How Everyday Applications can Help you Become Better in Design Thinking

Design Thinking as a methodology to finding innovative solutions to problems has experienced a surge in popularity in these times, thanks largely to the exponential growth and development of new technological products. Product managers, business leaders and policymakers who have mastered the art have found ways to consistently provide, develop and launch solutions.

What this simply means is that design thinking as an art has become more than just product development and management methodology. It can now be applied to almost everyday day problems we face in our personal and professional lives. We can all begin to diffuse toxic situations and better manage relationships by simply implementing this process.

Design thinking is essentially a continuous process for creative problem solving that is centered around human interactions. There are 5 stages in the non-linear process of design thinking, namely,

1.Empathize

2.Define

3.Ideate 

4.Prototype

5.Test

Let’s take a closer look at the 5 elements of the process

1. Empathize: In thinking up a solution to a problem, a great deal of effort and intentionality needs to be channeled into putting yourself in the shoes of the person(s). And this is hard. Why? As humans, we are naturally selfish and self-centered. Two, we tend to be generally biased in our opinion. And this has nothing to do with us being bad. It’s just human psychological make-up. We tend to see things from our standpoint. This is why if you must deploy design thinking in solving everyday personal and professional problems, we need to step away from ourselves and understand the reality of that person. 

• What are their needs?
• What are their struggles?
• What is their current situation?
• Where do they live? How is their environment affecting them?
• What do they do? How is their work schedule?

I would recommend you take some time to read about and understand Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It will help in understanding the needs of people.

2. Define: When you have taken time to understand the needs, you can then set out to clearly articulate what the problem is. In defining the problem, more often than not. We tend to go with what appears to be the most obvious problem. But that is inadequate in itself. As a matter of fact, defining the problem will require you to list all issues these people may have. Have a pen and paper, ( or a board)  to itemize these issues. See, having a clear picture of whom you are dealing with helps identify all the possible problems they may have in connection to the primary problem you have in mind. Let’s face it, we already have a predefined notion of what we think is the problem. That’s not bad. It shows we are perceptive. However, we need to get down and think about what other issues these people may be facing. This applies to spouse, kids, siblings, co-workers, boss, clients, customers, e.t.c. As long as you are dealing with people, what you initially conceived to be the problem may just be a reflection of an underlying issue. Your job? Dig. Discover. Define. Write out a concise description of the problem. Phrase and rephrase the problem, until you get a draft that really communicates.

3. Ideate: Ideas rule the world. That is still true, more than ever before. Whether you are trying to solve a global pandemic or an issue with your spouse.Come up with all possible solutions to the problem statement you have drafted. People will naturally gravitate towards those who solve their problems. It’s the reason why native doctors have clients. It is why gaming companies have large followers. It’s the reason why church and religious programs have mammoth crowds. 

This is why as an individual, you need to consistently develop your ability to think critically and come up with possible solutions to problems. Make your mind work. 

I like to think of solutions as anything and everything that have the ability to meet a need. Solutions could range from an apology email to an angry boss or a dissatisfied client, to a financial platform that makes it easier for SMEs to access soft loans for their business. You get the drill? Be very opened and flexible in your thinking.

4. Prototype: This phase involves you building a scaled-down version of your solution. In applying this to your personal lives, that email you need to send, go ahead and draft it. I want you to be as practical as possible. If you need to launch a service business, come up with an operational procedure. Get the word out on your social media page and ask for referrals from your friends. If it is an app you are building, you can build a low-fidelity mock-up of the app. It gives you a picture of what your MVP will look like.

5. Test. Carry out an intentional test on your solutions. If it’s a contract that needs to be submitted, go ahead and send a draft to your client. Get feedback. This will help you further improve the content. Because Design Thinking is an iterative non-linear process, the feedback helps you to further redefine the problems, which could lead to an iteration or refinement of your solutions. 

One of the best ways to develop your ability to solve complex problems with design thinking is to find ways in which to apply it to our everyday lives. Sometimes, what you think is the problem, may not necessarily be the problem.