Design thinking: features, methods and development

Not all people can think creatively. In order to possess such a quality of mind, you must have talent. Creative people in most cases have design thinking. Therefore, they are always in trend and in demand at work. If a person has learned to combine talent, creative process and design thinking, then he will make a good specialist. This employee of the company will be able to create a large number of incredibly beautiful things using simple elements.

So, design thinking is a process that facilitates the search for various extraordinary solutions that can be applied in any sphere of life. And decisions are based on the creative process. He is an important point here.

Design thinking is closely related to the development of innovative opportunities in the social sphere and in business. It helps you find custom solutions.. For example, to provide a comfortable environment for people with disabilities, a large number of devices were invented. Such ideas include various turnstiles, special paths. Now they make life easier for people. Without design solutions, such innovations might not have taken place.

The very idea of ​​implementing design solutions in life arose in 1969. G. Simon became its inspiration. Later this idea was picked up by scientists. After that, the Institute of Design was organized. Since then, many experts have tried to define this phenomenon, and only in the Interaction Design Fund called this process multifaceted.Fund specialists were able to explain how the problem is being rethought and how the necessary solution is found.

The term “design solution” is based on the principle of anthropocentrism. It involves various studies that serve the interests of man. Them the goal is to get out of stereotyping. By and large, design thinking finds its application everywhere - even where it’s hard to imagine. For example, it is used in the field of home repair, in launching new ideas, in the design of business projects.

Nevertheless, as in all areas of human thinking, design thinking has its drawbacks and advantages.

The advantages include the following points:

• accurate knowledge of the answer to the question of what exactly the buyer wants;
• finding innovative ideas and attracting employees to their implementation.

Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the following points:

• at the stage of involvement in business, employees do not fulfill their direct duties;
• huge resources must be invested;
• costs may not pay off, as search methods may not live up to expectations.

Therefore, you should try as much as possible combine design thinking and management approach. So it will be guaranteed to get project results and find out what exactly interests the consumer. This area is able to determine the existing problem. Of course, this approach requires investment, but the investment is quite payback. No wonder the largest and most modern companies, using the methods of design thinking, have won in terms of growth and innovation.

That is why it is necessary to introduce design thinking in business. This approach should be conscious. If you follow all the rules, then you can solve almost all the problems. For example, to increase sales or find the best solutions in personnel management. At the same time, rigid frameworks when implementing design ideas are unacceptable. It must be remembered that this option is a creative approach to solving business problems.

Design thinking has such multifunctionality that allows it to be used in many fields. All this happens thanks to the following principles.

• Develop for people - this is the main goal.
• Show more things that you can touch and see with your own eyes. Know that the stories and descriptions of the qualities of the subject do not have the desired effect.
• Create a clear outline of the subjectthat you display for the purpose of selling or for any other purpose.
• Thoroughly approach the project. To do this, indicate the stages and set the final goal.
• Try using all methods, and various experiments will lead to success.
• Listen to different opinionsthat experts offer, and always choose the best of them.
• Move forward and act.

After mastering these principles, you can proceed to the study of the main stages.

Each stage has its own method. Consider the following methods for each step.

The methods for empathy are as follows:

• Newbie - this method involves observation;
• "What? How? Why?" - helps to dive into the topic;
• “Life through the camera” helps to find out all the details of the issue under consideration;
• "Preparation for the interview" help prepare for a conversation, for an important meeting;
• Extreme Users Help identify fans and people who don’t know you;
• “Analogies” help discover new information;
• "Exchange of stories" helps to hear and get to know each other.

Methods for determination include:

• "Filling and grouping" will let you know the needs of users;
• Empathy Map helps to find a method for synthesizing observations;
• "User path" helps to consider each step of the situation;
• "Collective character" Helps to focus on the user;
• "Scale" allows you to search for ideas;
• “2x2 Matrix” allows you to organize communication between objects;
• "Stairs" helps to find the middle between the desired and the actual;
• POV Formula directs to detect a problem at the stage of searching for an answer;
• "POV Analogy" formulates the task in one direction;
• "POV Advertising" targeted to a specific user;
• Checklist help determine the effectiveness;
• Design Principles - This is a high-quality design solution to the problem;
• method-question "How can we?" - needed to search for new ideas.

