Design Thinking Methodology

A design is a blueprint or specifications for the erection of an abstract structure or object or for the implementation of some activity or process or the outcome of that blueprint or specification in the shape of some material, usually of a functional character. The word ‘design’ as used in this context normally denotes artistic conception and is used to distinguish the work of art produced by humans from the works of other animals. In design generally the output of any process is intended to satisfy a definite end. A designer is the one responsible for determining the most appropriate and productive methods of achieving the end. In engineering the term design is used to denote a design or method of controlling or arranging physical systems by means of machines, materials or energy.

The term design thinking in business is used to describe and stimulate an initiating stage of the design thinking process that eventually leads to the development of suitable marketable products or services. There are many opportunities in today’s world for taking advantage of innovative design thinking. This process is a critical tool in business that can be used to develop both new and innovative products or services. The key goal of the designers/ developers is to develop products that solve customer problems while meeting their stringent design quality requirements.

The key benefits of the design thinking methodology includes: it increases the probability of finding prospective customers; it facilitates the discovery of relevant technical information needed for optimum product performance; it fosters the use of constructive and realistic technical information by users; it provides a framework for analyzing design alternatives. This methodology is applicable in all sorts of organizations ranging from small firms to giant conglomerates. It can be applied in all kinds of industries and businesses starting from toy making to aerospace designing and manufacturing. The main advantages of this revolutionary design thinking methodology include: it reduces the time required in the analysis of design alternatives, it provides greater opportunities for finding potential solutions to design deficiencies, it facilitates the creation of attractive and cost effective designs by identifying and addressing important customer needs, and finally it increases the probability of finding attractive, cost effective and functional products and services. It also helps to provide adequate support and assistance to the design development team during the design development process.