Tag Archives: Product Development

Design Thinking in Product Development

Driving Success through User-centric Design

Design Thinking in Product Development: Driving Success through User-centric Design

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive market, businesses can no longer solely rely on creating products based on assumptions or mere technical feasibility. Instead, they need to embrace a user-centric approach that prioritizes the needs and desires of their target audience. This is where design thinking comes into play. Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that emphasizes empathy, ideation, prototyping, and continuous iteration. By incorporating design thinking principles into product development, businesses can drive success by delivering products that truly resonate with their users. In this article, we will explore the concept of design thinking and present two case studies that exemplify its effectiveness in creating successful products.

Case Study 1: Apple iPhone – Revolutionizing the Smartphone Industry

The Apple iPhone serves as a remarkable example of how design thinking can drive success in product development. Before the iPhone was introduced in 2007, smartphones were typically bulky, complicated, and lacked an intuitive user interface. Apple understood the need for a revolutionary design that prioritized the user experience. By immersing themselves in the lives of potential users and empathizing with their frustrations, Apple’s team of designers identified key pain points such as complex navigation, limited functionality, and lack of touch-based interaction.

Applying the principles of design thinking, Apple ideated and prototyped various concepts until they arrived at the iconic iPhone design. They focused on simplicity, ease of use, and intuitive gestures, leading to the creation of a touchscreen interface that eliminated the need for physical keyboards. The iPhone’s user-centric design not only won over millions of users but also disrupted the entire smartphone industry. By prioritizing the needs and desires of users, Apple achieved unprecedented success and set new standards for smartphone design.

Case Study 2: Airbnb – Revolutionizing the Hospitality Industry

Airbnb, the popular accommodation platform, utilized design thinking to redefine the hospitality industry. The founders of Airbnb recognized that travelers were seeking unique, affordable, and personalized experiences rather than sterile hotel rooms. By observing potential users and conducting in-depth interviews, they empathized with the pain points of both guests and hosts, including lack of trust, limited options, and cumbersome booking processes.

Applying design thinking principles, Airbnb ideated innovative solutions that addressed these pain points. They created a platform that connected hosts and guests, allowing users to personalize their travel experiences. To instill trust, Airbnb introduced user profiles, reviews, and secure payment systems.

Furthermore, Airbnb continuously iterated its platform based on user feedback, driving greater success. This user-centric approach revolutionized the hospitality industry, empowering individuals to monetize their spaces and providing travelers with unique, affordable, and authentic accommodations.

Conclusion

Design thinking offers a powerful framework for businesses to optimize product development processes. The case studies of Apple iPhone and Airbnb demonstrate how incorporating the principles of design thinking leads to successful, user-centric products. By empathizing with users, identifying pain points, and continuously iterating, businesses can deliver products that not only meet but exceed user expectations. As the market becomes increasingly user-driven, organizations that embrace design thinking have a competitive edge in driving success through user-centric design.

SPECIAL BONUS: 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: Unsplash

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The Jobs to be Done Playbook

Exclusive Interview for CustomerThink with Jim Kalbach

Jim Kalbach JTBD PlaybookThe Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) approach offers a unique lens for viewing the people you serve. Instead of looking at the demographic and psychographic factors of consumption, JTBD focuses on what people seek to achieve in a given circumstance. People don’t “hire” products and services because of the demographic they belong to; instead, they employ solutions to get a job done.

JTBD is not about your product, service, or brand. Instead of focusing on your own solution, you must first understand what people want and why that’s important to them. Accordingly, JTBD deliberately avoids mention of particular solutions in order to first comprehend the process that people go through to solve a problem. Only then can a company align its offerings to meet people’s goals and needs.

I had the opportunity recently to interview Jim Kalbach, a noted author, speaker, and instructor in user experience design, information architecture, and strategy. He is currently Head of Customer Experience at MURAL, the leading online whiteboard. Jim has worked with large companies, such as eBay, Audi, Sony, Elsevier Science, LexisNexis, and Citrix. His latest book is The Jobs To Be Done Playbook.

Below is the text of the interview:

1. What is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD)?

There are a couple, actually.

First, I often hear others referring to JTBD as something “new.” It’s not. People have been working in the field for a couple of decades now. And precursors to modern JTBD go back nearly 40 years. We really just now see a surge of interest around JTBD, and the hype around it makes it feel new.

Second, JTBD often gets conflated with existing methods in other fields. Marketers look at it is as just another type of “voice of the customer” program. Or, folks coming from human-centered design and related fields see JTBD as a version of UX design or similar. While there might be some overlaps with existing disciplines, JTBD offers a unique perspective and yields unique insights.

