design thinking is practical-creative approach aimed at solving problems in several business areas, mainly in the development of products and services, acting based on the collaborative collective of project development.
The main purpose of this creative development model is find answers that are revolutionary or innovative to the problems identified., focusing on the real needs of the market.
The definition of the concept of design thinking was created by Rolf Faste, professor at Stanford University in the United States. However, the idea was popularized by David M. Kelley, founder of IDEO, one of today's leading design and innovation companies.
Unlike other methods, the design thinking it is not based on statistical and mathematical data in its process, but on empirical observations and with the direct contact with the client and other professionals responsible for each stage of the development of the project. In short, the design thinking can be considered a more “humane” method than the others.
Processes of Design Thinking
There is no static and ready-made formula of the processes of the design thinking, since this approach must be thought of in a non-linear way. But, there are some steps that are usually essential for the design and development of the project.
- Immersion: it consists of identifying and understanding the problem, through different modes of observation (face-to-face interviews, for example) and in-depth research on the issue found.
- Analysis and synthesis: after identifying the problem, it is necessary to organize and analyze all the information obtained during the immersion phase. At this stage, the challenges for solving the problem are also developed, helping to create a better understanding of the problem.
- Ideation: after defining the goals, at this stage the group must organize brainstorming to generate and debate ideas that are innovative for solving problems. The main objective is to find opportunities and the possibility of creating new paths to solve the challenges imposed.
- Prototyping: at this stage, the realization of abstract ideas occurs. Materialization and validation of all content, through various tests. If the results are productive, profitable and manage to solve the problems and challenges initially proposed, the product goes to the development phase.
Learn more about the meaning of Brainstorming.
But, even being completed, the product never ceases to be completed, as it remains in a state of constant improvement and evolution, depending on the observations and changing needs of the target audiences, for example.
It is worth remembering that, even though there are some basic steps that must be completed to obtain the result, there is no hierarchical order between them, causing the design thinking don't be stuck with the fulfillment of a pre-established sequence of actions.