Define - Introduction to Engineering Design

Summary

In this session, Mika, a lecturer for Introduction to Engineering Design, explores the Define phase of the design thinking process. Building on the Empathize phase, the session explains how to clarify problems using insights from user research, synthesize data, and create actionable point of view statements. Key activities such as affinity mapping, developing 'How Might We' questions, and refining problems are covered. A practical ice cream truck case study illustrates translating challenges into innovative solutions. Emphasizing user-centered design, the session highlights the importance of understanding real-world problems before generating solutions, aligning creativity with empathy and practical impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Define phase in design thinking focuses on clarifying the real problem based on insights from the Empathize phase.
• 😀 Empathize phase involves understanding user needs through interviews, observations, and immersion in their environment.
• 😀 The Define phase transforms collected data into actionable insights, revealing underlying challenges and patterns.
• 😀 Affinity mapping is a key tool used to organize observations and highlight common themes in the data.
• 😀 A Point of View (POV) statement summarizes user needs and challenges, serving as the foundation for solution generation.
• 😀 'How Might We' questions reframe problems into opportunities for innovative solutions while promoting creative thinking.
• 😀 Effective HMW questions balance openness for creativity with sufficient focus to address the actual problem.
• 😀 HMW questions have three elements: 'How' (exploration), 'Might' (multiple solutions), and 'We' (collaboration).
• 😀 Problems may need refinement or reframing based on feedback or new insights to remain user-centered and accurate.
• 😀 Real-world examples, like the ice cream truck case study, demonstrate the importance of balanced problem framing and solution ideation.
• 😀 Focusing on understanding the problem first, as emphasized by Thomas Edison, ensures that solutions are relevant and useful.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Define phase in design thinking?

The Define phase focuses on clarifying the problem based on insights from the empathize phase, ensuring the problem is grounded in real user needs and can be solved with practical solutions.

How does the Define phase build on the Empathize phase?

The Define phase uses the observations, interviews, and insights gathered during the Empathize phase to synthesize patterns and challenges, turning user understanding into a clearly defined problem.

What are the key activities involved in the Define phase?

Key activities include unpacking insights using tools like affinity mapping, creating a point of view (POV) statement, developing 'How Might We' questions, and refining or reframing the problem as new insights are gathered.

What is a Point of View (POV) statement and why is it important?

A POV statement is a brief summary of the problem from the user's perspective, focusing on their needs and challenges. It is important because it provides a clear, actionable foundation for generating solutions.

What are 'How Might We' questions and what purpose do they serve?

'How Might We' questions reframe a defined problem into opportunities for creative solutions. They encourage exploration of multiple possibilities, promote collaboration, and balance focus with openness to innovation.

What are the three key components of a good 'How Might We' question?

The three components are: 'How' which signals openness to different approaches, 'Might' which suggests multiple possible solutions, and 'We' which emphasizes collaboration and teamwork.

What could happen if a 'How Might We' question is too narrow or too broad?

If it's too narrow, it limits creativity and solution possibilities. If it's too broad, the focus on the core problem may be lost, reducing relevance and clarity.

Can you give an example of a well-framed 'How Might We' question from the ice cream truck case study?

A good example is: 'How might we redesign the ice cream buying experience for kids so that it is less messy?' This question is focused yet allows for multiple creative solutions, like new packaging or portable carrying devices.

Why is refining or reframing the problem an important activity in the Define phase?

Refining or reframing ensures that the problem remains relevant and focused as new feedback or insights are gathered, preventing teams from working on assumptions or incomplete understandings.

What is the main lesson from Thomas Edison’s quote in the context of design thinking?

The lesson is that identifying real-world problems before attempting to create solutions ensures that solutions are relevant, practical, and address genuine needs, aligning with the core philosophy of the Define phase.

What tools can help in organizing and synthesizing insights during the Define phase?

Affinity mapping is a key tool used to organize observations and data, helping identify patterns and themes without limiting the scope of the design challenge.

How does the Define phase ensure the design process remains user-centered?

By creating POV statements and HMW questions grounded in real user insights, the Define phase ensures that the problem definition and subsequent solutions are focused on actual user needs rather than assumptions.