Design thinking is an iterative process that is used to solve complex problems or to develop new products, services, or systems. It is a human-centered approach that focuses on understanding the needs, behaviors, and desires of the people who will be using the final product or service. There are number of models in the market each offering a myriad of opportunities for individuals, teams and organisations to think creatively, reframe their issues (wicked problem) and extend opportunities towards innovation. The 5E Design Thinking Framework was developoed by Stephan Hitchins and offers the following five stages. Engage, evaluate, explore, expand and execute. By applying the Framework you will be shown how to harness design thinking and develop solutions for what we term wicked problems. The overall goal is to expand your knowledge of problem-solving - including the relevant tools - and in doing so build your confidence to identify possible alternative strategies and solutions that are not instantly apparent with your initial level of understanding.
Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that is considered to be a non-linear process. Unlike more traditional problem-solving methods, which typically follow a linear or sequential approach, design thinking allows for greater flexibility and iteration throughout the problem-solving process. In a linear problem-solving process, there is a clear and defined path from problem identification to solution implementation. Each step in the process builds on the one before it, and the process moves forward in a linear fashion. However, in a non-linear process such as design thinking, the process is more iterative and flexible. In design thinking, the process often starts with empathizing with the users and understanding their needs and pain points. This leads to a clearly defined problem statement that guides the ideation process. However, during the ideation process, there may be a need to revisit the empathy stage to gain further insights or adjust the problem statement. Similarly, during the prototyping stage, it may be necessary to go back to the ideation stage to generate new ideas or refine existing ones.
The non-linear nature of design thinking allows for greater exploration, experimentation, and iteration throughout the problem-solving process. It is a more iterative and flexible approach that allows for multiple solutions to be explored, tested, and refined before arriving at a final solution. This process can be messy and unpredictable, but it allows for greater creativity and innovation, leading to better solutions and outcomes. Let's consider each of the steps in the 5E Design Thinking Framework:
- ENGAGE: In this step, the focus is on understanding the needs and desires of the users. This involves conducting research and observing the users to gain a deeper understanding of their needs, wants, and pain points. Having identified a potential problem, you need to engage with the target user(s). The aim is to gain a deeper understanding and insight into their needs. Undertaking secondary and primary research - use ethnographic methods to collect this new data. Read more.
- EVALUATE: In this step, the information gathered in the empathize stage is used to define the problem. This involves synthesizing the research to create a clear and concise problem statement that guides the rest of the design process. Now evaluate the data (make sense of it). Look for themes, patterns and relationships. Reframe (define) the initial problem into an actionable and manageable problem statement (POV) i.e. the real problem. Use the “How might we ...” statement tool. Read more.
- EXPLORE: In this step, the focus is on generating as many ideas as possible to solve the problem identified in the previous step. This involves brainstorming, mind mapping, and other ideation techniques to come up with a range of solutions. Having defined the real problem it is now time to explore / get creative and think of possible solutions that might be desirable, viable and feasible. Do these using tools / techniques such as brainstorming, brain writing, mind maps, visualization and storyboarding. Read more.
- EXPAND: In this step, the ideas generated in the ideation stage are brought to life through the creation of prototypes. Prototypes can take many forms, from simple sketches to functional models, and are used to test and refine the solutions. Having explored numerous concepts, it is now time to expand them. Bring them to life. Start with prototyping, working towards a final pre-production sample. Consider the fidelity versus resolution plus what, why and how you are going to develop prototypes. Read more.
- EXECUTE: In this step, the focus is on testing the prototypes created in the previous stage to see how well they meet the needs of the users. This involves gathering feedback from users and using that feedback to refine the prototypes until a final solution is reached. The design thinking process is iterative, so the results of this stage can inform further changes and improvements to the solution. Test the prototypes. Introduce them to your users (show them) and start a conversation. Get feedback, reflect, refine and reiterate. Now launch via a well-constructed program ensuring your innovation meets the identified need(s) of the target user. Read more.