How Does Design Thinking Crush VUCA Problems?
Daniel Ling
Head of UX Design | CEO & Founder, Emerge Creatives Training Co | Author | ex-Lazada, DBS, OCBC and Income
What is VUCA? ????♂?????♂?
Design Thinking deals with COMPLEX problems called VUCA..
First, we need to understand traditional problem-solving (non-VUCA):
Deals with a very specific problem
Get a very specific answer
Using a specific formula
But know that 99.9% of all real-life problems do not deal with this (way of problem-solving)! ????
Complex problems are VUCA in nature:
It is volatile.
It is uncertain.
It is complex.
It is ambiguous.
VUCA has to be solved by Design Thinking because:
Volatility require an adaptable mindset to align rapidly changing demands.
Uncertainty require a spirit of learning and experimentation.
Complexity require a critical thinker that focus on the root of the problem.
Ambiguity require empathy and deep insight of the situation and context.
Let's build on VUCA over the next few posts! Like this post to look forward!
How do we crush VUCA problems? - Volatility (V) PART 1 ??????
Volatility require an adaptable mindset to align rapidly changing demands.
Teams employing Design Thinking understand that solutions must evolve rapidly in volatile environments.
Especially in the financial or the e-commerce tech industry that I am in, things move pretty fast with the times. Financial institutions are paced with different macro-factors to move fast:
Digitalisation
Evolving Customer Demands
Competition From Non-Traditional Banks
Rise of Micro Business Models
Rise of Data and AI Personalisation
We need embrace change rather than resisting it, allowing for quick adjustments based on new information or shifting circumstances.
For example, in a volatile market where consumer preferences fluctuate frequently, the Design Thinking approach would mean that we need to continuously gather feedback and iterate on products and services to stay aligned with changing demands.
How do we crush VUCA problems? - Uncertainty (U) PART 2 ??????
Uncertainty require a spirit of learning and experimentation.
Design Thinking thrives in uncertain environments by encouraging experimentation and learning through iteration- which will help you and I navigate through uncertainty.
Let's be real, nobody can predict the future.
Instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty, we can actually use Design Thinking take small, manageable steps to explore potential solutions.
They prototype ideas quickly, gather feedback, and refine their approach based on what they learn. By doing so, we take less risk and yet have multiple options.
For instance, in an uncertain regulatory landscape, a company might employ Design Thinking approach to develop multiple prototypes for compliance strategies, testing each one iteratively until they find an approach that balances legal requirements with business objectives
_____________________________
___________________________
How do we crush VUCA problems? - Complexity (C) PART 3 ??????
Complexity require a critical thinker that focus on the root of the problem.
Design Thinking allow us to tackle complexity by breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable components. We think from the users point of view in a structured manner and make informed decisions.
领英推荐
Rather than trying to solve everything at once, we harness Design Thinking focus on understanding the root of the problem by asking really critical question techniques and to challenge status quo. We employ tools like Design Brief, HMW and Journey Mapping to break down and focus the problem.
Be curious.
Gather and work together.
Look at the problem as a team.
Bring in your perspectives.
Ask the layers of WHY.
Trust me, you will get to 'simplify' your complexity.
For example, in a complex supply chain affected by pain points at couple of touchpoints, Design Thinking would involve mapping out the customer journey, identifying the pain points and collaboratively design resilient strategies to mitigate risks one at a time- in order to resolve the complexity of a big problem.
_____________________________
___________________________
How do we crush VUCA problems? - Ambiguity (A) PART 4 ????
Ambiguity require empathy and deep insight of the situation and context.
Design Thinking confronts ambiguity by focusing on our customers and to reframe problems creatively.
Remember the time when you feel ambiguous?
It is because you don't know the users.
You don't know their needs.
You are unsure of their pain points or delighters.
You can't make out what is the problem to solve.
Instead of seeking clear-cut answers in ambiguous situations, we use Design Thinking approach to challenge with curiosity, be empathetic and be open to diverse perspectives. It presents opportunities for innovation and discovery.
For instance, in an ambiguous competitive micro-insurance landscape where market trends are unclear, the Design Thinking approach might involve conducting ethnographic research to uncover unmet needs or latent opportunities, leading to the development of breakthrough in really good insurance business models.
Have you talked to your customers yet? ????????
Last Words
I will be adding more articles on Design Thinking throughout the year. Articles of Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test will be added periodically to give my readers a broader insights to Design Thinking.
Check out more articles via my blog:
Follow me on social media:
Instagram- @designthinkersgroupdtv
About the Author
Daniel Ling is a regional Design Leader, and certified Design and Agile Coach with 15 years of experience in the financial and e-commerce tech space- who moulded himself to be a “designer in a business suit”- strong in the Design Thinking process and yet relevant to the industry. He is proficient in the digital and transformational space- in the area of design leadership and management, research, strategy planning and coaching.
How to sign up for his WSQ Certification Courses:
WSQ Design Thinking: https://www.emerge-creatives.com/wsq-design-thinking-certification-course
WSQ Entrepreneurship Business Planning: https://www.emerge-creatives.com/entrepreneurship-business-planning
Where to get Complete Design Thinking Guide for Successful Professionals?
Download PDF Digital Copy here: https://payhip.com/b/hM4U
Purchase from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514202735
Download eBook from Apple Store here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/complete-design-thinking-guide/id1022432207?ls=1&mt=11
Business Manager | Sales & Marketing | Business Development l Agile Learner I ISTJ personality
6 个月Thanks for sharing Daniel Ling. Believe in yourself and keep going!