Design thinking is a systematic process that is used by humans to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions.

Let us understand how we can use the cycle to our benefit with the help of an example. For that let us assume our problem to be "river pollution."

Step 1: Empathise

Firstly, we will start off by understanding the reason behind the increased river pollution around the globe. This will help us gain an empathetic understanding of the problem in hand through personal experiences or research.

Step 2: Define

After having gained the required knowledge from the first stage, we will move on to analysing our groundwork. In this case, learning that human sewage and animal and industrial waste are the major pollutants. Finally we will create a concise problem statement that will define the core problem identified.

Step 3: Ideate

At this stage where creativity plays an important role, we will come up with innovative solutions to clean up polluted rivers and help retain their sanctity. This process of divergent thinking will open our minds to new thoughts and opinions.

Step 4: Prototype

This is an experimental stage where we will test our theories through simplified models of our ideas. For example we could make a scaled-down model of a water drone that collects lightweight materials floating in the rivers.

Step 5: Test

We will evaluate the functioning of our water drone to check for problems and make amends accordingly.