Design Thinking is the key to innovation in many industries around the world

What is Design Thinking?

1. Empathy

2. Definition

3. Ideation

4. Prototyping

5. Testing

Design Thinking methodology stages

Practical examples of using the Design Thinking methodology

Example 1 – Cyclists in search of the perfect pannier

Empathy – a deeper understanding of the cyclist
Empathy is the starting point in Design Thinking. In order to create a product that is truly responsive to user needs, you must first understand the user. Company Z, which specializes in bicycle accessories, doesn’t just focus on the aesthetics of panniers. The design team decides to spend the weekend on a bike tour. During the trip, they talk to other cyclists and find out what is important to them. Some of them complain about the lack of waterproofness of the panniers, some about the difficult closing and unfastening, and others would like more compartments for small items.

Definition – a precise definition of the challenge
The collected information and observations allow to formulate a specific problem to be solved. Company Z defines the problem: “How to create a bicycle pannier that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly functional, waterproof and tailored to the needs of the cyclist on different types of routes?”.

Ideation – brainstorming and looking for creative solutions
The team is attempting to find as many solutions as possible to the problem posed. Among the proposals are a pannier with multiple compartments, a modular pannier that can be adjusted in size, different methods of closing and opening panniers, or a pannier with a waterproof coating and a special place for electronics.

Prototyping – materialization of ideas
Before a product goes into production, it is useful to create a preliminary, often simplified version. The team creates several different panniers from paper, fabric and plastic. They test them for capacity, functionality and convenience of attachment.

Testing – confrontation with reality
Prototypes are tested in real conditions. Cyclists take the panniers on a trip for several days, and when they return they share their comments. The company learns which elements of the panniers worked well and which need improvement.

After all the tests and modifications, the product is ready to hit the market. But the Design Thinking process doesn’t end with the product launch. Customer feedback received after the launch can lead to further improvements to the product.

Example 2 – Parents in search of the perfect baby strollers

Empathy – understanding the parent’s needs
A key step in the Design Thinking process is empathy. Company Y, known for manufacturing baby accessories, wants to understand what parents really expect from baby strollers. Instead of relying solely on market trends, the project team opts for direct observation. They spend several days in the park, observing parents as they walk with their children. They notice that some struggle when folding the stroller, others complain about insufficient ventilation, and still others would like more space for small items and toys.

Definition – a precise definition of the problem
After collecting all the observations, Company Y defines the problem: “How to create a baby stroller that is easily foldable, airy, functional and suitable for storing necessary accessories?”

Ideation – generating innovative ideas
A brainstorming stage follows, during which the team tries to come up with as many potential solutions as possible. Ideas emerge for: a one-button folding stroller, a stroller with a mesh backrest for better ventilation, special pockets for bottles and toys, and a stroller with an adjustable seat angle.

Prototyping – creating physical models
Before the stroller goes into mass production, the company decides to create several prototypes. Using different materials, they create versions of the strollers, which they then pre-test for functionality and ergonomics.

Testing – feedback from real users
Selected families receive prototypes of the strollers for testing. They use them for a few weeks, after which they share their comments and suggestions. The company learns which features are most useful and which need improvement.

Once the necessary modifications have been made, the cart is ready to be launched on the market. However, remember that Design Thinking is an ongoing process. Customer feedback received after the sale can lead to further innovations and product improvements.

Applying Design Thinking in various fields

• Product Design: Design Thinking can help identify user needs, leading to more useful and innovative products. With this approach, companies can create products that actually meet customer expectations.
• Services: The use of Design Thinking in service design focuses on optimizing the entire customer experience, from the initial contact with the company, to the use of the service, to post-sale support.
• Education: teachers and educators use Design Thinking to create innovative curricula that are more responsive to students’ needs and to promote creative thinking and problem-solving among students.
• Healthcare: Design Thinking can be used to design more effective healthcare systems that focus on the needs of patients and their families.
• Social Problems: Nonprofit organizations and others are using Design Thinking to address complex social problems such as poverty, hunger and lack of access to education.
• Organizational Development: Companies and institutions are using Design Thinking to improve organizational culture, increase employee engagement and create a more innovative work environment.
• Technology and IT: Developers, UX/UI designers and digital product specialists use Design Thinking to create apps, websites and other technology solutions that are more responsive to user needs.

Summary