“Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation” -Dean Kamen
Unless you already know what design thinking is, when you hear this term for the first time, you may think it has something to do with art and aesthetics. However, design thinking is simply a methodology to solve complex problems.
The reason design thinking is one of the latest buzzwords in innovation is that unlike other creative strategies, it gives central importance to the concept of empathy which is often overlooked by businesses. Can you think about what makes this approach so powerful? I think this is the first time a problem solving approach has kept humans at the center rather than pure KPIs (key performance indicators). At the end of the day, consumers are humans. So solutions should be developed keeping human needs at the center of the stage. Since the design thinking approach has emotional content its effectiveness is very high. This in turn helps with business metrics.
The world’s most innovative companies like Apple have been using design thinking directly or indirectly. I think most people are attached to Apple products simply for the user experience. This begins with the in-store experience and product packaging, includes product navigation, customization, and ease of access and input, and extends all the way to troubleshooting and customer service. Apple is always a step ahead of its competition because it focuses on its consumers rather than on simple metrics.
We live in an era of luxury that is about ease, instant gratification, and shorter attention spans. So unless you really focus on creating that kind of an experience for your customer, they will ditch you for your competition faster than you can say STAY! It is not for the love of humans we are human-centered. It is the need of the business!
