Design Thinking

• Design Thinking Framework Overview

  • Core Purpose

    • “Provides guidance on best practices for solving real user problems”
    • Fosters collaboration and innovation
    • User-centered approach using research, prototyping, testing

  • Five Phases

    • Empathize

      Learn about user problems/needs/context “Step away from assumptions” Methods: surveys, interviews, observations

    • Define

      Analyze research to identify key problems Create problem statement Develop value proposition

    • Ideate

      Generate many possible solutions “Judgment-free brainstorming” Collaborate with all stakeholders Create user flows

    • Prototype & Test

      “Test at each stage, not just at end” Types: * Simple sketches * Low-fidelity (paper) * High-fidelity (interactive) Multiple platforms testing

  • Key Framework Principles

    • Focus on user
    • Address user problems
    • Cross-department collaboration
    • Validate designs
    • “Iterate as needed”

  • Important Notes

    • “Not linear - should be iterative”
    • Can vary between companies/teams
    • Early testing gets better feedback