Design thinking is the process where we seek to understand the point of view of the user and redefine the problems with the intention to find creative approaches to the solutions. In this process, solutions might not be apparent or easily solvable but their main focus is to find the best solution based on an understanding of the people for whom we’re designing the products or services.
Google, Apple, and Samsung are the few companies that implemented this strategy and showed that their rewards and revenues were much higher and well invested than following old protocols.
The steps to create to start your own design thinking process are:
Empathize
Empathy is key to understanding other people and in this process trying to see your design from other people’s eyes will save you time and money while fixing problems. To build empathy for your users you need to cultivate some values, such as:
- Observe
- Engage
- Immerse
How to empathize?
Observe the behavior of the user and understand patterns in their conduct. Take notes on quotes, anecdotes, and responses. Watching them gives you clues of what they think and need in different situations
Engage with the users on one on one interviews. Ask questions that are specific and precise
Define
Analyze your empathy findings into needs and insights. What you understand of your peers is what will help you come up with an actionable solution such as your point of view (POV).
Your POV is a unique vision that is framed by specific users. Understanding their ideas and perspectives is key to having a successful strategy for Innovation.
How to define?
The ideal way is to preserve the emotion for the person you are designing for. This includes: know the language they use, making sense of their ideas in an orderly way, having a strong insight into their desire and needs will automatically lead to several different options
Ideate
This is where you create radical design thinking strategies. Thinking outside the box is not a catchphrase anymore, it is really about expanding your mind. The goal of ideation is to explore broad and uncommon solutions to bring forward new ideas into the mix
How to ideate?
Let oversee some tips that can enlighten you in this process
- Collect perspectives and strengths of your team
- Avoid obvious solutions
- Do not be afraid to explore areas you are not familiar with.
- Variety and volume are words you need to reach for
Use this process inside your team and help them broaden their minds.
Prototype
Is the process where your ideas come to life and show the possibilities they can offer. A prototype can have many forms whether on paper or in software design. The important step is to put pen to paper and take the necessary steps to make it real.
It would be best if you spend too much time and money on this step, the need to work out the kinks needs to be where you want to invest.
Prototypes tend to test better when your group can interact with them. Discussion and new ideas will flow in this part and what you learn from feedback is useful in the testing process.
How to prototype?
Let see some functions to prototyping:
- Gain empathy
- Explore new ideas and territories
- Test as much as you like
- Inspire new ideas with you showcasing
Prototyping might seem like a step not worth taking in some endeavors but take into account that it never hurt knowing what you are getting into
Test
Feedback is an essential part of innovation. How else would you know if your idea works outside your head?
The test can be an iterative process in which your prototype is in the appropriate context of your user’s life. There is a saying prototype as if you know you are right, test as if you know you are wrong
How to test?
Be authentic and realistic in this step. Never take anything for granted or assume you won’t be facing any problem. Is best if you tackle this step as if you want to find as many mistakes as possible.
Testing will help you:
- Learn more about your user
- Refine prototype and solutions
- Tweak your POV accordingly
Design thinking is not obtained in a day but knowing where you can start is a great start to be a master innovator. Implementing these ideas into your business or even your daily life will help you to come up with new creative ways to solve problems. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore what new things can bring to the table.