To apply your creative problem-solving skills to your design projects, you need to follow a systematic and iterative process that consists of four main stages: define, ideate, prototype, and test. To guide you through each stage, start by clarifying the problem you are trying to solve, the goals you are trying to achieve, and the criteria you are using to measure success. This can be done using tools such as problem statements, personas, user journeys, or SWOT analysis. Next, generate as many ideas as possible that can address the problem and meet the goals. Techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, or reverse brainstorming can help with this. Then select the most promising ideas and turn them into tangible and testable representations of your solutions. Tools such as sketches, wireframes, mockups, or models can assist with this. Finally, evaluate your prototypes with your target audience and stakeholders to collect feedback and data on their usability, desirability, and feasibility. Methods such as interviews, surveys, observations, or A/B testing can help here.