Design Thinking II (Lesson 4.8) focuses on the practical application of design thinking principles to solve real-life problems and the importance of continuous improvement.
Applying the Design Thinking Process
The sources use the example of redesigning a school bag to demonstrate how to move through the stages of design thinking:
- Listening to Users: The first step is to interview users (like schoolmates) about their ideal product. It is crucial to focus on what the user needs rather than what the designer likes, noting their feedback to find common points.
- Choosing the Problem: From the gathered feedback, identify a common issue. For example, students might report that straps hurt their shoulders or that their current bags are not waterproof.
- Planning Solutions: Brainstorm multiple ways to solve the identified problem, such as using cushioned straps or waterproof materials.
- Trying Out Ideas (Prototyping): Instead of making a final product immediately, create simple models using paper, cloth, or drawings to visualize the solutions.
- Asking for Feedback: Show these simple models to others to determine if the design actually solves their problem.
Continuous Improvement
A key lesson in Design Thinking II is that the process does not stop after one attempt. It is a cycle of continuous improvement:
- Refining the Design: Use the feedback received to make the product better, such as adding more pockets or changing colors.
- Ongoing Testing: Every time a design is changed, the designer should ask for more feedback and continue learning from what people say.
- Resilience: If a first design does not work, the correct professional approach is to ask for more feedback and try to improve rather than giving up.
Professional Impact
The effectiveness of this approach is reflected in industry data: close to 50% of design-led companies have reported an increase in loyal customers as a direct result of practicing design thinking.