What is Design Thinking?

By Nathatype Studio on January 4, 2023

Design thinking refers to the process for solving-problem approaches by emphasizing creative thinking, thinking outside the box and being innovative. It has the intention to improve innovation and efficiency which is result-oriented.

The process involves several steps, including understanding problems, solving problems and expanding solutions. Each step is supported by various methods, such as brainstorming, prototype and collaboration.

Additionally, design thinking is also driven by various techniques, from digging up information and observing behavior, to solving problems with technology.

Design thinking can help us to solve a wide range of problems. Starting from business problems and technology, to social issues. It incorporates creative strategy and unconventional structure to deal with the problems.

The ability to apply design thinking is a great help to solve complex problems. This method encourages people to have effective and innovative solutions.

At the same time, it also helps develop attractive and beneficial products. However, this process can be so complicated and time-consuming which makes effective design and collaboration essential.

Let’s explore more about design thinking in the following section!

design thinking

 

5 Stages of Design Thinking

In general, the five stages of design thinking don’t have to be linear, they are:

Identifying problems

First, designers need to understand the problem they are facing. We should start gathering and understanding the problem as much as possible, from its background, context and impact. It would help designers to gain deeper understanding and search for things they have to accomplish. 

Brainstorming ideas

After that, designers will start to think about potential solutions. This is the stage where designers use their creative ideas and build prototypes to test them. It is also the time that designers work with their team to develop innovative solutions.

Challenging ideas / prototypes

Next, designers will test their data and information using the prototypes. The test can be a survey, data entry and experiment to identify if the solutions work for the problems.    

Evaluation

Once the prototypes are tested, designers can make necessary adjustments to improve the proposed solution. For instance, changing the design shape, enhancing or adding new features. 

Implementation

Designers are allowed to implement the design on products or services, once it is ready. It can be integrated into the running system, change the current business system or develop new products.

 

After all, design thinking is an effective approach to solve problems. Designers can develop innovative solutions to satisfy customer needs, by following the stages above. 

Take a look at this case study where design thinking is possible to redesign a store branding, making customers more comfortable and familiar.

First, do some research to define customers’ needs and problems when they are shopping at the shop. Then, we can adopt a brainstorming method to develop prospective ideas about rebranding the store into an enjoyable and customer-friendly one.

After that, we can proceed to making prototypes and testing them to identify if our design is best suited to the customers’ needs and problems. Therefore, the store would hit their market and work efficiently.