Design Thinking Tools and Techniques for Innovative Solutions

This report explores the use of design thinking tools and techniques to arrive at innovative solutions for challenges. The group evaluates various design thinking tools and selects the mind mapping technique to arrive at a solution related to obtaining higher marks in every subject studied at the University. The report discusses the challenges of implementing design thinking and the design thinking process.

RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
Designing Thinking Process
Assessment -2- Group Report
Student Name:
Student ID:
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
Abstract
Design thinking tools allow managers with tools or techniques to execute opportunity
with respect to a project. In the current scenario, the group has undertaken an evaluation of
various design thinking tools to arrive at a solution related to a project. The scope of the project
related to ways to bring about high grades in all subjects that we studied at the University.
Amongst all the tools and techniques presented, we selected the mind-mapping technique.
Within the technique, we plotted various ways that we could possibly reach to our end goals and
various obstructions that we could face. In this way, the mind mapping tool was completed.
There are various challenges to implementing design thinking tools that we understood, primary
being inability to arrive at an appropriate solution or to select one.
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................4
2.0 Problem Definition....................................................................................................................4
3.0 Design Thinking Tools..............................................................................................................4
4.0 Future Steps for Innovative Solutions.......................................................................................5
5.0 Design thinking Process............................................................................................................5
6.0 Challenges of Implementing Design thinking...........................................................................7
7.0 Reference Lists..........................................................................................................................8
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Design thinking tools are critical in managerial endeavors as they allow overcoming
certain problem scenarios (Tschimmel, 2012). The current scope of the study relates to analyzing
a challenge faced by University students and then implementing steps to overcome the same by
use of design thinking tool.
Problem Definition
Problem definition is crucial to arrive at a possible solution to a challenge. In the current
scenario, the challenge faced is to obtain higher marks in every subject that is studied and offered
by the University. While scoring higher marks is not only dependent upon examinations, it is
also dependent upon assessment scores and participation scores. Through analysis of various
challenges which can possibly act as hindrances to obtaining of such high marks and designing
step by steps strategies that can help to arrive at higher marks, the solution to the problem can be
undertaken.
Design Thinking Tools
There are a number of designs thinking tool that is currently available. The list of 10
design thinking tools includes visualization, journey mapping, value chain analysis, mind
mapping, rapid concept development, assumption testing, rapid prototyping, customer co-
creation, learning launches, decision matrix, functional modeling and storytelling (Brown, 2009).
Visualization makes use of images through visual thinking. It allows unlocking various parts of
the brain by going beyond languages. With the aid of visualization tool, a drawing was
developed which included several components that could help attain higher grades. Pictorial
representation for hard work, studiousness and attending classes was developed and linked to the
main concept. It allowed assimilation to the main framework to reach success. Journey mapping
or experience mapping includes methods for tracing of a customer journey as an interaction with
the organization in process of receiving service. Experience mapping is used in identifying
customer needs. Analysing the problem with journey mapping tool provides the way or journey
in which the desired state of higher grades can be attained. This includes studying hard for
examinations, making assignments by detailed research and so on.
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
Value chain an analysis includes ways to interact with value chain partners in producing,
marketing or distribution of new offering. It includes ways in which higher scores can be attained
in examination or scoring high marks for assessments. It will chart out step by step processes,
such as attending classes, going to library or undertaking self-study and so on for arriving at
desired product, here which is getting high score for a subject. Rapid concept development
allows the creation of hypotheses regarding potential new business opportunities. In this type of
system thinking a lot of ideas are generated by way of brainstorming sessions. It allows creating
various opportunities that can allow in scoring higher grades for examination. Assumption
testing allows identification of assumption in underlying attraction to a new business idea. In
assumption testing there was assumption related to various activities that could lead to achieving
higher grades. In rapid prototyping, an abstract for new ideas, which are tangible to potential
partners and customers, is developed. Through rapid prototyping, an abstract idea was assumed
that one has attained A+ grades in examination and then it was made tangible with studying 10
hours a day, spending time in library and attending classes.
Customer co-creation provides managers in generating and in developing new business
ideas (Plattner, Meinel & Weinberg, 2009). Implementing customer co-creation enabled the team
to generate and develop new ideas such as studying extensively for examination, taking
assessments in the library, undertaking case study help and so on. Learning launches allow in the
testing of new underlying value generating. In order to implement learning launches, a testing
was undertaken, such as studying for 10 hours and then attending unit exam. Once favorable
numbers has been obtained then the possibility of arriving at overall high grades for the unit was
ascertained. Storytelling allows weaving together a story compared to selecting specific points.
In implementing storytelling sessions, there was undertaken several success stories of passed out
candidates and the way in which they succeeded in their journey. Such stories was taken together
to design the problem situation that was being faced in the team. Decision matrix includes
creation of rows and columns in matrix so as to systematically identify and analyze performance
amongst information and values sets. In order to develop a decision matrix various factors
relative to getting higher scores was included in the matrix such as keeping well, being able to
perform well during examination, impression on professor and so on. Then the matrix was
analysed relative to the decisions on criteria on performing well. Functional modeling is a
process for systems engineering. It allows a structured representation of various functions,
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
activities and processes as well as operations that is embedded within systems. A functional
model when applied into a subject area reveals that several processes such as studying for 10
hours daily and undertaking guided learning will allow accomplishment of the objective.
Each tool has their own challenges and benefits that need to be evaluated and then
implemented. Every tool allows arriving at an innovative solution, through brainstorming
sessions. These various design thinking tools allow the creation of alternatives routes for arriving
at a future solution to the problem. Amongst the various design thinking tools that are available
or discussed in the current context, we had selected mind mapping tool.
