We are in our final chapter in our course about Design thinking. During the last weeks we spoke a lot about the steps in the Design Thinking process. Finally we had a closer look on the strength in using the process. Why is it better then simple straight Forward processes. In this article i want to do a quick recap and a final closing in this Topic.
Recap on Design Thinking
6 Steps in a row
First we need got a specialist about the topic what we are looking at. Learn about the process and about the goals we want to achieve. We need to empathize what it is all about. Understand the challenges ahead of us. What is the problem and what do we want to achieve.
Empathize: http://learnsuits.com/empathize-dt
Next we need to observe. Situations and circumstances of any problem. When does it appear and how. Collect as much data as possible. Important to speak and look at the real people experiencing the problem you need to work on. What are there thoughts and feelings during the process.
Observe: http://learnsuits.com/observe-and-research
After collecting all these data you need to define your point of view. Define how you should understand the collected data. Sort and classify the data. This step should end up with a precise problem statement explaining what the major goal would be and how to reach it. The problem statement will lead you through the next step in the Design Thinking process.
Point of View: http://learnsuits.com/point-of-view-design-thinking
Now creativity will take part in the process. After defining the real problem in the problem statement it is time to ideate. Generate as many ideas and thoughts as possible. Do not rate and classify them, just collect. After you closed this sessions you will start to sort them into groups and usability. Start to define possible solutions and concepts.
Ideate: http://learnsuits.com/ideate-in-design-thinking
Because now you need to build them. Prototyping. Take your first idea and start to build your prototype. In dependency of the requirement you can build different kind of prototypes. Be creative and play with your imagination. But keep in mind. There is no art in prototyping. Functionality is focus. Also think about how to transport and how to use them.
Prototype: http://learnsuits.com/prototyping-ideas
Because will lead to the final step. It is the moment of truth. Prepare your test concepts. Think about how, what and where to test. What answer do you need? What needs to be tested. Then get out and find your tester. Let them test and play. Collect your data. Finalize the step. Check the results. Did you made it? Does your prototype solve the problem statement? Are the users happy with your idea? Than you are done. Your challenge has been completed successful. You can present your solution to your project stakeholder.
Test: http://learnsuits.com/testing-moment-of-truth-in-design-thinking
But normally it is not that easy. This is the point where Design Thinking will provide real strength. If you get stuck at any point in the process just move to another step and try it again. You made a mistake, try again. The idea does not solve the problem, try again. Your prototype was not accepted by the tester, go back and start again. There is always a way to go. So you should never get stuck at any point where you need to stop the project going forward.
Strength: http://learnsuits.com/strength-design-thinking
You will be surprised how easy it is. Everyone can be part of it. You do not need to be a designer to join a design thinking challenge. Learning by doing. And as it is really important to have a very diverse team, with different backgrounds and level of experiences, you can be a powerful member in the design thinking team without been a designer. Everyone can join and everyone should join.
So Design Thinking is learning by doing. What you really need to do is, give it a try. Experiment with small challenges and try to solve it. Learn methods and concepts about it.
A not yet mentioned subject in Design Thinking …… Have Fun!
You will see this different way of working will generate a lot of fun and a wonderful time. Escape the daily routines and try this very flexible way of working. Enjoy a wonderful time experimenting and generating new things. Work together with new colleagues a great time for networking and get to know different people in your organization. A way of teambuilding. Good for moral and engagement. You will see this are great site affects when you do your first challenge in Design Thinking.
So give it a try, choose your first challenge, start your own experience in
DESIGN THINKING
thanks for following me during these sessions. 7 weeks full of interesting topics and challenges. I will do further articles about design thinking on this platform. focusing on different aspects and topics. So stay with me on Learnsuits.com and explore what more can be learned….
