The term “design thinking” could be misinterpreted to be an exclusive property of the designers. However, in reality, any innovator, be it in the field of Art, Science, Music, Fashion, Business or even blogging needs to practice “design thinking”
In the world of Today, where technology has become an integral part of us, where we have immediate access to the world web, and communication has become rather instant, we often find ourselves in circumstances that need immediate analysis, problem solving and decision making.
I could safely say there are “wicked” or tricky problems we face. And one way or rather a contemporary way of solving those problem is “Design Thinking”
To put it in simple words – Design Thinking provides a solution-based approach to solving problems. It is a way of thinking and working as well as a collection of hands-on methods.
I recently attended an experiential session on Design Thinking facilitated by Pearson India. The session was held in Delhi and what was Best is that I was given an opportunity to attend it through an online medium from a different city. The session marked the presence of Vikas Singh, Managing Director of Pearson India
The lead facilitators at the event were – Varun Dhamija, Vice President- Pearson Professional Programs and Joseph A Hopper, who is trained in Design Thinking and is the head of learning programs at the Pearson group.
At this interactive session, I did not just learn about the concept of design thinking but how it can be applied to my chosen field of blogging
Before I share with you what I learnt about Design Thinking, let me tell you a little about Pearson India.
About Pearson India:
Pearson India was founded in 1844 with a mission to help people make progress through access to better learning. They rightly believe that learning opens opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives.
Pearson is the world’s learning company, with 35,000 employees across 70 countries worldwide. They have expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology.
Their unique insight and world-class expertise comes from their long history of working closely with teachers, learners, researchers, authors, and thought leaders. Pearson India is organized around three key stages of learning – a) K-12, b) Higher education and test preparation and c) Vocational and professional education.
To know more about Pearson India visit in.pearson.com and follow them on www.facebook.com/PearsonIn and https://twitter.com/PearsonIn.
Now, moving on to what I gained from the session on Design Thinking
What is Design Thinking?
Design thinking is a formal method for practical, creative resolution of problems and creation of solutions, with the intent of an improved future result. In this regard, it is a form of solution-based, or solution-focused thinking—starting with a goal (a better future situation) instead of solving a specific problem.
By considering both present and future conditions and parameters of the problem, alternative solutions may be explored simultaneously.
Why We All Need Design Thinking
1) Design Thinking uses both divergent and convergent thinking
Design Thinking employs divergent thinking as a way to ensure that many possible solutions of a problem are explored in the first instance. And then convergent thinking is applied to narrow down these possibilities to a final solution.
2) Design Thinking is Iterative
Design thinking identifies and investigates with both known and ambiguous aspects of the current situation in order to discover hidden parameters and open alternative paths which may lead to the goal. Because design thinking is iterative, intermediate solutions are also potential starting points of alternative paths, including redefining of the initial problem. The key practice that brings forth a great design is the practice of iteration. The iterative process occurs over and over until a design is considered worthy for implementation.
3) Design Thinking leads to innovation
The whole process of design thinking is aimed at creating new, different, and innovative ideas to resolve a certain situation. Design thinkers try out different possibilities, until they create an optimum solution. This innovative approach helps them to create new market and gain competitive advantage.
4) Design Thinking leads to growth
Design Thinking has been the key strategy adopted by many companies like Apple, Samsung, GE etc. they believe in enhancing the experience of the users and the stakeholders.
Any company in any industry can pave it’s way to growth and development by meeting costumer needs through creative problem solving, technological possibilities and consumer-based strategies. And so we all need design thinking to grow
5) Design Thinking creates value
Design thinking creates value while solving real problems. The method of design thinking is not just creative and innovative for its own sake. It is specifically directed at creating value and problem-solving. Design thinking uses design principles to solve any problem from small to large, in almost any industry.
Business problems today are increasingly complex and tricky, hence design and innovation are a key competency for managers. Furthermore, design thinking plays an important role in the creation of a learning organization. Design Thinking is challenging and changing the way we solve problems.
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