By Julia Reinhard and Jasmin Tossavainen
In our fast-evolving world, linear problem-solving methods fall short when dealing with the intricate challenges we encounter daily. The book and a majority of the articles we explored highlight the inadequacy of linear approaches in addressing today’s complex obstacles and opportunities. These are so-called “wicked” problems with no straightforward solutions and multiple interconnected factors. This blog post explores how design thinking offers a fresh perspective on complexity and why it should be adopted as a versatile problem-solving approach across various domains.
As we dive deeper into the 21st century, it becomes clearer that the majority of our societal systems are no longer fit for their purposes. They were designed to meet the requirements of the first machine age and have remained essentially unchanged since the 19th and early 20th centuries.
-Tim Brown, 2019
From Marzavan’s course Materials
Taming Wicked Problems with Empathy, Iteration, and Collaboration
Wicked problems inherently resist conventional problem-solving techniques due to their complexity, ambiguity, and absence of one-size-fits-all solutions. Enter Design Thinking, which offers a structured and creative approach to tackle these seemingly insurmountable challenges.
At its core, design thinking starts with empathy—understanding the problem from the perspective of those experiencing it. By empathizing with stakeholders, designers gain profound insights into the nuances of the problem and the needs of those affected. This empathetic understanding serves as the cornerstone for crafting effective solutions.
Empathy is at the heart of design. Without the understanding of what others see, feel, and experience, design is a pointless task.
IDEO, 2013
Design thinking’s iterative nature is also crucial. Instead of immediately settling on a single solution, designers prototype and test multiple ideas, learning from each iteration. This approach enables exploring diverse possibilities and uncovering innovative solutions that might remain hidden.
We can work iteratively during each phase of the Design Thinking process, Diagram by Marzavan
Moreover, design thinking fosters collaboration, assembling individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to address problems collectively. This diversity of thought and expertise often leads to more comprehensive and effective solutions, aligning with the multifaceted nature of wicked problems.
Diverse teams solving problems together during our workshop days
The Role of Designers: Pioneers of a Sustainable Future
Designers are in a pivotal as proactive agents in shaping a sustainable and desirable future. They seek to transcend mere problem-solving to become Design Thinking visionaries who consider the long-term implications of their solutions.
Design Thinkers should also challenge the status quo, questioning established assumptions and norms. They envision a world where problems are creatively solved, enhancing the human experience. This proactive stance is crucial for tackling the aforementioned wicked problems, necessitating a departure from traditional thinking patterns and embracing innovation.
Design thinkers excel at translating complex ideas into user-friendly solutions, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and practical implementations. This translation facilitates stakeholder understanding and support for proposed solutions.
Design thinkers prioritize sustainability and ethics, extending their role beyond aesthetics and functionality. In an era where environmental and social concerns take center stage, they advocate for solutions that align with ethical and sustainable principles, addressing the root causes of wicked problems.
Unlocking Creative Solutions: The Power of Design Thinking in a Complex World
Design thinking is a versatile problem-solving approach, providing structure to wicked problems. It empowers designers to envision and create a more sustainable and desirable future by emphasizing empathy, iteration, collaboration, and a proactive stance. In our increasingly complex world, design thinking offers hope for addressing the challenges ahead, making it an invaluable tool across various fields and industries that can unlock creative solutions and pave the way for a brighter, more interconnected future.
References
Brown, T. 2009. Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Brown, T. & Katz, B. 2019. How Design Thinking Could Fix the World’s Biggest Problems, Fortune, Februrary 2019. Accessed: 28 Sept. 2023.
Dunne, D & Martin, R. 2006. Design Thinking and How it Will Change Management Education, An Interview and Discussion. Academy of Management Learning and Education. Vol.5 (4), p.512-523
IDEO. 2013. A Lesson in Empathy. IDEO Design Thinking. March 2013. Accessed: 28 Sept. 2023.
Kolko, J. 2015. Design thinking comes of age .Harvard Business Review. September 2015, p.66-71.
Marzavan, D. 2023. Design thinking [lecture material]. Held on 8 and 9 September 2023. Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
Ted Talks. 2009. “Tim Brown Urges Designers to Think Big” (Video). YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAinLaT42xY
The Cleveland Clinic. 2013. “Empathy, the Human Connection to Patient Care” (Video). YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDWvj_q-o8
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