The terms "design thinking" and "design thinking process" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that uses a set of methods and tools to understand users, generate ideas, and create solutions. The design thinking process is a specific framework that outlines the steps involved in applying design thinking.
Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions:
Design Thinking:
- Concept: A philosophy or mindset focused on understanding user needs and creating solutions that are desirable, feasible, and viable.
- Scope: Broad, encompassing a range of methodologies and tools.
- Application: Can be applied to a wide variety of problems, from product development to business strategy.
Design Thinking Process:
- Structure: A specific framework with defined steps and phases.
- Steps: Typically includes phases like empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
- Application: Provides a structured approach to problem-solving within the design thinking framework.
In simpler terms: Think of design thinking as the what (the mindset and approach) and the design thinking process as the how (the specific steps and framework).
Example:
- Design Thinking: A company uses design thinking to understand the needs of its customers and create a new product that addresses those needs.
- Design Thinking Process: The company follows a specific process, such as the Stanford d.school's "design thinking five phases," to guide their product development efforts.
In essence, the design thinking process provides a structured way to implement the design thinking philosophy. It helps to ensure that the problem-solving process is thorough, user-centered, and iterative.
