2. Design Thinking: Define

Summary

The 'Define' phase in design thinking, akin to hypothesizing in science, involves deeply understanding and refining the problem at hand. It encourages embracing ambiguity as initial assumptions may evolve based on user data and research. Key activities include data analysis, the 'five why's' method, creating personas, and iteratively redefining the problem. Techniques like 'How might we' statements are used to explore various angles of the problem, aiming to pinpoint its core.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The second step in design thinking is 'Define', akin to 'hypothesize' in the scientific method.
• 🤔 People often assume they know the problem, but it needs to be developed, refined, and reframed.
• 📊 Use data from the 'Empathize' step to unpack, synthesize, and look for insights and needs.
• 🔄 The process is not linear; data collection might continue during problem definition.
• 🌊 Embrace ambiguity and uncertainty during problem definition.
• 🧐 Engage in data analysis and use methods like the 'Five Whys' to understand underlying issues.
• 👥 Create personas based on the general population or targeted audience for the product or service.
• 📝 Redefine the problem continuously as more information is discovered.
• 📋 Formulate multiple problem statements and refine them iteratively.
• 💡 Use 'How Might We' statements to explore different aspects of the problem and reframe it.

Q & A

What is the second step in the design thinking process?

The second step in the design thinking process is called 'define', which is also sometimes referred to as 'hypothesize'. It involves defining the problem that needs to be solved.

Why is it important to make time and space for problem development?

It is important to make time and space for problem development because it allows for the problem to be refined and reframe until the actual problem that needs to be solved is identified.

What data is used to define the problem?

The data from the empathized step is used to define the problem, which is then unpacked and synthesized to look for insights and needs.

Why is the problem definition stage considered non-linear?

The problem definition stage is considered non-linear because it may require continuing to collect data while defining the problem, indicating that the process can loop back on itself.

What does it mean to embrace ambiguity during problem definition?

Embracing ambiguity during problem definition means accepting that the initial understanding of the problem might be unclear or incorrect and being open to the possibility that user data or research might reveal a different problem.

What methods are used in the problem definition process?

Methods used in the problem definition process include data analysis, the five why's technique, creating personas, and redefining the problem as more information is discovered.

What is the purpose of creating personas in the problem definition stage?

The purpose of creating personas is to understand the general population or targeted audience that will be using or buying the product or service being designed.

How are problem statements refined during the problem definition stage?

Problem statements are refined by continuously redefining them as more is learned about the problem, allowing for a more precise and accurate definition of what needs to be solved.

What is the 'how might we' reframing technique?

The 'how might we' reframing technique is a method of generating multiple problem statements by asking questions that start with 'how might we', which helps explore different aspects of a problem.

Can you provide an example of using the 'how might we' technique?

An example of using the 'how might we' technique is considering airport security and asking questions like 'how might we provide a safe, secure, and joyful experience through airport security?' or 'how might we provide a fast, easy, relaxing experience through airport security?'

Why is it important to come up with multiple problem statements?

It is important to come up with multiple problem statements to explore various facets of the problem and to ensure a comprehensive understanding before moving forward with a solution.