Design Thinking: A fresh Perspective in the Digital Era

Technology is only one of the equation in today's hyper-connected world. The crux of the matter is making sure that technical progress is in line with real human desires and feelings. With this insight, I felt like I was getting closer to the Design Thinking realm.

A Brief Foray into Design Thinking's Origins

Design Thinking is not a new idea, even though it is used in the modern world. This method can be traced back to the 1960s, when it started to be used as an orderly way to solve problems. In the 1980s, the idea of "Design Thinking" started to become well-known, mostly because of David Kelley, who started IDEO and the d.school at Stanford University. Kelley's method, which combines empathy and experimentation, has changed traditional boundaries and created a complete approach that puts understanding and meeting real human needs at the top of its list of priorities.

As a participant in the Chief Marketing Officer Leadership Program at the Asian Institute of Management, I have been introduced to the intricate world of Design Thinking. Professor Masaki Mitsuhashi, a well-known Business Innovator, and Managing Director of Embiggen Innovation Institute, helped me understand things even better. The promise of the framework drew me in and made me want to learn more about what it could do.

Understanding the Design Thinking Process

The methodology encompasses five critical stages:

1. Empathize: This is about genuinely understanding the users – their needs, desires, and challenges. It involves a combination of research and direct interactions.

2. Define: With insights from the first stage, the next step is to pinpoint the core issues or problems that need addressing.

3. Ideate: This stage encourages a free flow of ideas and brainstorming sessions to find potential solutions to the problems.

4. Prototype: Here, tangible versions or initial drafts of the chosen ideas are created to see and test their feasibility.

5. Test: The prototype is then presented to users, feedback is collected, and refinements are made accordingly. Given the iterative nature of Design Thinking, one might often go back to earlier stages based on this feedback.

Observing the use of design thinking

GE Healthcare: They changed the market for medical tools by using Design Thinking. They found a balance between usefulness and user comfort that met the needs and wants of both patients and health care workers.

Netflix: By analyzing data and user feedback on a regular basis, Netflix is able to make changes to its platform and give viewers a dynamic and personalized experience. This helps Netflix stay ahead of the game in the streaming market, which is changing quickly.

UberEats: In the competitive world of food delivery, UberEats has used Design Thinking in a smart way. They've been able to understand and meet the unique needs of both customers and restaurants.

IBM: The fact that IBM, a tech giant, is committed to Design Thinking shows how flexible the method is. Their large investments in resources and active sharing of information show how much they trust this method.

IBM: The fact that IBM, a tech giant, is committed to Design Thinking shows how flexible the method is. Their large investments in resources and active sharing of information show how much they trust this method.

With Professor Mitsuhashi's help, I've also learned that Design Thinking isn't just for businesses. It is a way of thinking that is based on knowing, working together, and always getting better.

Design Thinking is more than just a methodology. It's a mindset born from a rich history and a testament to human ingenuity. As we navigate the digital era, it offers a clear path forward, merging tech advancements with profound human understanding, ensuring that the solutions we create are both innovative and resonant.