Finally, I see JTBD as a “language” of sorts to describe the objectives and needs of the people you want to serve, and learning a language takes practice. Even people who “get” JTBD quickly need to put time into understanding the language and techniques, which at times can be specific and rigorous. I often see people expect to walk away from reading a book or taking a workshop fully capable of practicing JTBD. That’s rarely the case, and it typically takes some effort to work into the topic and apply it.

2. What are some of the benefits of taking a JTBD approach to innovation?

JTBD offers a unique perspective that points to new insights and opportunities. The JTBD approach intentionally forces us to expunge any mention of technology, solutions, brands, or methods from our language. In doing so, you’re able to then see your domain as people do. First and foremost, they want to get their job done, not necessarily interact with your product or service. Viewing objectives and outcomes people have independent of technology opens up new possibilities and yields new conversations that point toward innovation opportunities.

Also, but removing ourselves and technology from the equation, we can better future-proof our thinking. Solutions come and go. Technology is often a fad. Jobs, on the other hand, are stable when you boil them down to their fundamental steps.

3. Who needs to be considered after selecting a job to focus on?

At first, simply consider job performers. Once you’ve defined your target job, you first want to understand how the job gets done independently of any specific technology or solution. I find that different types of job performers emerge based on the key factors, or circumstances, of getting the job done that can give rise to different personas.

Within your team, I recommending going as broad as possible and including stakeholders at all levels. Yes, JTBD can help you find hidden needs to address. But it’s also a catalyst for conversations and a way to get team alignment. Think of the various ways you can involve others in everything from the definition of your jobs landscape to interviews with job performers to creating a job map to finding opportunities.

4. What is your perspective on the interrelationship between functional, social and emotional jobs within JTBD?

I find that functional jobs give the most structure and reliability to work with initiation. So your work is generally framed by functional jobs, with emotional and social aspects layered on top. Emotional and social aspect then play a larger role when finding solutions to the unmet needs you’ve found and help frame how you’ll solve for them.

Continue reading the interview on CustomerThink


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Designing Products with Emotional Intelligence

Understanding User Needs and Desires

Designing Products with Emotional Intelligence: Understanding User Needs and Desires

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s competitive market, many companies strive to create products that not only meet customer needs but also evoke emotions and build meaningful connections. This approach is known as designing products with emotional intelligence. By understanding and addressing user needs and desires, companies can create products that resonate with customers on a deeper level, leading to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, business success. This article explores the concept of designing products with emotional intelligence and provides two case study examples.

Case Study 1: Apple iPhone – A seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality

One of the most successful examples of designing products with emotional intelligence is the Apple iPhone. When the first iPhone was introduced in 2007, it revolutionized the mobile phone industry by offering a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality. Apple understood that customer needs extended beyond mere features and specifications. They realized that customers desired a device that was not only technologically advanced but also visually appealing and user-friendly.

Apple’s designers focused on creating an emotional connection with their users by prioritizing the user experience. The iPhone’s sleek design, intuitive interface, and user-friendly features addressed the desires of consumers who craved a mobile device that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. As a result, the iPhone became an iconic product, renowned for its emotional appeal, and established Apple as a leader in the smartphone industry.

Case Study 2: Airbnb – Creating a sense of belonging and personalization

Another prime example of designing products with emotional intelligence is Airbnb. The company recognized that travelers often desired a more intimate and authentic travel experience than what traditional hotels could offer. To meet these needs and desires, Airbnb created a platform that allows homeowners to rent out their properties to travelers, enabling them to experience local culture instead of staying in impersonal hotel rooms.

Airbnb’s success can be attributed to the emotional connection it established with its users. By focusing on personalization, the company ensured that travelers felt a sense of belonging while staying at a stranger’s home. The platform allows users to explore various listings, read reviews, and communicate with hosts, fostering trust and creating an emotional bond before booking. Additionally, by providing personalized recommendations based on user preferences, Airbnb delivers a tailored experience that aligns with each user’s desires, making them feel valued and understood.

Conclusion

Designing products with emotional intelligence is crucial for companies aiming to create meaningful connections with their customers. Understanding user needs and desires enables businesses to go beyond functional features and address the emotional aspect of product experiences. By focusing on emotional intelligence, companies like Apple and Airbnb have achieved tremendous success. By crafting products that not only meet practical needs but also evoke positive emotions, companies can build a loyal customer base and differentiate themselves in today’s competitive market. Ultimately, the key to designing products with emotional intelligence lies in empathizing with users, delving into their desires, and creating experiences that resonate with their emotions.

