Design thinking

Design Thinking is an innovation method inspired by designers, based on both their way of thinking and their tools. This approach stimulates employees' creativity and thus encourages innovation.

Although popularized in the 2000s, the idea dates back to 1969, when Herbert A. Simon described design as "a way of thinking". The method was developed in the 1980s at Stanford University. In 1987, Peter G. Rowe published Design Thinking, which remains a landmark work for the movement.

Here's how Steve Jobs summed up the spirit of Design Thinking:

"Most people mistakenly think that design is about appearance [...]. That's not how we define design [...]. Design is about how it works."

An experience-based approach

Design Thinking combines reflection, method and process. It takes into account the lifestyles, habits and needs of consumers through three main stages:

1. Identify the problem and its context
   This involves an in-depth analysis of needs and obstacles.
2. Find a concept
   This concept provides a solution to the identified problem.
3. Create a prototype
   This prototype embodies the concept, making the idea tangible and testable.

Experience is therefore at the heart of Design Thinking, as each idea is concretely materialized.

The power of collective intelligence

To succeed, Design Thinking mobilizes a wide range of skills within the company, fostering collective intelligence. This not only strengthens team cohesion, but also enhances creativity and organization.

By bringing the company closer to its consumers, this method ensures a better understanding of customer needs and encourages relevant innovations.

Critics of Design Thinking

Despite its strengths, Design Thinking is not without its critics. Bruce Nussbaum, for example, calls it a "failed experiment". According to him, some companies become paralyzed in the face of unpredictability and disorder, which are essential to creativity.

In short, Design Thinking remains a powerful method of innovation, provided that the company is willing to step out of its comfort zone and open itself up to new perspectives.