As I mentioned earlier, even though the term “Design Thinking” might look like some thing related to Design but it is actual about solution based approach for solving problems.
There are 5 stages in the Design Thinking process. When you hear about these stages you may feel bit bored as this looks like one more “process/methodology”. Actually, I get dead bored with the normal processes and methodologies. But what makes Design Thinking special or interesting is – the real fun when you actually implement these steps. I will write about the Design Thinking application in different areas and you might find them very interesting. Until then pls bear with the boring theory part.
Step 1: Empathize: This is the most important step. It is about emphatic understanding of the problem we are trying to solve. This is what makes Design Thinking approach special. Unlike other problem solving approaches, this talks about empathy/user centric approach. Empathy allows design thinkers to set aside his or her own assumptions about the world in order to gain insight into users and their needs.
Step 2: Define the Problem: Based on all the information/research gathered from the Empathize phase, we will define the problem statement. The main important point is how you define the problem?. You need to define the problem as a problem statement in a human-centred manner. Based on how you define the problem your whole solution may change.
Step 3: Ideate: Based on the problems identified, you come up with different ideas to solve the problem. You may use any technique you want to – like brainstorming session, etc. It is vital to collect all possible ideas without judging any idea. Purpose of this phase is to stimulate the thinking.
Step 4: Prototype: This is an experimental phase, and the aim is to identify the best possible solution for each of the problems identified during the first three stages. The solutions are implemented within the prototypes and, one-by-one, they are investigated and either accepted, improved and re-examined, or rejected on the basis of the users’ experiences.
Step 5: Test: This is the final stage of the 5 stage-model, but in an iterative process, the results generated during the testing phase are often used to redefine one or more problems and inform the understanding of the users, the conditions of use, how people think, behave, and feel, and to empathize.
Will illustrate some simple practical application of Design thinking tomorrow..
YK