Design Thinking Path

Loop 1: OBSERVE & DEFINE

On your first loop of the path, mentally "observe" yourself in a current challenge (either professionally or personally). Think about the ways that your thinking or actions may be in a rut and consider pain points that keep creeping up in your life that keep you from your vision for the future.

Once you've had some time just to let your mind wander back and observe yourself in some tough situations, try to define one real problem. Use the "5 WHYs" Method to get to the heart of the that problem. Start the 5 WHYs by your problem out loud. Then, ask yourself (again out loud),

"Why is that a problem?"

Answer that question and then ask and answer this same question 5 times total to really get to the heart of your initial problem. You should find that you've gotten to a core nugget of truth - a deeper need or desire- from which you can move towards a solution.

Loop 2: IDEATE & DREAM

Now that you have this deeper, heart-level problem defined, try to think up 30 insights or solutions that might help you as you move forward. Keep them action oriented whenever possible. It's important that you don't censor yourself as you throw out ideas... no idea is a bad idea in a brainstorm!

SUGGESTION: Consider brainstorming out loud and have your Notes app open to capture your ideas into text form as you walk!

Loop 3: CONVERGE & REFLECT

Now that you have up to 30 potential solutions, narrow your list down to the top choice that you would like to pursue as you walk this final loop. Consider which of your ideas would be one that could help you to overcome your problem in a creative, new and insightful way. Think win-win.

Finally, reflect on where you began this walk and how far you've come. Visualize yourself taking active steps and making progress out of this challenge. Then go out there and make your ideas a reality!

"Design thinking" is only as powerful as the "design doing" that accompanies it!

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"Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come!" -Victor Hugo