In Module 2, we will learn all about Design Thinking, a human-centered problem-solving approach.  Specifically, we will learn about the different stages of design thinking process and what's involved at each stage.  We will also learn how design thinking approach can help us to come up with an innovative solution to a chosen problem.  We will also discuss a 20-step process that expands on the design-thinking approach and brings greater clarity & rigor to problem-solving & innovating.

At it's simplest, Design Thinking is a process for creative problem solving.

Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for commercial or business success.  It utilizes elements like empathy and experimentation to arrive at innovative solutions.  Let's look at an example of how design thinking approach may be applied to solving a problem.  Watch the video below:

Design Thinking involves 5 stages: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test. These 5 stages are used recursively by problem-solvers or innovators to come up with the most practical or feasible solution to an identified problem.  Check out the below diagram to understand the five stages of Design Thinking approach:

As you can see:

1. In Empathize phase, we try to understand the problems faced by people by talking to them, observing them, putting ourselves in their shoes, reading or understanding about their problems from other sources, etc.  

2. In Define phase, we synthesize all the knowledge we have gathered about the users and their problems and articulate the problem we wish to tackle.

3. In Ideate phase, we come up with a number of ways to solve the defined problem, narrow down the solution alternatives considered, and short-list the most feasible or effective solution for the identified problem.

4. In Prototype phase, we build a virtual or physical prototype of the shortlisted solution and demonstrate how it addresses the problem.

5. In Test phase, we put the prototype to practical use and gather feedback from people to improve it further.

Where can Design Thinking be used?

Design thinking is most suitable for addressing:

1. Vaguely defined problems

2. Problems that require research to uncover things

3. Wicked problems (a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize)

4. Complex problems where multiple spheres collide, at the intersection of business and society, logic and emotion, rational and creative, human needs and economic demands and between systems and individuals 

Refer to the below slide-decks to learn more about Design Thinking:

Although Design Thinking provides a staged & iterative approach to problem-solving & innovating, beginners often find it challenging to use it.  This is because, they often don't know "how to empathize with users", "how to define a point-of-view", or "how to ideate to come up with solution alternatives", etc.  So, we need to bring greater clarity to each stage of the 5-stage Design Thinking approach.  The below flow-chart shows a 20-step problem-solving process that expands on the 5-stage design thinking approach.  It adds more steps to each stage of the design-thinking process and brings greater clarity & rigor to problem-solving:

As can be seen:

• The Empathize stage has been expanded into 9 steps (steps 1 to 9)

• The Define stage has one step, that is step 10.

• The Ideate stage has been expanded into 6 steps (steps 11 to 16)

• The Prototype stage has been expanded into 2 steps (steps 17 and 18).

• The Test stage has been expanded into 2 steps (steps 19 and 20).

Breaking down the 5-stage Design Thinking process into 20 detailed steps brings greater clarity to problem-solving since each step has a specific task to accomplish that is clear and straightforward.  The 20-step process also brings greater rigor to problem-solving since the innovator needs to pay greater attention to accomplish each task and gain deeper insights at every step.  This, in turn, improves the quality of problem-solving / innovation.

Between Learning Modules 3 and 7, we will show you, using a case study, how to make use of the 20 steps (with corresponding tools), one step at a time, to solve a problem / innovate.  

The below chart summarizes the problem-solving steps covered in each Learning Module along with the tools you get to learn.

To know more about the various problem-solving tools, please click here.

Please complete ANY ONE of the following two challenges: