Design Thinking provides a solution-based approach to solving problems. It is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems in an attempt to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding. At the same time, it is a way of thinking and working as well as a collection of hands-on methods.
Design Thinking can help us systematically extract, teach, learn and apply human-centric techniques to solve problems in a creative and innovative way – for our designs, businesses, countries, and lives. The method is steeped in a deep belief that the end-user should be at the heart of all decision-making. The benefit of design thinking is that, through empathy for the user, one is able to create products and experiences that truly help people and even change lives.
Some of the world’s leading brands, such as IBM, Apple, Google, Samsung and GE, have rapidly adopted the Design Thinking approach, and Design Thinking is being taught at leading universities around the world, including d.school, Stanford, Harvard and MIT.