Lately, we’ve been exploring a different way of thinking and solving the world’s problems. With design thinking, the practical and creative are blended in a beautiful way that drives success. But there is a process to any problem-solving method and the design thinking process has 7 stages:
1. Define
2. Research
3. Ideate
4. Prototype
5. Choose
6. Implement
7. Learn
Part of what I love about the design thinking process is that there are no stupid ideas. And criticism and judgement are left out of the early stages of the process as they tend to create an environment of fear and lack of participation by everyone involved. Wouldn’t you agree that when the fear of failure is taken out of the equation, ideas flourish and solutions are often found much faster?
As we use design thinking to solve any problem, it’s expected that some of the stages in the process will be repeated if a viable solution isn’t found. For a little added fun, watch this animated short, created by six Ontario College of Art and Design 2010 industrial design thesis students, that depicts how a cave man might have used design thinking to carry out the first ever design project.
Enjoy!