Design thinking is a creative approach to better solutions based on collaboration, communication and iterative processes. It aims to focus on human needs and develop solutions that meet these needs. Design thinking is often applied in product development, but can also be used in other areas such as marketing, strategy and organizational development.
Design thinking is a creative approach to problem solving that focuses on the user and puts them at the center. This approach helps companies to find better solutions for their customers and make their business more successful. There are many reasons why companies should use this creative approach:
The most important thing when solving a problem is to understand the user. Only if you know what the user really wants and needs can you find the right solution. Design thinking helps companies to better understand the needs and wishes of their customers.
Because design thinking focuses on the user, it delivers better results than conventional approaches. The solutions found with design thinking are not only more functional, but also more attractive and easier to use.
Design thinking is an iterative process that is constantly reviewed and adapted. This approach enables companies to react quickly to changes and find new solutions when their customers' needs change.
Design thinking is a team-oriented approach that utilizes the creativity of everyone involved. Teamwork produces better solutions than the work of individuals.
Because design thinking focuses on the user, it improves collaboration between companies and customers. By exchanging ideas and feedback, both sides can better understand what the other wants and needs.
The phases of design thinking are:
1. gain experience - We gain initial experience with the topic in order to better understand what the customer really wants.
2. thinking like a customer - We try to understand the customer's point of view and needs and recognize their challenges from the user's perspective.
3. develop ideas - Now we start to develop ideas for possible solutions. In doing so, we use our newly gained knowledge about the customer and their challenges.
4. build and test prototypes - Now we build small prototypes of our ideas to present them to the customer and observe their reaction. This gives us further indications of our ideas, which we can then develop further.
5. make improvements - Now it's all about developing and improving our ideas until we have finally found a solution that helps the customer.
To support a creative process, you need some special tools and methods. These include, for example, methods such as emapthy maps or personas, as well as creativity techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping or six-thinking hats. Materials for the prototyping process such as Lego, plasticine etc. are also desirable. Mistakes are inevitable in a creative process. It is important to see them as an opportunity and to learn from them. Mistakes happen when you try out new things and get involved with the unknown. It is important to be open to feedback and to accept failure as part of the learning process.
If you need help to better understand your customers, we are here for you. We would love to accompany you on your journey through the world of design thinking, and our professional design thinking coaches will be by your side every step of the way.
