Design Thinking Process Guide

Activities.Empathize.Ideate.Prototype.Test.Worksheets

Explore the steps of Design Thinking

A step-by-step guide to get more familiar with the process.

Work with a partner to get a better understand of the Design Thinking process in a fun activity. Take on the challenge of empathizing with your partner. Talk with them to see issues they face. Narrow the issue down into a problem statement and come up with solutions to address the issue. Have fun as you get familiar with Design Thinking and flex those creative brain muscles.

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Design Thinking Process Guide - Steps Activity

Redesign a product or process for your partner. Start by gaining empathy.
Step 1: Interview - 10 minutes
(2 sessions x 5 minutes each)
  • Interview your partner
  • Ask about issues they face
  • Take notes to help remember
  • Make this a conversation
Step 2: Dig Deeper - 10 minutes
(2 sessions x 5 minutes each)
  • Dig in deeper into your previous conversation
  • Circle to comments made in the initial interview
  • Inquire about how the feel
  • Take notes for future reference

Reframe the problem.

Looking at the problem from a different perspective.
Reframing helps us recognize dimensions of the problem that we often overlook or give too little attention to.
Step 3: Capture findings
(5 minutes)
  • Write down your findings
  • Include things they need (use verbs)
  • What are the main causes of the issue(s)?
  • Is there an overarching issue at hand?
  • Are there additional concerns your partner has?
  • Is there something your partner is passionate about?
  • Note insights: your partner’s feelings/worldview
  • Use these insights to leverage in your design
Step 4: Define problem statement
(5 minutes)

Create a problem statement using the following format:

Your partner’s name needs a way to user’s / partner’s need surprisingly/because/but (use one or create your own conjunction) insights.

Example:

Victoria needs a way to better promote her business because her revenue has been flat over the last year.

Ideate: Generate alternatives to test.

With an open mind, generate as many ideas
to address the problem statement.
Step 5: Sketch at least 5 radical ways to meet your user’s / partner’s needs (5 minutes)
  • Get the creative juices flowing
  • Think of ideas to address the problem statement
  • Write down what comes to mind
  • Stay focused on the problem statement
  • There are no bad ideas
  • Be open minded
Step 6: Share your solutions & capture feedback - 10 minutes (2 sessions x 5 minutes each)
  • Share your ideas
  • Do they have a favorite?
  • What idea(s) are most feasible?
  • Have a discussion with your partner
  • What idea(s) are most challenging?
  • Did the conversation generate more ideas?

Iterate based on feedback.

Improve on your solution ideas utilizing the feedback from your partner.
Step 7: Reflect & generate new and/or improved solutions (10 minutes)
  • Sketch your big idea(s)
  • Note details, if necessary
  • Start thinking through the details
  • Are the downsides?
  • What challenges might you face?

Prototype: Build and test.

Focus on the solution with the most potential.
Explore the idea deeper then test it.
Step 8: Prototype / Build your solution
(10 minutes)

Create your solution in more detail.

Sketching works but try more tangible medias, if possible. Build a 3D paper model, create user interfaces on a computer, tinker with things in a workshop, etc.

Step 9: Share & get more feedback
(2 sessions x 5 minutes each)

Take notes with the follow prompts:

  • What worked…
  • What could be improved…
  • Questions that arose…
  • Additional thoughts/ideas…

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