Design Thinking Process
Design thinking gives you the power to re-imagine learning. Whether designing training or business processes, design thinking is a methodology grounded in human-centered design to discover problems and deliver the solution in a way that speaks to the audience.
Design thinking is a 5-step methodology to understand the people, understand the problem, and take action. These practices are easily applicable, flexible, nonlinear, and iterative, drawing all focus on the end user. The 5 steps of design thinking encourage curious and empathetic understanding while aiming to identify and prioritize uncovered opportunities.
Click each step to learn more about the design thinking process
Empathize
EMPATHIZE is an important first step in knowing where your learners are coming from, understanding their learning preferences, and uncovering the real issue – skills, knowledge (or otherwise).
Define
Taking the time to DEFINE the problem (backed by your research and observations) will allow you and your clients to get and stay on the same page. You can continue to point back to the problem and need you’ve defined as a point of reference.
Ideate
This is where you generate ideas and a great opportunity for you and your design team to make sure your creative juices never stop flowing.
Prototype
As a scaled down version of your initiative, prototyping is a great and inexpensive way to partner with stakeholders as you continue designing and developing. This should save time AND money as you address concerns early on, before the design is fully built out.
Test
The data you receive from the test phase is quite valuable. It may confirm things you already suspect or bring to light things you haven’t considered but need to address. You should walk away from the Test phase with more insight.
Take the Pressure Off
Solving a problem with a design thinking approach takes the pressure off. This is not about getting it right before you can move forward. This is about taking action in order to learn. You’re constantly tweaking and sense-checking along the way, gaining insights you may otherwise wait too long to discover if you were to wait until things were “perfect.”
New Assets
- Infographic – How to Apply Design Thinking: Moving from Theory to Application
- Article – On the Road to Continuous Improvement | ATD
- Podcast – Episode 17: Continuous Improvement: How Design Thinking Improved General Motors’ Center of Learning
Learn more about the design thinking process.
Design Thinking Consulting and Implementation Services
With our deep expertise in learning and development, we bring the services to instill design thinking theory and concepts into your programs and your people. As a full-service partner with global experience, we can help take your through the design thinking process from theory through execution, taking your ideas to completion.
Calibrate with Workshops
To introduce design thinking into your organization, we offer virtual and onsite workshops, immersing your team into a hands-on experience working through the five phases.
Re-imagine Learning Experiences, Training Approach, Employee Onboarding or Engagement
Engage new hires sooner, and at critical touchpoints throughout their tenure, to enhance your employee experience.
Activate Design Thinking Practitioners
Ignite the spirit of inquiry within your own staff and supply them the tools to apply the design thinking methodology to their practice.
Build Your Future Workforce
Consider the art of the possible and ensure your organization’s longevity by identifying and engaging your most promising future leaders and innovators.
Elevate Through Our Consulting Services
Our Design Thinking expert practitioners are available to support your business by offering advice, individual and small group sessions, and ideas to bring Design Thinking into your organization
Become Inspired
Start using the design thinking process to solve complex business issues and re-imagine learning. Ask us how.
