Design thinking is a way of problem solving in which the producer puts the needs of the consumer above all else. It relies upon observing the consumers behavior and interaction with their environment with empathy. It involves the five steps of Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Empathizing is when the producers research their consumers needs and gain an understanding of the problem. Define is Stating the consumers needs and issues. The producers will accumulate and analyze the core problems that they have identified. Ideate is challenging assumptions and creating ideas this is when the producers look for alternative ways to look at the problem and find solutions to solve said issue. Prototype is when the producers start to create the solutions they thought of. This is the phase in which the producers experiment and identify the best solution for the problems found. Test is well, testing, the producers trying out solutions. The producers test prototypes and can return to the previous stages to adjust it. Design thinking at its core is human-centered. It encourages producers to first think about their consumers. The first question that should be asked when something is made is what are the needs of the consumer with the issue that the solution was created for. It is necessary to embrace simple mindset shifts and think about problems from a new direction.
Definition heavily inspired by: www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/creativity-culture/what-is-design-thinking
www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/design-thinking