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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Applying Human-Centered Design to Create Innovative Solutions

Applying Human-Centered Design to Create Innovative Solutions

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful business. In today’s competitive market, organizations must stay ahead of the curve in order to remain competitive. In order to do this, companies are turning to Human-Centered Design (HCD) to create new products and services that meet the needs of their customers.

At its core, HCD is a process that focuses on the customers’ needs and wants in order to create meaningful products and services. This process involves understanding the customer’s experience and expectations, defining the problem, and then creating a solution. HCD is not just focused on creating products; it is also used to create processes and services.

The goal of HCD is to create innovative solutions that are tailored to the customer’s needs. By understanding the customer’s experience, companies can develop products and services that accurately reflect the customer’s needs. This helps to ensure that the solution is not only effective, but also attractive and attractive to the customer.

HCD is an iterative process that involves several steps. First, companies must understand their customer’s needs and wants. This can be done through market research, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Once the customer’s needs are established, companies can begin to develop a solution.

The next step is to design the solution. This involves creating a prototype and testing it with customers to gather feedback. The feedback can then be used to refine the design and make improvements. The goal is to create a product or service that is intuitive, efficient, and suitable for the customer’s needs.

Finally, companies must ensure that the solution is tested and verified before it is released for use. This helps to ensure that the product or service is safe and effective. The feedback gathered during the testing phase can also be used to further refine the solution if necessary.

As you design your product using human-centered methods, be sure and keep in mind the five secrets of successful product design:

1. Understand customer needs and develop a product to meet them: The first step in creating a successful product is to perform market research to gain insight into customer needs and preferences. Develop a product that meets those needs and provides a solution to a problem.

2. Create a unique product: Research the market and make sure the product you are creating is unique and different from what is already available.

3. Focus on quality: Quality is essential for a successful product. Ensure that your product is reliable and meets the customer’s expectations.

4. Utilize effective marketing: Marketing is a key factor in the success of any product. Utilize effective marketing strategies to spread awareness of your product.

5. Listen to customer feedback: Getting feedback from customers is essential to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your product. Use the feedback to refine and improve your product.

Human-Centered Design is an invaluable tool for any company looking to innovate and create solutions that meet the needs of their customers. By understanding the customer’s needs and wants and developing a solution that reflects those needs, companies can create products and services that are attractive and effective. HCD is a powerful tool that can help companies stay ahead of the competition and create meaningful solutions for their 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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Are You Innovating for the Past or the Future?

Are You Innovating for the Past or the Future?I had the opportunity to meet and chat with local ethnographic researcher Cynthia DuVal about the role of ethnographic research in the innovation process, and she shared an insight that I thought I would share with the rest of you.

She mentioned that it is important for a good ethnographer or researcher to consider the timeline of the development process when extracting insights. Why is this important?

Well, if you’ve got a 12-18 month product or service development process to go from insight to in-market, then you should be looking not to identify the insights that are most relevant today, BUT the insights that will be most relevant 12-18 months from now. If you can go from insight to in-market faster than that, that’s fantastic, but the point still holds.

If your research team takes all of the data they’ve gathered and extracts insights for today, then you are innovating for the past, and if they develop insights too far along the time continuum then you are innovating for the future. You can’t really innovate for the past (your offering won’t be innovative and will be beaten easily by competitors). If you innovate for the future, then adoption will be slow until customers become ready. The trick is to task your insights team to provide guidance for the future present.

Innovating for Future Present

The ideal of course is to design a product based on customer insights appropriate to the time of the product launch to maximize the useful life of the customer insights.

The product or service are an expression of the customer insights, and it is the useful life of the insights that we are concerned with, not the useful life of the product or service (a post-purchase concept). When the insights reach their sell by date, sales will begin to tail off, and you better have another product or service ready to replace this one (based on fresh insights).

Now, extracting accurate customer insights for the present is difficult enough. Doing it for the future present is even harder. But, if your team starts out with that as its charter, they will likely rise to the challenge, for the most part.

FlexibilityBecause the team will likely only get the insights mostly right, it is important that your go-to-market processes include a great deal of modularity and flexibility. In the same way that product development processes have to design for certain components that are ‘likely’ to be available, but also have a backup design available that substitutes already released components–should the cutting edge components not be ready in time.

To innovate for the future present, you must maintain the flexibility to tweak branding and messaging (and even the product or service itself) should some of the forecasted customer insights prove to be inaccurate and require updates. It is also a good idea to evaluate, as you go, whether or not a fast follower version (e.g. iPhone OS v3.1) of the product, service, and/or branding or messaging will need to be prepared to address last minute customer insight discoveries that can’t be incorporated into the product or service or branding/messaging at launch.

So, will your team have the flexibility necessary to innovate for the future present, or will you find your team innovating for the past or the future?


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