Continuing with the design thinking (DT), I should first introduce the DT framework created by the global design and innovation company IDEO. This design thinking model consists of the following 6 steps (IDEO for Educators toolkit):
- Discovery
- Interpretation
- Ideation
- Experimentation
- Evolution
Each step has its own set of rules and activities that we will explore in the next couple of blog posts.
Before we dive deeper, I think it is worth mentioning two things that might make the first encounter with DT somewhat uncomfortable and eerie.
- The thinking roller-coaster: In the process, a designer, aka anybody who uses the DT methodology, alternates between divergent and convergent thinking patterns to create the best solution for a challenge. Divergent thinking allows you to explore what is possible by examining a problem from different perspectives, expanding overall understanding of your current situation, and generating many novel ideas without caring about their feasibility. Everything counts when we engage in divergent thinking: crazy ideas, random inquiries, and unexpected associations. It is my favorite activity because I can let my imagination run wild without judgment that comes with not following the status quo. In contrast, convergent thinking leads to narrowing down the scope, focusing on a single problem, and applying a set of rules to advance decision-making. Convergent thinking – linear, analytical, and critical – uses logic, facts, and evidence to find the high-value solution based on practicality, efficiency, and execution. It might sound a bit boring compared to the fun open-ended brainstorming; however, it is a powerful way to reduce complexity to simpler, more workable concepts. In a nutshell, “during divergence, we are creating choices and during convergence we are making choices[decisions]”. The oscillation between creating/narrowing happens multiple times as you work through the DT steps making it difficult to switch between the styles, especially for those who prefer a particular type of thinking. However, adopting a designer mindset could ease your way through the process and help to befriend the uncomfortable.
- Omnipresent ambiguity: More often than not, when you apply DT to your challenge, you can’t predict what the solution would look like. I’d take it one step further to say that you might not even be fully aware of your real problem until you conduct a series of interviews and empathetically assess the environment. And this is only the tip of a colossal iceberg waiting to be uncovered during your journey as a DT practitioner. Are you unsettled by unknowns? Don’t be! Dealing with omnipresent ambiguity is the essential part of crafting a human-centric & innovative solution you were set to find.
Here are a few attitudes/mindsets I found beneficial when navigating this unchartered territory:
- Radical acceptance of yourself and your situation with a preference toward objective reality rather than wishful thinking. Maybe you hoped for a higher program budget, more approving stakeholders, or less demanding annual goals. But you don’t. The present circumstances are what you have to work with for now. Also, no matter how hard you try to strategize and anticipate setbacks, the project will take its own course using its own “mind .” All you can do is to express your intentions towards the future but not to control it. Remember, you are not a magician who can bend time and space. Accepting these limitations with compassion has the potential to create a safe space for you to enjoy the messy process and unexpected outcomes.
- The growth mindset believes that your abilities are not static. Thus, if you’d like to be better at X, it is paramount to take risks, engage in ambitious projects, and learn from mistakes that happened along the way. And yes, one thing you should anticipate with 100% certainty is that mistakes, errors, and unexpected problems will occur when you start working on your program. When this happens, you would have to decide whether to be disappointed by your “failures” or to be excited about massive learning and constructive feedback to take your talents to the next level. Which one would you choose?
- Creative confidence suggests that everyone already has what it takes to be creative because creativity is not about being a piano virtuoso or a next-generation primadonna. It is about using your skills to address wicked problems making the world a better place. For years I refused to engage in many interesting endeavors because I thought I wasn’t good/innovative/creative (you name it) enough to think outside the box. Only when I finally let go of the notion that “I need to be a natural genius to make X happen”, I could challenge what was possible and bring people along the way.
Creative confidence is the notion that you have big ideas, and that you have the ability to act on them.
David Kelley, Founder of IDEO
Now it is your turn to shine. Meanwhile, next, as promised, is the actual design thinking approach, step 1 – Discovery.
Further exploration:
- IDEO Design Thinking resources
- “Design thinking mindsets” by www.innovationtraining.org
By Irina