Design Thinking Framework, Innovation & Methodology
Design thinking offers a structured approach to problem-solving, emphasizing user-centered innovation. The process begins by framing a question that focuses on the needs of the target customer, driving the entire design process. Gathering inspiration through observation and discovery in the real world provides a deeper understanding of user needs, allowing for idea generation that goes beyond surface-level solutions. Making ideas tangible through prototyping facilitates testing and refinement, and testing to learn through user feedback guides iteration. Finally, sharing the story of the solution ensures its successful introduction to stakeholders. This iterative process, with the potential for revisiting and re-evaluating steps, transforms initial ideas into innovative and user-centric solutions.
Frame a Question
Inspire your team to think about your customers (who you’re designing a solution for) and what they actually need.
Gather Inspiration
Go out into the world and seek inspiration by observing and discovering what people really need.
Generate Ideas
Use the inspiration you gather to help push past the obvious to come up with fresh solutions to your problem.
Make Ideas Tangible
Build rough prototypes and find what’s working and what’s not.
Test to Learn
Test your prototypes, gather feedback, and iterate.
Share the Story
Once you’ve arrived at the right solution, craft and share the story to introduce it to your colleagues, clients, and customers.
Some of these steps may happen several times, and you may even jump back and forth between them. Moving through the phases of design thinking can take you from a blank slate to a new, innovative solution.