The Problem With Design Thinking (And 3 Ways We've Seen It Work At Companies)

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the common misconceptions surrounding design thinking, emphasizing that it is not a silver bullet for innovation. Many companies expect design thinking to solve all their problems after just one workshop, but the speaker argues that true innovation requires deeper commitment and tailored processes. They suggest creating a dedicated team of facilitators, starting small with innovative teams, and acknowledging that real change takes time. Ultimately, design thinking is a valuable tool when integrated effectively, but expectations must align with its true purpose to avoid disappointment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many clients have a negative perception of design thinking due to previous failures.
• 🤔 Design thinking is often misunderstood as a one-size-fits-all solution for innovation challenges.
• 🔑 Design thinking is a process and mindset, not a silver bullet for innovation problems.
• 🍽️ Teaching design thinking is like teaching someone to cook a single dish without understanding broader culinary principles.
• 🌱 Effective innovation requires deeper systemic change, not just surface-level training.
• 🤝 Successful companies build dedicated teams of process facilitators to tailor and implement innovation processes.
• 📉 A top-down approach to innovation often fails; starting with small teams can yield better results.
• ⏳ Changing company culture and processes takes time and should be approached as a multi-year transition.
• 🔄 Design thinking should be integrated gradually, focusing on small, successful implementations to encourage broader adoption.
• 💬 Design thinking has value and merits but must be approached with realistic expectations to avoid disappointment.

Q & A

What is the main reason clients express dissatisfaction with design thinking?

Clients often believe that design thinking will solve all their innovation problems, but their expectations are usually too high due to past experiences with other consulting firms.

How does the speaker perceive design thinking?

The speaker views design thinking as a valuable process and mindset that can aid in creativity and problem-solving, but it is not a complete solution for deeper innovation issues within a company.

What are the two misconceptions about design thinking mentioned?

The two misconceptions are: 1) that design thinking will solve all innovation problems, and 2) that a design thinking course alone can make employees innovative.

What is the analogy used to explain the limitations of design thinking?

The speaker compares teaching design thinking to teaching someone how to cook only one dish without providing a comprehensive understanding of cooking as a whole.

What is one effective strategy for enhancing innovation in companies?

One effective strategy is to create a dedicated team of process facilitators who are trained to lead tailored workshops and use various collaborative tools specific to the company's needs.

Why is a top-down approach to innovation often ineffective?

A top-down approach can be ineffective because it may not engage employees at all levels, leading to a lack of buy-in and implementation across the organization.

What approach does the speaker recommend for introducing innovation processes?

The speaker recommends starting with small teams to demonstrate successful innovation practices, which can then spread organically throughout the organization.

How long does the speaker suggest it typically takes to see changes from innovation initiatives?

The speaker emphasizes that implementing innovation processes is a long-term commitment and often takes years rather than months to see significant change.

What does the speaker say about the expectation of immediate results from design thinking workshops?

The speaker cautions against expecting immediate results, highlighting that design thinking is not a 'silver bullet' and requires a thoughtful integration into a broader innovation strategy.

What resources does the speaker provide for those interested in becoming facilitators?

The speaker offers a free one-hour training linked in the video for individuals interested in learning how to run various types of workshops, including design thinking and design sprints.