Design Thinking as a solution-based problem-solving approach is fast becoming a favorite with the business world all over the globe and the trend has caught fire in the US, too. Many American corporate giants including Google, GE and Apple have wasted no time in adopting the design thinking approach, a fact which in itself will speak volumes for the effectiveness of this novel method.
In fact, we can already see slightly different approaches emerging from within design thinking. As for Design thinking USA, most US companies, it seems, prefer following the 5-phase design thinking model taught at the famous d.school (Hasso-Planter Institute of Design, Stanford). In brief, this five-phase model adopts the following route to reach creative solutions:
Empathize- Define (user’s needs and expectations)- Ideate (using your insights to find creative ideas)- Prototype (begin developing solutions)- Test.
One essential thing about this approach is that these five phases do not need to occur in the above or any other specific order. Different phases can overlap and take place simultaneously (as they often do) in the thinker’s journey to reach creative and effective solutions.