Methods for finding ideas:

They consist of basic elements: empathy, focus, idea generation, prototype, test. Let's consider them in more detail.

The first stage involves the technology of inclusion in the experiences and experiences of other people. The structure is as follows: you need to determine and understand what excites each person. Therefore, this stage is considered the most basic. Here, experts look at the problem through people's eyes. The designer should look for solutions that will satisfy any user.

When the information is systematized, this stage is called “Definition” or “Focusing”. This procedure can be done using empathy. Simply put, you need analyze all observations and then highlight key points.

The above statement indicates that in any business you need to know in advance what the consumer most wants from your services. Once you know this, you can offer the right product.

Without this item promotion is impossible. Stage “Generating ideas” (or “searching for ideas”) involves setting the problem. And then look for a solution to resolve it. For example, come up with a large number of ideas and choose the most viable one from them.

You need to find out the correct idea. So proceed to the next step - prototyping. To do this, release a trial version of your idea and test its viability. So you can protect yourself from rash steps and save your money.

For example, you should not invest large sums in your idea and release a large batch of goods that you cannot sell. Can To start, create a budget option in a small amount. Then look at the demand, and then draw conclusions.

To improve the solution of the problem, you need to test all of its points. Usually this procedure is carried out repeatedly. It is advisable to pay special attention to prototyping in this matter. You must act as if you are not sure of success.

For several generations, they have been discussing this issue since the 50s of the last century. A modern approach to the main strategies of design thinking defines such elements as the innovativeness of the issue, the orientation of a person to the connection of intuition, his great responsibility and discipline. The term design thinking includes numerous knowledge and experience, which are based on the following points: various market research, critical and figurative thinking, economics, philology, and even philosophy.

Besides, to put forward a concept in the implementation of design thinking, experts use such scientific fields as sociology, anthropology, futurology. For example, in some countries, specialists are based on the above factors and build rather comfortable houses for people. This is how design thinking is introduced into a process that is based on action. It helps to hear and understand all the desires of city dwellers. Therefore, builders succeed, and the urban approach works well.

We give another example. Often, marketing specialists are faced with the task of creating a product from nothing, that is, creating something for sale by creating an idea. In this case, computer technology is indispensable. You can create web applications that will be available to those who are not familiar with the issue of programming. Note that only after the studies and various testing it will be possible to solve this problem. When the picture becomes clearer, spreadsheets and visual design can be combined. This option will be clear to everyone without exception. It should be noted that without special knowledge and design thinking you would not have succeeded.

In addition, design thinking is also used in the educational field, since the educational process begins with the question of why knowledge is needed and where it can be applied. The first reaction to these questions will be the answer: "you need to go to the direction of your needs."

The teacher should act as a designer, namely to conduct research that will not give the desired result without raising leading questions. When the whole process is completed, it will be possible to judge the results of the work done. Design thinking needs to be put into practice in any field, and then a lot will work out.

The process of developing design thinking involves brainstorming. The more you think and be creative at the same time, the faster you will run certain directions in your brain. This kind of thinking is necessary for everyone, without exception. The greater the percentage of knowledge, the more you can win life bonuses. It’s best to start by criticizing your decisions. The more you distrust your decisions, the more you analyze and think. So, in the end, you will come to the most necessary and smart conclusion.In addition, this way you will develop your taste and be able to be competitive in the labor market.

Next, you must act on the following plan.

• Get a folder and put all your ideas into it. After a month, analyze each of them and answer the question, which idea did you like best. So you will develop your inspiration and move in the right direction.
• Look around more often. Moving along the street, you can meet many interesting things. Analyze what you see. For example, you can look into a puddle and see just dirt in it. And if you look from the other side, you will notice on its surface the reflection of clouds that are confidently floating in the sky. Design thinking is creative. Remember this.
• See how people react to your activities. So you can really appreciate your knowledge and your work. If there are shortcomings, then it is better to eliminate them in time. Do not be afraid to look at your mistakes with open eyes. With this approach, you will get the opportunity to fix them and never commit again.
• Do more creativity. Only this process makes it possible to quickly develop certain skills. By working with your hands and head, you will quickly achieve what you want.