Some of the characteristics that distinguish Design Thinking as an innovation-based, problem-solving process include a focus on divergent thinking, user-centeredness, collaboration, integrated thinking and experimentation.
Divergent Thinking Design Thinking as a problem-solving method contrasts with an analytical method of problem solving that is more typical of scientists or mathematicians. Analytic problem solving requires mostly convergent thinking and typically involves determining what is known and unknown about a problem, working towards finding a solution, and then testing the solution. Design Thinking, on the other hand, relies more on divergent thinking, which is using creativity and brainstorming to come up with multiple potential solutions, then revising solutions based upon testing. Some say divergent thinking is thinking outside the box, while others say that in divergent thinking you forget there ever was a box!
User-centeredness Students may think that a Design Thinking problem-solving method might begin with brainstorming and big, creative ideas. However, it actually begins with understanding the people for whom the solution is designed. Many design models call this ability empathy,which is the ability to imagine what it would be like to be in someone else’s shoes.
Design Thinking is more focused on the user over analytical approaches. In other words, a Design Thinking approach considers who the solution will most affect in considering the design, viability and success of the solution. It doesn’t seek to "get the right answer" as much as design the "best solution for the person/people for whom the solution is intended.” In Design Thinking, we interact with the people for whom our solution is intended – through observation and talking – and use the insights gained to inspire us and help us design a solution that meets their needs.
Collaboration In Design Thinking, a team approach helps diversify perspectives. Design thinkers need physical or virtual spaces in which to work and pull ideas together. When possible, the team should be inter-disciplinary, which can provide the greatest variation in perspectives.
Integrated Thinking Design Thinking casts a wider net than traditional problem solving. In others words, when we use Design Thinking, we are not just looking for a solution that works. Instead, we are considering how desirable our solution is to the people for whom it is intended (does it meet our users’ needs?), how feasible it is (is it possible?) and how viable it is (can we sustain it?)? This can be challenging because sometimes these elements conflict. For example, maybe our best solution for our users is not sustainable. Design Thinking encourages the development of a range of solutions so that we can make the best decision possible given all of the constraints of the problem.
Experimentation Developing a range of possible solutions requires participants to come up with ideas and experiment with prototypes, then make revisions based upon what is learned from the prototypes. The goal of prototyping is not “to finish,” it is “to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the idea and to identify new directions” that could be used to build new prototypes (Brown, 2008).