Design Thinking

Design Thinking is a combination of creative problem-solving and human-centered design. The term itself has several influences and origins. From the late 1990’s, the term ‘Design Thinking’ started entering the business lexicon although its principles have been in use for several decades. In business, Design Thinking talks about fostering innovation and developing solutions that resonate with customers. At the heart of it is the process of iteration and continuous improvement.

How Design Thinking Works?

Design Thinking uses a few principles:

  1. Human-centered: Design Thinking uses human-centered focus. This emphasises understanding the unmet needs of the learners in their journey.
  2. Iterative: Design Thinking allows for continuous refinement. Using its principles, you can test out solutions with a small group, gather feedback, and adapt before rolling out to a wider audience.
  3. Creative: Design Thinking promotes brainstorming and exploration of different solutions. It is not instructive but more democratic.
  4. Collaborative: Design Thinking is a team sport, so the focus is not to highlight individual success or failures; instead it fosters collaboration among the teams.

How will Design Thinking training help your people?

Enhanced Problem Solving

Learners experience the design thinking framework, which focuses on empathy, user research, and iterative prototyping. In this way, your people can tackle challenges in a structured yet creative way, leading to more effective solutions.

Improved Innovation Skills

Learning to explore and experiment, your teams learn to brainstorm new ideas, challenge assumptions, and think outside the box.

Stronger Collaboration

As Design Thinking is a team sport, in our sessions the collaborative exercises will hone communication and teamwork skills. Over time you will experience that your people work more effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, leading to a more cohesive and productive work environment.

Customer Centric Mindset

Understanding and resolving the customer’s ‘unmet needs’ is a core principle of Design Thinking. In our sessions, your people will experience several empathy exercises. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of customer needs and frustrations, allowing them to make more customer-centric decisions.

Increased Adaptability

Using Design Thinking’s emphasis on rapid prototyping and iteration, your people will soon be able to adapt to changing circumstances.