Hi there, everyone! How are you guys doing today? We hope that all is well at your end and that you guys are also having a great time reading our blogs and making the most of everything that we happen to share here. Today, in this blog, we aim to discuss the 5 stages of design thinking and how you can achieve your personal and professional goals after following a proper pattern to create your designs. We would like you all to make sure that you read the blog till the very end to know more and design better than before. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
If you guys are new here, we would first like to welcome you and let you all know that you are in for a treat. And secondly, we are hopeful that after reading this very blog, you will be able to make informed decisions right from the start to achieve your goals, because trust us when we say this: you cannot (and must not) create a design (of a product) without a proper thought process. Okay, so what are the 5 stages that can help you stay ahead in the game when it comes to creating designs/making products, etc.?
Before we discuss those stages in detail, we want you guys to know that it is usually a one-size-fits-all solution, so you are allowed not to feel overwhelmed, okay? 😀
Credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/process-infographic-template_15441403.htm
1. Empathize:
No, this ain’t a psychology class, and you won’t be sitting in a focus group to show empathy towards other group members. But what we want you all to know is that the first stage of design thinking is to empathize. With whom, you ask? With your audience, of course. Take your designs/products as a solution to a problem that your business is trying to resolve. Now, you can only do that if you know and understand the needs and demands of your target audience or end customers, right? So, by following a user-centric approach, you will gain insights into users’ needs that are free of bias or your personal opinion.
2. Define (the users’ needs):
The next stage is to define the needs or problems that your end customer/user has or is facing. These needs must be figured out as per the needs of an actual human being that’s not you, or the owner of the business, or anyone else in your team. This stage reiterates the idea of working on perceptions without any bias or wishes of the people who are running a business. In this stage, you can formulate ideas and present solutions to problems that an average user might be facing at any given time.
3. Ideate:
This stage is self-explanatory. During this stage, you and your team members will be able to generate ideas, as you have not only real insights but have also identified the problems and are ready to resolve them through your product or services. We suggest that during this stage, you must go wild and think of all the possibilities for your designs. You are not going to go ahead with all the thoughts that will come to your mind, but the sky is the limit, remember? 😉
4. Prototype:
In simpler words, this stage allows you to start developing solutions. Now, these solutions have to offer effective solutions, okay? So, think of it as an activity where you will be experimenting with your designs/products by either engaging with or using them, or having a group of people outside of your team(s) to do the same. Know that during this stage, you will be able to get your hands on insights based on real experiences, which will, ultimately, help you improve your products, services, etc.
5. Test:
And now that you guys have created prototypes, it is time to test them, over and over again, if need be. This stage also allows you to refine your prototypes as you get deeper insights into the needs and demands of the target audiences. So, make sure that you guys make the most of this stage while you are at it.
That’s all for today, everyone! We hope that you not only liked reading the blog but that you will also take some time to share your valuable feedback with us in the comments section down below. And while you are at it, do not forget to share the blog with your friends, family, and favorite colleagues. Also, we want you guys to let us know about your special requests, and we will be right back with your requested content and more. Until next time, keep reading and sharing our blogs in your personal and professional circles.
Featured image credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/graphic-design-quote-flat-style_2039955.htm
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- Is Design Thinking A Soft Skill Or A Philosophy?
- What did Graphic Designers Use Before Computers?
- Some Design Terms Every Beginner Designer Should Know
- How Do I Pitch Myself As A Designer?
- How Do I Get New Design Ideas?
