It’s natural that whenever we face problems, we like to get a solution immediately. Getting an instant answer, though, is not an effective method. The easy way out doesn’t allow us to understand the issue and our needs fully.
Leaning toward design thinking when experiencing difficulties is extremely helpful and educational. It makes you immerse yourself deeply in the process of solving a problem and allows you to get to know your team better and to develop your creativity.
But how to transfer this method onto the ‘traditional’ problem-solving ground? And what particular benefits does it bring? There already are many in-depth articles on how to get started with design thinking. Hence, we decided to focus on the transfer aspect above all.
The Art of Design
To understand the essence of our query, you have to know the general idea of what good design is about. It’s often mistakenly associated with looks only. The most important things are the idea, the realization of it and its functionality. This specific kind of art is supposed to improve the objects of daily use — both visually and practically. It’s about efficient innovation.
In good design, there’s no place for what’s popular or seemingly logical. A project has to be well-thought-out and tested carefully. You don’t have to be afraid of being unconventional when designing anything. Only by letting yourself think unconventionally can you come up with new amazing ideas.
Finding a Solution – Where to Start
The design-thinking process is commonly divided into five steps (Empathize – Define – Ideate – Prototype – Test) which can alternate at some stages.
- Observation (Empathize – Define)
The very beginning of our every action is simply an observation and recognizing an actual problem. Pay attention to what causes most struggles and conflicts.
Face-to-face discussions are not particularly fruitful. People tend to withhold honest, direct opinions and questions. We either don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, want to avoid open fights, or don’t want to make a fool out of ourselves.
This small human weakness factor should make us observe a conflict situation and the final interaction between interested parties very carefully. Debates themselves won’t help but combined with observation they can be the key.
- Brainstorm (Ideate – Prototype)
Throwing questions around and demanding candid answers won’t lead you to any long-term solution. Solid preparation for the discussion is necessary.
Prepare the audience for what the brainstorm is going to be about. Support your arguments and queries with the earlier observations. Try to reduce the necessity of sharing personal remarks out loud to the absolute minimum.
Instead of making people expose themselves in front of everyone else, organize anonymous voting and put the thoughts on sticky notes. Make a brainstorm meeting where you can create something incredible together. Let the sticky notes be your LEGO blocks of constructive ideas!
- Conclusions (Test)
It’s alright if you don’t come up with a definite solution after one meeting. Finding the way out of a problem isn’t about doing that as soon as possible. The most important thing is to end your meeting with concrete conclusions and proposals for the following one. Don’t rush the process more than necessary. Make your team stay focused and motivated but never under unhealthy pressure.
Logical Uniqueness
Thanks to design and design thinking, you can come up with unique solutions for the problems in your work environment – solutions designed with your work and your team in mind only.
The ideas have to fit your workspace precisely. The members of your team have to feel considered and taken care of. A well-tailored solution will make them feel comfortable and will make their work more efficient at the same time.
Forget about the generally accepted rules and popular concepts of work. Take a more personal, subjective approach. Keep observing how the subjectively designed methods work and schedule a follow-up meeting. Only in this way will you ensure if there’s any development and if anything needs improvement.
Go with the Flow
Let yourself get into the whole process to find yourself and your team in the right place. Achieve your goals step by step.
Don’t be afraid of the unconventional. Go with the flow and see what works best for you and your environment.
Consult every step with your coworkers. Let them be involved as well. After all, it’s every single one of you who creates the company and keeps it going. Wake the team spirit up and strive to be better together!
