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Design Thinking: Problem solving through creativity

Study design and use design thinking to solve challenges creatively and innovatively.

Organisations and individuals are constantly faced with complex challenges that require an innovative approach. This is where design thinking comes into play.

Design thinking is a way of thinking that leads to innovative solutions in a creative and effective way. From the development of new products and services to the optimisation of internal processes - design thinking has the potential to fundamentally change the way we think and work.

In this article, we explore the various facets of design thinking: from the basic principles and the process to the most important methods and tools and practical examples. We also take a look at the opportunities for further training and certification in this area. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of design thinking as a tool for problem solving and innovation.

What is design thinking?

Design thinking is an innovative method for solving complex problems. It is not a linear process, but an approach that combines creativity and analytical thinking.

The basic principles of design thinking include empathy, creativity and iteration. A deep understanding of the users' needs and wishes is at the centre of the process. It is about thinking and acting from the perspective of those affected.

Difference to conventional approaches

Conventional approaches focus on solving predefined problems. In contrast, design thinking allows you to discover and define problems yourself. It encourages you to think outside the box and find solutions that are both innovative and practicable.

Design thinking definition

In short, design thinking is a dynamic process that enables people to master complex problems with creative and practical solutions.

The design thinking process is an iterative procedure that is divided into several phases. This process allows design teams to look at and solve problems in a creative way. The individual phases are flexible and can be repeated or skipped as required.

A deeper understanding of the design thinking phases and their correct application are essential for the success of the entire process. They ensure that the solutions developed are not only innovative, but also practicable and user-friendly.

This initial phase forms the foundation of the process. Here, the problem or need is thoroughly researched and understood. Information is gathered and analysed to get a clear picture of the problem. A comprehensive understanding of the context is crucial in order to develop relevant and effective solutions.

Here, the focus is placed on the users and their needs (empathy). Through observation and interaction, you gain deeper insights into their needs and problems. This understanding is fundamental for the development of user-centred solutions.

The problem or requirement is clearly and precisely defined on the basis of the findings gathered. This definition guides all further steps in the process. It ensures that the team works towards a common goal. This phase helps to recognise and formulate the core of the problem.

As many ideas as possible are generated in this creative phase. Brainstorming and other techniques are used to generate a wide range of ideas. The aim is to think outside the box and explore new solutions.

In this phase, ideas are transformed into tangible forms. The best ideas are realised in the form of prototypes. These can be simple and inexpensive, but should offer a concrete idea of the solution. Prototypes make it possible to test and improve concepts before they are fully developed.

The prototypes are tested in practice. Feedback from users is crucial in order to improve and adapt the solutions.

Design thinking methods

Design thinkers use a variety of methods and tools to support and structure the creative process. These methods help to look at problems from different perspectives and develop innovative solutions. They enable a deeper understanding of users' needs and lead to more creative, user-centred solutions.

Some of the key methods in design thinking are:

Brainstorming

This method promotes idea generation in groups. The aim is to generate a large number of ideas without evaluation in order to select the best ones later.

Develop personas

Fictional characters represent the target group. This allows users' needs to be better understood and taken into account.

User journey mapping

This technique visualises users' experiences and interactions with a product or service and is also used in UX design. It helps to identify pain points and potential for improvement.

Prototyping

The rapid creation of prototypes makes it possible to quickly visualise and test ideas. This can range from simple sketches to fully functional models.

Feedback loops

Regular feedback is essential in order to continuously improve solutions and adapt them to the needs of users.

The double diamond approach in design thinking

The double diamond approach structures and visualises the problem-solving process in design thinking. This approach consists of two diamonds that divide the process into four main phases:

Discover: This phase is about openly exploring the problem. Through observation, research and empathy, a broad understanding of the situation and the needs of the users is gained.
Define: This is where the problem is specified and narrowed down. The information collected is analysed in order to clearly define the core problem.
Develop: Ideas for solutions are generated in this creative phase. Innovative approaches are developed through brainstorming and other creativity techniques.
Deliver: The best ideas are developed into prototypes and tested. Based on the feedback, they are refined until a suitable solution is achieved.

The Double Diamond emphasises the importance of divergence and convergence in every step. First, the field of possibilities is expanded (divergent thinking), then the process focuses on specific solutions (convergent thinking). This approach makes it possible to look at the problem and possible solutions from different perspectives and to think them through thoroughly.

Design Thinking: Problemlösung durch Kreativität

Persona development within the framework of design thinking

Persona development is an essential part of the design thinking process. It makes it possible to put yourself in the user's shoes and better understand their needs, wishes and behaviour. Personas are fictional characters that are based on real data and observations and represent the target group.

The process of persona development includes:

Research: Gathering information about the target group through interviews, surveys, observations and other research methods.
Segmentation: Identification of different user groups and their specific characteristics.
Creation of the persona: A persona is created based on the collected data. It includes demographic characteristics, behaviours, needs, goals and challenges.
Use of the persona in the design process: Personas serve as a point of reference in the development of products and services. They help to make decisions from the user's perspective and tailor solutions to their needs.

Examples of the effective use of personas show how this method helps to develop user-centred solutions. Companies use personas to design their products and services in a more targeted way and increase customer satisfaction.

Practical examples and case studies

Practical design thinking examples and case studies illustrate the way of thinking. They show how companies of different sizes and from different industries successfully use design thinking to develop innovative solutions and solve complex problems.

Product development: Many companies use design thinking to develop new products in line with user needs. Technology companies use observations and prototyping to develop a user-friendly mobile device, for example.
Service improvement: Companies in the service sector use design thinking to optimise their services. In the banking sector, for example, customer feedback and persona development can be used to simplify the online banking process and make it more customer-friendly.
Process optimisation: Design thinking is also used in the area of internal processes. Companies in production use iterative prototype development and employee feedback to make their production processes more efficient.
Social innovation: Design thinking is also used in the social sector to find solutions to social dilemmas. NGOs use design thinking to develop programmes to improve education in rural areas.These examples show how design thinking places user-centredness at the centre in order to promote creative, effective solutions. Design thinking is used in many contexts. It helps to successfully master both business and social challenges.

Learning and certification in the field of design thinking

For those interested in the field of design thinking, there are various opportunities for further training. These range from specialised workshops and certificate courses to degree programmes.

Certificate programmes: Many institutions offer practice-orientated courses in Design Thinking with the possibility of earning a certificate. They cover the basic principles, methods and tools of design thinking. They are therefore suitable for professionals who want to develop their skills in this area. Many Design Thinking certifications can be completed flexibly online.
Workshops and seminars: Many educational institutions offer workshops and seminars where participants can learn design thinking through hands-on exercises and projects.
Degree programmes in design management: Design degree programmes, for example in design management, offer a more in-depth examination of the topic. These degree programmes impart comprehensive knowledge of design thinking and combine this with management skills. They are aimed at people who want to pursue a career at the intersection of design, innovation and business strategy.

Design Thinking Conclusion

Design thinking has proven to be a pioneering method for solving complex problems and finding innovative ideas. Organisations of all sizes use it to create products and services that are tailored to the needs of users. The basis is the iterative, user-centred approach that creates competitive advantages.

The strength of design thinking lies in its flexibility and adaptability. Multidisciplinary teams apply it to everything from product development to social innovation. The individual phases of the process - understanding, observing, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing - provide a structured framework that combines creativity and practical realisation.

Design thinking is more than just a method. It is a way of thinking that allows us to approach challenges differently and create solutions that are both imaginative and effective. For anyone who wants to be at the forefront of innovation, design thinking is an indispensable tool.