Design Thinking is a methodology used for solving complex problems and finding desirable solutions for clients. A design mindset is not problem-focused, it's solution-focused and action-oriented towards creating a preferred future. Design Thinking involves extensive collaboration and draws upon logic, imagination, intuition, and systemic reasoning to explore possibilities and to create desired outcomes that benefit the end user (the customer).
Empathize: Understand the needs and motivations of users through observation and engagement. | Define: Clearly articulate the problem based on insights gained during the empathy stage. | Ideate: Generate a wide range of ideas and solutions through brainstorming and other ideation techniques. | Prototype: Build a representation of one or more of your ideas to show to others and get feedback. | Test: Rigorously test the completed prototypes, seek feedback, refine, and iterate.
Involve a diverse team for broader perspectives | Keep the end-user at the center of the process | Iterate based on feedback and testing results
Promotes innovation and creative solutions | Improves user satisfaction and engagement | Encourages iterative learning and flexibility
Can be time-consuming | May require significant resources | Outcomes can be unpredictable
Developing new products or services | Improving or innovating on existing products
When quick decisions are needed | In highly regulated industries where changes are slow