Definitions of Design Thinking

A definition can be given if some rules can be applied. So the question is , what rules can we apply in order to use the imaginary part of our brain .

Hi Tim,

My view of the definition below……the problem – solution approach and the application of the principles to drive greater good through current and emerging technologies, beyond just the business opportunity……and trying to improving our world.

Design thinking can be described as a discipline that uses the designer’s sensibility and methods to understand the problems that people and society are dealing with.

Design thinking helps discover unmet needs, anticipates and matches people’s needs with what is [and what could be] technologically feasible and what a viable business strategy can convert into customer value, market opportunity and social good.

Design thinking for me is a simple solution to problems that are perceived to be complex. As designers we tend to break down the problem to it’s seed and build up from there on, eliminating the unnecessary and transforming the remaining vital parts into an aesthetic thought or product. A process aiming towards simplification & provision of a product or service whose benefits can be explained in a sentence.
So to answer your question, I do think it’s useful to have a general definition for design thinking, though a broader design thinking theory will find itself adapting to economic and social situations.

To me Design Thinking means, ‘do not think like a designer’ and keep trying so. Fix a probable deadline >> try to unearth the best >> sell it >> sit back to make it better … natures theory.

Hi Tim, firstly we owe you a great deal of thanks for the great work you’ve done in bringing DT to the fore. It does seem to be gaining massive traction these days though still on a very superficial level. It also seems to be exploited as you say mostly for economic gain which I believe waters down the purpose of Design as an inherent human driver towards improving the human condition regardless of economics. Personally I feel service design is making a good go and completely overtaking any iterations of DT due to the economic drivers behind it.

In many cases the economic motivations are what create many of the unfavourable situations we’re trying to change. I’m not saying profit or economic consideration is bad or not important just that it has a way of tainting things. Sincerity of intention being one of them.

I’m developing some coursework on the subject and having been agonising over definitions for some time, opting mostly to quote a range from the spectrum and failing at developing my own concise definitions.

From the perspective of Design, not just DT, I wrote the following:

It is the expression of a purposeful intention to improve the human condition through the creation of objects and systems.

I was considering adding meaning or value to the end of that one.
I also wrote on attempting to sum up DT

design thinking is a mindset, method, approach and/or set of tools applied in order to achieve human centred innovation, which will add sustainable and meaningful value within the contexts of business and society at large.

I think this is one of the most important info for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is great, the articles is really great :
D. Good job, cheers

Design Thinking and the likes…