Design thinking

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Design thinking is a process for practical, creative resolution of problems or issues that looks for an improved future result.[1] Unlike critical thinking, design thinking is a creative process based around the "building up" of ideas. There are no judgments in design thinking. This eliminates the fear of failure and encourages maximum input and participation. Outside the box thinking is encouraged in this process since this can often lead to creative solutions.

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[edit] Design process

The design thinking process has seven stages: define, research, ideate, prototype, choose, implement, and learn.[1] Within these seven steps, problems can be framed, the right questions can be asked, more ideas can be created, and the best answers can be chosen. The steps aren't linear; they can occur simultaneously and can be repeated.

Although design is always subject to personal taste, design thinkers share a common set of values that drive innovation: these values are mainly creativity, ambidextrous thinking, teamwork, end-user focus, curiosity. There is considerable academic interest in understanding design thinking or design cognition, including an ongoing series of symposia on research in design thinking.[2]

[edit] Define

  • Decide what issue you are trying to resolve.
  • Agree on who the audience is.
  • Prioritize this project in terms of urgency.
  • Determine what will make this project successful.
  • Establish a glossary of terms.

[edit] Research

  • Review the history of the issue; remember any existing obstacles.
  • Collect examples of other attempts to solve the same issue.
  • Note the project supporters, investors, and critics.
  • Talk to your end-users, that brings you the most fruitful ideas for later design
  • Take into account thought leaders opinion

[edit] Ideate

  • Identify the needs and motivations of your end-users.
  • Generate as many ideas as possible to serve these identified needs
  • Log your brainstorming session.
  • Do not judge or debate ideas.
  • During brainstorming, have one conversation at a time

[edit] Prototype

  • Combine, expand, and refine ideas.
  • Create multiple drafts.
  • Seek feedback from a diverse group of people, include your end users.
  • Present a selection of ideas to the client.
  • Reserve judgment and maintain neutrality.

[edit] Choose

  • Review the objective.
  • Set aside emotion and ownership of ideas.
  • Remember: the most practical solution isn't always the best.
  • Select the powerful ideas.

[edit] Implement

  • Assign tasks.
  • Execute.
  • Deliver to client.

[edit] Learn

  • Gather feedback from the consumer.
  • Determine if the solution met its goals.
  • Discuss what could be improved.
  • Measure success; collect data.
  • Document.

[edit] See also

[edit] Portals

[edit] Lists

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Simon, Herbert (1969). The Sciences of the Artificial. Cambridge: MIT Press, 55. 
  2. ^ Design Thinking Research Symposia. Open University. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.

[edit] External links