Design thinking isn’t a new concept but the phrase has created some buzz and controversy in the last few years. My question is does it work well in a corporate setting? Some think it’s a no brainer. Others think it is a tough sell. Changing processes can be risky business until those processes are proven successful.
Definition
For those unfamiliar with the term, here’s how Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO defines it:
“Design thinking is an approach that uses the designer’s sensibility and methods for problem solving to meet people’s needs in a technologically feasible and commercially viable way. In other words, design thinking is human-centered innovation.”
It involves taking a holistic approach to solving business needs by combining rationality, creativity and empathy. Business needs could range from new product development to creating efficiencies in process.
Looking to the future – imagining what could be – by generating ideas collaboratively and in volume. Being open-minded about all ideas brought to the table. It implies some risk but ultimately fosters new thinking – new possibilities.
Design thinking can benefit corporate structures because shaking things up can be helpful – keeping things fresh. I’ve seen first-hand how beneficial implementation can be. How members of the team encourage each other, build on each other’s ideas and open their minds to new perspectives.
Anyone out there considering integrating or have integrated design thinking as the method of solving business needs? I’m interested to hear your experiences and thoughts.
Next time, we’ll explore what it means to be a design thinker.
Design Thinking: Friend or Foe?
Design thinking isn’t a new concept but the phrase has created some buzz and controversy in the last few years. My question is does it work well in a corporate setting? Some think it’s a no brainer. Others think it is a tough sell. Changing processes can be risky business until those processes are proven successful.
Definition
For those unfamiliar with the term, here’s how Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO defines it:
“Design thinking is an approach that uses the designer’s sensibility and methods for problem solving to meet people’s needs in a technologically feasible and commercially viable way. In other words, design thinking is human-centered innovation.”
It involves taking a holistic approach to solving business needs by combining rationality, creativity and empathy. Business needs could range from new product development to creating efficiencies in process.
Looking to the future – imagining what could be – by generating ideas collaboratively and in volume. Being open-minded about all ideas brought to the table. It implies some risk but ultimately fosters new thinking – new possibilities.
Design thinking can benefit corporate structures because shaking things up can be helpful – keeping things fresh. I’ve seen first-hand how beneficial implementation can be. How members of the team encourage each other, build on each other’s ideas and open their minds to new perspectives.
Anyone out there considering integrating or have integrated design thinking as the method of solving business needs? I’m interested to hear your experiences and thoughts.
Next time, we’ll explore what it means to be a design thinker.