1. Empathize
The first step in the design-thinking process is to empathize. To understand the demands of their users personally, design teams do research. They let go of preconceived notions to observe and speak with users to gain insights into their environment. As a result, they are more able to comprehend users’ challenges, motives, and experiences.
A couple of tools used here are:
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Focus groups
2. Define
The Define phase is the second step in a standard Design Thinking process. Data from the observation stage — the first stage known as empathizing — is compiled to describe the design problems and challenges. Defining a pertinent and actionable problem statement, which the design thinker will concentrate on solving, is a crucial step in the Design Thinking process.
A couple of tools used here are:
- Problem Statements
- Personas
- Journey Maps
3. Ideate
In the creative process known as “ideation,” designers produce ideas throughout sessions (e.g., brainstorming, worst possible idea). The Design Thinking process’ third stage is this one. In a guided, judgment-free setting, participants gather with open minds to generate as many ideas as possible to address a problem statement. It’s all about thoughts, ideas, ideas. Therefore at the beginning of the ideation process, no idea is a bad idea, although later, you’ll to sieve out which is possible and which isn’t.
A couple of tools used here are:
- Brainstorming
- Crazy 8’s
- SCAMPER
4. Prototype
This, to me, is the coolest part of the Design Process. Everything you have done in the previous processes is about to come alive. A prototype is a straightforward experimental model of a suggested solution that can be used to quickly and inexpensively test or validate ideas, design hypotheses, and other aspects of its conceptualization. This allows the designer or designers involved to make the necessary adjustments or potential changes in direction.
A couple of tools used here are:
- Figma (My favorite)
- Adobe XD
- Protopie
- Invision
- Sketch
- Axure
5. Testing
As the name implies, Testing is one of the most crucial steps in the Design Thinking process Test, where you determine whether your concept (or concepts) addresses the issue you identified during the Empathise stage.
A couple of tools used here are:
- Usability Testing Sessions
Here is a quick recap of what we have done today:
- Empathize
- Define
- Ideate
- Prototype
- Test
