Understanding Design Thinking

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Understanding Design Thinking

An Interactive Guide to Problem Solving

By Michael Kellum

Start here!!

What is Design Thinking?

• A human-centered approach to solving problems
• Focuses on real user needs
• Encourages creativity and innovation
• Involves testing and improving ideas
• A flexible, non-linear process

My Definition

Design Thinking in My Own Words

Design thinking is a creative problem-solving method that focuses on understanding people’s needs, brainstorming solutions, and improving ideas through feedback and testing.

Real World example

Group Project Organization

A class struggles with group projects because communication is confusing.

• Interview students about their frustrations
• Define the problem: poor communication tools
• Brainstorm better ways to organize tasks
• Prototype a shared planning tool
• Test it with a real class

This process leads to a better system that improves teamwork and grades.

The Design Thinking Process

Write a cool subtitle here to provide context

Phases of Design Thinking

Define

Empathize

Ideate

Prototype

Test

Empathize Phase

Step 1: Empathize

• Understand the user
• Observe behaviors
• Conduct interviews
• Gather real feedback

Define Phase

Step 2: Define

• Identify the main problem
• Organize information
• Create a clear problem statement
• Focus on user needs

Example Problem Statement

IDEATE PHASE

Brainstorming Techniques

• Brainstorm many ideas
• No bad ideas at first
• Encourage creativity
• Think outside the box

Prototype

Content

• Create simple models
• Turn ideas into something real
• Can be sketches, apps, or mockups
• Low-cost and quick

Examples of Prototypes

Test

Content

• Try the solution with real users
• Gather feedback
• Improve the design
• Repeat the process if needed

How Testing Works

Benefits of Design Thinking

• Creates better solutions
• Focuses on real people
• Encourages teamwork
• Reduces wasted time
• Improves creativity
• Leads to innovation

Focuses on Real People

Encourages Teamwork

Reduces Wasted Time

Creates Better Solutions

Improves Creativity

Leads to Innovation

Where Design Thinking is Used

Education

Business

Technology

Healthcare

Product Design

Conclusion!

Content

• Design thinking helps solve problems creatively
• It keeps users at the center
• Anyone can use it in school, work, and daily life

Back to the Beggining?

Example Problem Statement

Students need an easier way to find reliable study spaces on campus because current information is confusing and often outdated.

• Who the user is
• What their need is
• Why it is a problem

A strong problem statement guides the rest of the design process.

Brainstorming Techniques

• Mind Mapping
• SCAMPER Method
• Crazy 8s Sketching
• Role Play
• Group Brainstorming

What Can a Prototype Look Like?

• Hand-drawn sketches
• Paper models
• Digital mockups
• Simple app demos
• Storyboards

During testing:

• Real users try the prototype
• Designers observe how it is used
• Feedback is collected
• Changes are made

Testing often sends designers back to earlier steps to improve the idea.