A step towards solving 'wicked problems' through Design Thinking.

The 1960s marked a decade of applying design sciences, where science, technology, and rationalism were used to overcome problems that seemed unsolvable through politics or economics. By the mid-1960s, the term "wicked problem" was coined by Horst Rittel, referring to multi-dimensional, complex, and real-life problems.

Multidimensional problems required a strategic methodology. Human needs, motivations, and behaviors became the main concerns surrounding problem-solving. In the 1970s, principles of design thinking began to emerge. Herbert A. Simon, an American political scientist and pioneer in the field of Artificial Intelligence, is probably the first to have described the word ‘design’ as ‘changing existing circumstances into preferred ones’.

In the 1980s, Nigel Cross, a British design researcher, conducted tests and concluded that scientists were problem-focused, whereas designers were solution-focused. The leading global design and innovation firm, IDEO, was one of the main stakeholders in bringing design thinking into the mainstream.

The present world is vastly recognizing and trying to implement design thinking strategies and processes in their brand values, services, and products. The expansion of design thinking has gradually transformed the approach towards technical problem solving. The key elements of design thinking boil down to five core principles.

Five Core Principles of Design Thinking:

Empathy: The first step of the design thinking process is to 'become your user.' Understanding the client's needs helps frame the path for the development process that follows ahead. To be able to visualize from the user's context aids in tracking all details.

Definition: The following step is to come up with a clear definition of the user problem. This includes identifying all underlying patterns, classifying needs and challenges, as well as synthesizing relevant insights.

Ideation: After empathizing with the user and defining a clear framework for the user needs, insights, and requirements, ideas are required. Different techniques, including analytical and creative processes, need to be combined to take forward all the previously gathered information.

Prototyping: This involves the making of a draft. At this stage, the formed ideas come to life. The representation of all previous steps is now in a tangible form that helps others understand the original idea and gain insight into how the product may feel to the end-users.

Testing: The testing stage involves the functionality of the prototype. The way users interact with the product, how they implement it, and what factors need improvement are all catered during this stage. There could also be a comparison between multiple prototypes. The ability of the product to create experiences is put to the test and critically analyzed, keeping in mind the end-user’s perspective.

The process of design thinking is not a linear path towards a single predetermined solution. Rather, it is an iterative process that requires constant learning and unlearning according to the user's needs and expectations through testing, feedback, and ideas. The core of this process lies in becoming comfortable with change and being willing to implement and deliver the best quality experience to customers.

At Liquid Technologies, we recognize the power of design thinking as a non-linear, transformative ideology that not only increases productivity and effectiveness within the internal working systems of the company but also guarantees customer satisfaction, catering to the end-user's needs.

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