 2021.

Voting will then be open from January 1-7, 2021 via comments and twitter @replies to @innovate.

The ranking will be done by me with influence from votes and nominations. The quality and quantity of contributions by an author will be a contributing factor.

The official Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020 will then be announced on here in early January 2021.

We’re curious to see who you think is worth reading!


Accelerate your change and transformation success

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

The Power of Design Thinking in Government

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Transforming Public Services

The Power of Design Thinking in Government: Transforming Public Services

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Design thinking is a human-centered problem-solving approach that empowers organizations to create innovative solutions. While traditionally associated with the private sector, design thinking has found a significant role in government organizations to transform public services. This article will explore two case studies that highlight the power of design thinking in improving government services and its potential to drive positive societal change.

Case Study 1: Redesigning the User Experience of a Government Website

In 2017, the Australian government embarked on a project to redesign their official immigration website, aiming to provide a more user-friendly experience. The initial website was complex, cluttered with excessive information, and used technical language that confused and overwhelmed users. Consequently, people struggled to find relevant information and complete application processes efficiently.

Applying design thinking principles, a multidisciplinary team comprising government officials, designers, and user experience experts collaborated to re-imagine the website. They conducted extensive user research, including interviews, focus groups, and user testing, to gain insights into the pain points and frustrations of website users.

Based on these insights, the team simplified the navigation structure, reorganized information, and revamped the language to be more accessible and user-friendly. They implemented a streamlined application process that focused on user needs, reducing redundancies and unnecessary steps. Additionally, they incorporated interactive elements and improved search functionality to enhance the overall user experience.

The redesigned website was rolled out, and its impact on user satisfaction and efficiency was immediately evident. User feedback indicated higher levels of understanding, reduced confusion, and a significant decrease in time required to complete tasks. This case study demonstrates how design thinking can drive the transformation of government services by prioritizing the needs and experiences of citizens.

Case Study 2: Improving Public Transportation Systems

Public transportation plays a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of citizens. Recognizing the need for an improved public transportation system, the Singapore government utilized design thinking principles to initiate a holistic transformation. They aimed to create a seamless and user-centric experience for commuters, thereby increasing overall public transportation usage.

The government engaged with citizens and stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and immersive empathy exercises to understand their pain points, desires, and aspirations related to public transportation. This comprehensive research informed the creation of personas representing different commuter profiles, which became the focal point for designing solutions.

Design thinking techniques were applied to various aspects, including bus stop design, route planning, mobile applications, and fare collection systems. Bus stops were redesigned to provide shelter, seating, and real-time information, catering to the needs of different user groups. Route planning was optimized based on commuter data, and mobile applications were developed to provide live updates on bus timings, route changes, and fare information.

The result was a remarkable enhancement in the overall public transportation experience. Commuters reported reduced wait times, improved convenience, and increased ridership. The government’s successful implementation of design thinking principles demonstrates its potential to transform public services by incorporating user needs into the core of service delivery.

Conclusion

Design thinking has an unrivaled power to transform public services by prioritizing citizen needs and experiences. The case studies discussed above exemplify how governments can leverage this approach to drive positive change. By emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving, design thinking can revolutionize the way governments design and deliver public services. It is time for governments worldwide to embrace design thinking as a catalyst for innovation and citizen-centric transformations.

EDITOR’S NOTE: 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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