Currently, the way designers think has become interesting for all aspects of life, including companies looking for new answers to old problems. For this reason, many professionals are beginning to apply Design Thinking to overcome current challenges.
What is Design Thinking?
The Design Thinking is fundamentally a methodology that allows solving problems in an innovative and strategic way. How? Through observation, collaboration, learning, visualization of ideas, assembly of simple prototypes, and business analysis.
To apply it correctly, remember to follow these steps:
1. Empathize with end users
It is essential to focus on the person, understand their needs and put yourself in their shoes generating empathy. What do your customers want, need, feel, and desire? Understanding and knowing the user's real experience in-depth is a key factor for success.
2. Define the problem
It is important that it is very concrete and within a framework to give clarity and focus. What is the real problem to solve? Be as specific as possible when defining it.
3. Create alternatives
Devise by creating alternatives generating the greatest number of possible solutions. At this moment, the emphasis is on the quantity of ideas, let your imagination run wild. Don't limit yourself!
4. Prototype the chosen solution.
It consists of assembling a model of what that solution would be.
5. Test
This stage is key to learning about the solution itself and about the user. Thus, with trial, error, and learning, you will be able to optimize and improve your prototype based on experience (instead of unverifiable assumptions or conjectures).
By following these steps, you can put your customers (internal or external) at the center, prioritizing them and finding solutions that solve their problems, making you a key player in your business area.
References
Design Thinking , "Integrating Innovation, Customer Experience, and Brand Value” Co-published by DMI, Skyhorse publishing & Allworth Press, 2009.
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