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How to use design thinking?
The methodology of design thinking addresses five phases: empathy, definition, brainstorming, prototyping and testing. The phases are designed so that you can jump back and forth. Switching between the different phases may be necessary if new insights or knowledge emerge during the process.
The five phases of the design thinking model:
- Empathy: The first phase is about understanding the user's needs by showing understanding of the people who will use the solution. Through surveys and interviews, the root cause of the challenge should be uncovered. Input from the user helps you not to assume anything, but to get the users' perspective instead.
- Define the problem: After gathering insights and knowledge from the user, it's about processing the information you've received and structuring the content. In this way, you will gain a better understanding and at the same time be able to make correct and good decisions. Based on the information you've received, you now need to define the challenge the user has, and at the same time ask questions about what is most important to prioritize. Only when the problem has been defined and the problem statement has been finalized can you start developing ideas.
- Idea development: In this phase, it's all about finding innovative solutions that can solve problems. You can do this through brainstorming, for example. This is done to get as many solutions to the problem as possible and is an effective and useful method. The advantage of having many ideas to choose from is that it makes it easier to put the ideas together or develop them further. After arriving at one or more solutions that work, these are taken further.
- Prototyping: To get a better understanding of the design, you may want to sketch out the solution. Feel free to use pen and paper to begin with, before gradually moving on to using a prototyping tool. This method is used to test the functionality of the concept. Before users can start using the product or service, it's a good idea to have someone outside testing the functionality. It's important to check if there are any limitations to the solution or if anything needs to be adjusted.
- Testing: The best way to test the functionality of the concept is to let users test the concept through the prototype, and provide feedback. Based on the feedback, we may need to go back into earlier phases to make changes. It can be useful to go back to phase 1, which deals with empathy, to make sure you have understood the user correctly. Or if you need to make some adjustments in order to better answer the question.
How does design thinking differ from other methods?
Unlike other methods, the design thinking model spends more time defining and exploring the user's problem. Traditionally, a solution is developed based on an idea or request from a company. Using the design thinking method turns this on its head and develops a solution based on challenges from the user.
The importance of design thinking
Design thinking is important because it provides a structured approach to a problem with the user at the center. Through empathy, collaboration and testing, the model ensures that solutions are relevant and user-friendly. The model emphasizes early prototyping, which helps to reduce risk. At the same time, it can save time by detecting challenges earlier in the process.
How we work with design thinking
Design thinking helps create a solution through design that actually solves what the user needs help with, and is not based on assumptions. Throughout the process, we ensure that the user is at the center, giving you a solution that works. While ensuring the results you want!