In this article, Anmol R. Kadam puts forward his perspective on Design Thinking. He emphasizes on the fact that design thinking is a concept being popularly used and applied in businesses and creative fields. The article talks about this as a 4-5 steps process as mostly emphasizing on brainstorming, multi-colored post-it notes and ideation. He says that it is not a linear process with a set rule of applying steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 respectively, but a trial and error method, more like 1,3,4,4,5,2,3,1,4,5 over and over again until you’re happy and satisfied with the result.
“The way I see design thinking is simple. I like to think of it as a mindset that focuses on how to look at challenges around us. A mindset that can help us adapt to the process of being more mindful, and open to the right direction towards innovation” says Anmol R. Kadam.
He mentions some qualities that one needs to develop a design thinking mindset-
Be curious and observe: it starts with being curious and observant. Try to wonder and make sense of things around you and why they are the way they are. He also says that curiosity and observation go hand in hand.
Create and harbor empathy: Curiosity is followed by empathy. Empathy is when you understand the people you are designing for.
Don’t just optimize- challenge to innovate: We don’t know that we want or need something unless we progress and innovate.
Consider the big picture: As important as little details are in the designing process, we need to remember the reason we’re designing it in the first place. So keep the bigger picture in mind as you go through the process and its specific details.
Design thinking is all about making an impact and providing value in people’s lives by being curious, empathetic and positive towards making a change and impacting lives.