Design Thinking, Linear to Exponential

Design Thinking focuses on the human aspect, with the aftermath of superior product, service or process. There is a reflection on the actual need and includes creativity and innovation while entwining a growth mindset and launching new ideas with reduced risk. It involves an iterative, almost agile semblance in modus operandi. The past, present, and future are reflected on, to disembark on the sequel. Design Thinking is healthy problem-solving, requiring emotion, intuition, science, analytics, and rationale.

It is vital to think outside the box. In the digital age, agility, innovation, creativity, are quintessence. Disruptors need to be met head-on with a growth mindset. Disruption brings many opportunities along with challenges. Problem-faced thinking and solution-based thinking can have downsides, thus using a positive attitude and user-focused, design thinking is progressive. Design thinking requires the human aspect, the ambiguity, the tangibility and the option to redesign. Design thinking cannot be linear, thinking may not be defined or logical, it must be fluid and flexible, with loops, curves, and turns. There is a demand to be able to rethink, redefine and revamp as needed.

Design Thinking embroils robust problem-solving including intuition, rationale, analytics, scientific and emotion. By keeping the customer and end-user satisfied, the final product,

service or process is better received. Design Thinking is exponential, solves complex problems and user-centric. It requires empathy and stepping into the shoes of the end-user. There is no set solution, observation, and insight, understanding the problem from the user's perspective is essential. Putting forward multiple ideas is important, then coming up with prototypes that will solve the problem. Innovation and creativity are crucial while keeping the user of the product in mind. Prototypes must be tested ensuring it fixes the wicked problem and gives the user an optimal solution. By incorporating lean and agile methodology with Design Thinking, teams achieve optimal results quicker.

Agile Manifesto - individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, responding to change over following a plan. By using lean and agile, the process is iterative and incremental, there are multiple outputs which are improved with user input. Stakeholders are in collaboration and have a common vision.

It is requisite to think outside the box when creating products and services. A growth mindset is cardinal to overcoming disruptors. Disruption does bring many opportunities, but agility, innovation, and creativity are key in this digital age to foster Design Thinking. Exploring new ideas and solutions requires collaboration between designers, engineers, and product managers. Getting input and feedback, learning constantly and quickly, and adapting is imperative.

Design Thinking has 4 principles - the human rule, the ambiguity rule, all design is a redesign and the tangibility rule.

Design Thinking reduces the time to market, has huge cost savings and greater ROI, improves customer retention and loyalty, fosters innovation, and can be used across the organization. It improves company culture and accesses user-centric design, through innovation and adaptability.

Design Thinking puts humans first. It improves lives, results in happy customers, meaningful user experience, useful products, and a healthier outcome. It is an essential tool, involves fresh thinking and outside the box ideas, is iterative, rational and scientific. It is for everyone.