Design Thinking - what's in it for me?
Have you been wondering where I’ve disappeared these past few months? The brief answer is that I’ve been learning and volunteering, which does wonders for the brain and the heart. I have so much to share with you! To match the rate of my mind, I will keep the articles shorter, with the hope to produce more content.
One of the courses I am taking at Interaction Design Foundation (link to IDxF goodie) is Design Thinking and it’s really awesome!
What is Design Thinking?
Design thinking is a mindset, invented by designers oriented to solve problems. It is commonly used in design practices but can be applied anywhere.
Of course, there is a process (non-linear and iterative!) and techniques to apply this mindset. Learn more (link to the course)
What’s in it for me?
Connecting the dots and making sense of chaotic, seemingly unrelated information is tough, and requires a systematic approach that supports creativity and applicable systems thinking.
That’s where design thinking helps me out. The two main benefits for me would be:
A systematic yet flexible framework allows a “skeleton-like” structure that will facilitate the body of my research-consulting initiative to progress forward.
The problem-solving mindset helps me identify and solve real challenges using the design thinking approach –– helping real people to kindle learning!
My work and research focus is on children. As you might know, children are adorable different species from us, adults (Scientifically speaking, lol). Therefore the human-centered approach is critical to designing quality products and experiences for them. This course and Design Thinking methods are revealing an exciting path for me to understand and design better –– which was exactly my hope.
What’s in it for you?
Design thinking can help you make better decisions in your life and career –– whether you’re a designer or not. In this video, Dave Evans brilliantly explains the difference between different thinking mindsets and when is right to apply which.
Sign up to the Design Thinking course at IDxF with this link and get two months free for you, and one for me. :)
More inspirational articles on the subject:
Lightning Decision Jam: A Workshop to Solve Any Problem by Jonathan Courtney
Ten Things That Happen When Kids Embrace Design Thinking by John Spencer
IDEO Design Thinking by IDEO
Design Thinking for kids by Anamika Singla
How does Design Thinking meet you and your goals? Let me know!