design thinking: optimization and innovation
design thinking, what is it ?
Discover the different stages of this method. But before that, a refresher for everyone:
Design Thinking is a user-centered creation method that focuses on the user and their environment. It allows for the convergence of user needs with technological possibilities and market requirements.
Originating in the 1980s at Stanford (USA), Design Thinking gained momentum in the 2000s with the emergence of collective creation methods. Observations and analyses from these methods enable the creation and improvement of products, services, or even organizations.
The various practices of Design Thinking can be summarized in a series of key stages to follow. The one common to all? Placing the user at the center. However, one must be able to accept and listen to the results. They do not always match expectations. This approach must be continually pursued if one wishes to always be closest to their users.
The ‘one shot’ approach does not yield long-term results.
key stages :
Step 1: Observation / Analysis
Understand and identify customer and user needs through field observations, interviews, and surveys.
Step 2: Definition
Redefine the problem(s) with clients. This step helps align the project’s strategic objectives with the needs of their users.
Step 3: Ideation
Work collaboratively with clients to address the previously identified needs.
Step 4: Prototyping
Design Thinking relies on experimentation and validation of ideas by users. Do not wait for a perfect concept before creating the first prototype. At this stage, it is entirely possible to create simple paper mock-ups or initial interactive prototypes.
Step 5: Testing / Iteration
Once the prototyping phase is complete, test the solutions to gather user feedback, make adjustments, and then deploy. Design thinking requires embracing the principle of tolerance for error. Failure should be seen as a positive experience that quickly enables learning and offers users an optimal experience.
all questions solution
Design Thinking applies equally to the development of a digital interface as it does to team coaching. It adapts to all your projects, whatever they may be. Integrating it as early as possible yields better results, faster.
Putting the user at the heart of concerns, the key to success?
article author
Published in June 2019
Mathieu Montebianco
Head of the Design Thinking department at Gardeners, instructor at INSEEC and IAE Angers.