Our approach to design thinking always starts with identifying the 'right' problems to solve. Focusing on the problems allow us to better identify key focus points to transform / innovate.
By ensuring we have a process that captures the entirety of the design thinking process, we are able to provide robust solutions for our clients to transform their businesses. Below we'll explain how this new double diamond model can benefits our clients, but first let's take a look at how the process works.
1. Divergent and convergent thinking
The design thinking process is ultimately a divergent and convergent thinking process. The process follows a cycle that encapsulated both thinking strategies.
Divergent thinking - is a method used to identify problems or generate ideas by exploring many possible solutions. This method typically occurs in a non-linear manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. This allows us create many unexpected connections by identifying the many possible problems / solutions in a short period of time. After the process of divergent thinking is complete, the findings are then organised and structured using convergent thinking.
Convergent thinking - generally means the ability to give the "correct" answer to standard questions that do not require significant creativity. This method is frequently paired with divergent thinking to shortlist / select the single best established answer to a problem.
2. Identifying the right problems
To find the right problem, design thinkers conduct a series of studies to understand people and their problems, and then translate all kinds of findings into problem statements. A project typically begins with objectives but in this step of the process, design thinkers are encouraged to step out of outcome assumptions and start by uncovering the root causes to pain points that the users are facing.