Design Thinking: Creative Approach for Problem-Solving

People from all walks of life face multifaceted problems throughout their journey; so to do business organisations. As the saying goes, “A smooth sea doesn’t make a skilful sailor”. These problems or challenges commonly emerge from increasingly complex business models or strategies. Now, ask yourself. “If such circumstances arise within your organisation, will you sit around to wait for miracles to happen, or will you step up with ideas to help solve the problem?” Generally, many would opt for the second choice as the answer to the question.

Today, there are innumerable solutions to the problems that one would face in this competitive, yet compelling business environment. Often, many would hop on the conventional wisdom bandwagon as the solutions for problems that they encounter. However, as much as “traditional” problem solving is being recognised as an effective solution, “design thinking” has gradually been adopted as a problem solving strategy in organisations. 

So, the question here is: “What is design thinking?” and “How can it potentially help both individuals and organisations to address problems that they face in order to create a more desirable future?” 

“Design thinking” was a concept or problem-solving framework recommended by Tim Brown, the CEO and president of Innovation and Design Consultancy (IDEO) - A process or method that encourages us to step outside our comfort zones by implementing strategically creative and innovative ideas to solve problems in all aspects of our lives.

Abridged from an article by Sandy Clark, a writer and columnist from The Star Online shares two (2) realisations on why we should embrace design thinking into our daily approach to the problems:

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Firstly, problems aren’t always solved the first time. This sounds obvious, right? So why do we repeatedly act otherwise, carrying the attitude that if there’s a problem, it should be fixed immediately? This shows our tendency to incline towards the quick fix when there often isn’t one.

Secondly, design doesn’t describe an ending, it defines a process. At its heart, design thinking is about the process of problem-solving, which informs the core principles of the practice. In recognising the need for process, we step away from the quick-fix mentality that significantly limits progress.

Design thinking has some fundamental principles which allow for a deliberate, thorough and considered approach to solving problems. Think about car design. It contains an intricate process, which can include the going over and the refining of ideas, or scrapping them altogether and thinking of a new way to approach the plan. The key principles of design thinking are:

Outline the Problem

When organisations find themselves in a seemingly endless knot of difficulty, it’s because they fail to outline or even acknowledge problems. There’s no need for an MBA in order for us to realise that, if we don’t take the time to define what’s wrong, or if we’re not honest in our assessment, it then becomes impossible to move forward.

To become aware of problems, observation of what’s happening is key, as is asking questions – constantly. Why are we doing this? Is there a more efficient way to refine the approach? How can we make sure the end result delivers?

Cultivate a Number of Ideas

One of the most crippling phrases in business is, “We’ve always done it this way.” Throw it out – it keeps you in your comfort zone, which limits your thinking and restricts innovation. Have a number of possible solutions in mind, and don’t be afraid to get creative in your ideas. Some of the best ideas have no doubt started with, “This is stupid, I know, but what if. . .” and ended up with someone declaring, “That’s genius!”

Develop the Best Ideas

Decide on the best of the bunch and set about refining these ideas. Like all promising plans, ideas need to be nurtured in order to grow. How would such an idea be put in place? What steps would be taken to see it through?

Are there any foreseeable stumbling blocks? How can they be overcome? What will the end result look like if we implement this? Why this idea over the others? By taking the time to invest in an idea, it sets up a solid foundation on which to carry out the final step. 

Execute

Design thinking, in a nutshell, is the process through which a business eventually arrives at a better outcome or overall state than before. It’s a process which starts with consideration and ends with determination.

With your best idea now firmly in place, it’s important to commit the time and resources required for implementation if goals and objectives are to be achieved. By committing all efforts to focusing on the execution, success in any endeavour becomes much more likely.

Inspiration: Design Thinking as a Problem-Solving Tool

Image Source:

(1) salesexpert.fundoodata.com

(2) archeo3d.uniroma1.it

(3) dreamstime.com

(4) leaderonomics.com

Chia Yi Jing | Bubbling with enthusiasm, bright ideas, and confidence, Yi Jing set foot in the PR world with Orchan Consulting, where she was offered permanent employment after a successful internship. She is determined to make her mark in the industry, and her bosses know that she will.