Design thinking: a transformative approach for leadership
Have a wicked problem? If you're seeking a framework that fosters creativity, collaboration, innovative thinking, and high-quality solutions, then design thinking is for you.
But what exactly is a ‘wicked problem’? A wicked problem is defined as a complex issue that is difficult or impossible to solve due to:
incomplete knowledge
the number of people and opinions involved
the large economic burden
the interconnected nature of the problem with other issues
These problems require a flexible and innovative approach - this is where design thinking comes in.
Complexity is at the heart of our daily lives and ever-present in today's work environment. We're constantly navigating ambiguity, volatility and the unknown. Design thinking is like a tool that can unlock the anxiety that comes with uncertainty and helps to slow things down in a fast-paced world.
Design thinking is a human-centred process for solving complex problems. It is based on a robust five-step framework that begins with empathy. Just as creativity involves paying attention to details, empathy in design thinking requires gathering data while being open to perspectives beyond our structured 'knowing'. This data is collected broadly and strategically, with an open mind.
Design thinking began to emerge as a formal framework for innovation in 1991 with the founding of the design firm IDEO. In 2005, an entire school at Stanford University was established to make the development, teaching and implementation of design thinking its central goal. This formalisation has since propelled design thinking into a widely adopted practice across various industries.
Curiosity, creativity, imagination and rock-solid data come together to create unique, high-quality solutions through these five steps:
1. Empathy: data gathering
Empathy is the foundation of design thinking. It involves understanding the needs, challenges, and desires of the people you are designing for. For example, when IBM wanted to improve employee satisfaction, they began by conducting in-depth interviews and observations. This empathetic approach led to significant improvements in employee engagement and productivity.
2. Problem definition: identifying the core issue
Once empathy has been established, the next step is defining the problem. A well-defined problem leads to better solutions. By narrowing down specifics, teams can focus more effectively. Airbnb, for example, shifted their focus from "how to grow our business" to "how to improve the travel experience for our users," which led to their success in revolutionising the hospitality industry.
3.. Ideation: limitless thinking
Ideation encourages limitless thinking, where all ideas are welcome, and constraints are challenged. Google's "20% time policy”, allowing employees to explore projects outside their regular responsibilities, has led to the creation of successful products like Gmail and Google Maps.
4. Prototyping: bringing ideas to life
Prototyping involves creating tangible versions of ideas to test and refine. This step is crucial for identifying potential flaws early. Companies like Tesla use rapid prototyping to iterate on designs, allowing them to bring innovative products to market faster.
5. Testing: refining the solution
The final step is testing the prototype with real users to gather feedback and refine the solution. Apple, known for its rigorous testing processes, relies on extensive user feedback to ensure their products are both innovative and user-friendly.
The future of design thinking in leadership
As we move into an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the principles of design thinking will become even more critical. Leaders who harness the power of empathy and collaboration will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the future workplace.
Design thinking is not just a tool for innovation; it’s a mindset that fosters resilience and adaptability. As organisations face new challenges, from digital transformation to sustainability, the ability to think creatively and empathetically will be a key differentiator for successful leaders.
What benefits will it bring to your team or organisation?
The willingness to take on complex, ambitious projects
Increased motivation and sense of purpose
A genuine passion for collaboration
Expertise in stakeholder engagement
High-quality solutions
An appreciation for creativity, curiosity, and empathy as drivers of successful business outcomes
A reliable framework for innovation, experimentation, and learning from both successes and failures
When bringing design thinking into an organisation, I help develop individual action learning projects to apply the process and coach people along the path to deliver on their most important outcomes.
The most rewarding aspect is watching the light go on in people's way of thinking and working. It is deeply satisfying to see the sense of wonder, joy and pride that comes when individuals, teams and organisations adopt this transformative process.
If you want to drive accountability, innovation and collaboration in your team or organisation, please get in touch for a discussion.