A mind mapping tool allows representation of ideas by linking it to the central idea. As in
this case, the central idea is to score higher marks for each subject area. Mind mapping tools
allow generating visual structures by classifying patterns and designing criteria's (D'Antoni,
Zipp, Olson & Cahill, 2010). The power of visualizing communication as the key component for
a design thinking tool will allow exploring the related concept to the study.
Future Steps for Innovative Solutions
The core aim of a design thinking tool is to arrive at an innovative solution related to the
area of exploration. This includes covering relevant areas that are connected to the domain
(Liedtka, 2011). As in this case, brainstorming could only allow arriving at an innovative
solution related to the study. The group while brainstorming ideas has to overcome specific
challenges in an impulsive reaction within groups, individual egos, knowledge, perception,
mindset, beliefs and so on. An innovative solution will be arrived at by understanding various
barriers in the scoring of higher marks. Then
Design Thinking Process
Design thinking process includes step by step process includes empathizing, defining,
ideate, prototype, and test (Sanders, 2008). The first step to designing process includes
empathizing. In this step, an empathic understanding relative to the problem that is being solved
is arrived at. The specific constraints to the study are analyzed and group members are consulted
regarding possible areas of observation for the study. This stage includes observation,
engagement and empathizing with group members for understanding their point of view.
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
Figure 1: Designing Thinking Process
Defining the problem allows the assembling of information. All possible observation is noted
and then synthesis for such observation is undertaken. At this stage, the designer in our team
helped establish the ideas, their features, functions that can allow scoring higher numbers for the
University examination. At the ideate stage, brainstorming, brain write and worst possible ideas
are noted down (Stickdorn, Schneider, Andrews & Lawrence, 2011). We had diagnosed several
brainstorming ideas such as studying hard, referring to multiple books, following unit guidelines,
scoring a higher number in assessments as possible strategies to arrive at the desired solution.
Worst possible ideas included undertaking a self-counseling technique, which was suggested by
one of the group members. Other worst possible ideas related to the study were rejected by
stimulating further free thinking. A prototype was designed by scaling down of ideas to a
reduced version of the specific features. The prototype of the mind mapped ideas were tested
such as undertaking study in the library by referring to various books, group study technique.
This allowed all members of the group to score higher number in the examination. At the end of
the testing prototype, better ideas and best possible solutions were arrived at. Test stage includes
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RUNNING HEAD: DESIGN THINKING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES
evaluation of all ideas that have been generated during the prototyping stage. The five-stage
model allows an iterative procedure to allow redefining of the problems in a better manner. It is
at this testing stage that final solutions to the desired state can be arriving at. The design thinking
process allows step by step processes to connect to the main idea related to the challenge faced.
It would also allow in developing those ideas only that could possibly be implemented in the
current solution.
Challenges of Implementing Design thinking
The core challenge in the design thinking process includes the inability of reaching an
innovative solution related to the problem (Brown & Wyatt, 2010). The obstacles in design
thinking arise in the inability to resolve problems. Some challenges that might be faced in design
thinking arise from individual people, knowledge, ego and perception, mindset or belief patterns.
In a group, there might be an impulsive reaction rather than planned brainstorming sessions.
Within groups while discussing solutions there might be skill gap, team construction challenges
the cultural gap, power structures creating challenges in implementing solutions and so on. A
member of the group, we need to maintain continuous interaction and communication with each
other such that design thinking can allow innovative thinking. The core aim of implementing the
process of design thinking is to generate multiple ideas such that the desired central idea can be
reached.
Conclusion
From the description of the challenge and design thinking tool used a possible solution
has been arrived at. Mind mapping tool is one of the most effective design thinking toll in our
case. The group has been effectively able to apply design thinking process to arrive at a solution
related to the study. Though there have been various challenges faced each one has been tackled
in an effective manner through a brainstorming session.
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Reference Lists
Brown, T. (2009). Change by design. Retrieved on 21st August 2018 from
http://bsili.3csn.org/files/2013/06/change-by-design-brown-e.pdf
Brown, T., & Wyatt, J. (2010). Design thinking for social innovation. Development
Outreach, 12(1), 29-43. Retrieved on 21st August 2018 from
http://www.idmais.org/pubs/KatjaTschimmel/2012/actas_internacionais%20c%F3pia/
2012.4.ISPIM.KatjaTschimmel1.pdf
Liedtka, J. (2011). Learning to use design thinking tools for successful innovation. Strategy &
Leadership, 39(5), 13-19. Retrieved on 8th September 2018 from
https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/10878571111161480
Plattner, H., Meinel, C., & Weinberg, U. (2009). Design thinking. Landsberg am Lech: Mi-
Fachverlag. Retrieved on 6th September 2018 from
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-642-13757-0
Sanders, L. (2008). ON MODELING An evolving map of design practice and design
research. interactions, 15(6), 13-17. Retrieved on 1st September 2018 from
https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1409043
D'Antoni, A. V., Zipp, G. P., Olson, V. G., & Cahill, T. F. (2010). Does the mind map learning
strategy facilitate information retrieval and critical thinking in medical students?. BMC
medical education, 10(1), 61. Retrieved on 6th September 2018 from
https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6920-10-61
Stickdorn, M., Schneider, J., Andrews, K., & Lawrence, A. (2011). This is service design
thinking: Basics, tools, cases(Vol. 1). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved on 7th September
2018 from https://tcyh73tpr06.storage.googleapis.com/QjAwQkFWSlc4WQ==06.pdf
Tschimmel, K. (2012). Design Thinking as an effective Toolkit for Innovation. In ISPIM
Conference Proceedings (p. 1). The International Society for Professional Innovation
Management (ISPIM). Retrieved on 3rd September 2018 from
http://www.idmais.org/pubs/KatjaTschimmel/2012/actas_internacionais%20c%F3pia/
2012.4.ISPIM.KatjaTschimmel1.pdf
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