The Problem With Design Thinking and A Holistic Approach to Innovation

Design thinking become a buzzword and gained popularity in the fields of creativity and innovation, so why does it appear to fall short so frequently? During a recent workshop, I had the opportunity to speak with a skilled facilitator who shared their experience of working with large businesses that have been resistant to design thinking. It became clear that the issue lies in companies’ misconceptions and unrealistic expectations about design thinking. Many believe that it is a panacea for their innovation problems, when in fact it is merely a process, a mindset, and a set of tools. In this article, I aim to explore why design thinking can fall short and suggest alternative ways to cultivate innovation and creativity within organizations.

Design thinking is sold as an all-in-one innovation process that can magically solve a company’s innovation problems. However, this is not the case. Design thinking is just one small part of the bigger picture of problem-solving, facilitation, and decision-making. Companies need to focus on a range of techniques and methodologies instead of relying solely on design thinking. It is just one tool in the toolbox.

Furthermore, teaching design thinking is like teaching someone to cook one dish but not teaching them how to cook. Knowing how to use design thinking is useful when it comes to being creative and innovative, but it does not mean that a company’s innovation problems will be solved.?Companies need to focus on the underlying principles of innovation and creativity to internalize the process fully.

Any company’s growth and success depend on its capacity for innovation and originality. As competition in the market becomes more severe, organizations need to discover strategies to stay ahead and stay relevant. Fostering an innovative and creative culture is one method to accomplish this.

Let’s have a look at three big things that can work well for firms striving to become more inventive and empower their people to be more creative.

1. Training Dedicated Process Facilitators: Companies need to spend on training a dedicated team of process facilitators. This team should be made up of three to fifteen individuals who have received the necessary training to lead decision-making and creative problem-solving workshops at the organization. By having a dedicated team, the organization can develop a culture of innovation and creativity.

Process facilitators are skilled at leading workshops and meetings that promote creativity and innovation. They support brainstorming sessions and the resolution of challenging issues in groups. They also make sure that everyone is heard and that all viewpoints are taken into account.

Although it takes time and money, training process facilitators is worthwhile in the long term. Companies may guarantee that creativity and innovation are ingrained in their culture by employing a specialized team of facilitators. Additionally, this group can serve as mentors for other workers who want to improve their facilitation abilities.

2. Concentrate on a Variety of Methodologies and Techniques: Companies should not rely solely on design thinking. While design thinking is a popular approach to innovation, it is just one tool in the toolbox. Companies should focus on a range of techniques and methodologies, such as agile and design sprints, to foster innovation and creativity.

Agile is an iterative approach that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability. It is often used in software development but can be applied to any project. Agile encourages collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement.

Design sprints are multi-day processes for problem-solving and idea testing. Companies like Google and Airbnb use them to create new goods and services. In design sprints, a group of people collaborates to build a prototype and test it with real people.

By using a range of techniques and methodologies, companies can find the approach that works best for them. Different projects and problems may require different approaches, so it’s essential to have a diverse set of tools in the toolbox.

3. Empower Employees to be More Creative: Companies need to empower their employees to be more creative. This means giving them the freedom to explore new ideas and take risks. It also means creating a culture that values innovation and creativity and providing employees with the tools and resources they need to be successful.

A change in perspective is necessary to enable employees to be more creative. Employers must have faith in their employees and grant them the freedom to pursue novel concepts. They must also promote experimentation and taking chances. Some managers may find this difficult because they are used to a more hierarchical style of management.

Everyone in the organization must work together to foster an environment that values innovation and creativity. Leadership is the first step; they must set the tone and foster an environment that promotes innovation. Employee buy-in is also necessary since they must feel that their ideas are respected and that they have the support they need to succeed.

In conclusion, nurturing an environment of creativity and innovation is vital for the progress and prosperity of any business. Although design thinking is a widely accepted approach to innovation, it should not be considered a comprehensive solution to all innovation problems. Instead, companies should focus on a diverse range of techniques and methodologies and invest in training a committed team of process facilitators to support a culture of innovation and creativity. By enabling employees to be more innovative, companies can create a distinct edge in the market and drive growth. Though this journey might be challenging, it is undoubtedly a rewarding one, and investing in innovation and creativity is a step toward long-term success. Therefore, companies must take proactive steps to foster a culture of innovation and creativity for the betterment of their growth and survival in the market.