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I bought my first car from a local pastor in 1965. It was a 1954 Oldsmobile, and as my first car, it was perfect. In those days, they had not yet perfected the idea of metallic paint, so my chariot was a dust green. In 1954, there were options available to buyers, but only those packages offered by the manufacturers. It was designed to fit the American market based on what research had decided the public wanted. By the time of my ownership, it had developed unique eccentricities that made driving an experience. Because of a problem with the carburetor, every time I made a left turn, the engine would die. The solution, of course, was not to make any left turns.
Sixty years later, the car I own could have been ordered directly from the factory in Germany. It could be built specifically for me with almost any bell or whistle I could come up with. This dramatic evolution is an indicator of a global phenomenon in perception and thinking that has revolutionized almost everything. It’s called design thinking.
Design thinking is a creative problem-solving approach that puts the user at the center of the design process. It involves empathizing with the user, defining the problem, ideating potential solutions, prototyping and testing, and iterating based on feedback.
Design thinking has become increasingly popular in recent years because it offers a human-centered approach to problem-solving, which can lead to more innovative and impactful solutions. By focusing on the needs and experiences of the user, design thinking can help organizations create products, services, and experiences that are more intuitive, user-friendly, and effective.
In addition to improving the quality of design solutions, design thinking can positively impact organizational culture. It encourages collaboration, experimentation, and iteration, which can lead to a more agile and adaptable team. It also fosters a culture of empathy and understanding, which can improve communication and relationships within the team and with external stakeholders.
This thinking prioritizes the user's needs and experiences. It involves understanding the user's perspective, defining the problem, brainstorming potential solutions, prototyping and testing, and iterating based on feedback. It has become increasingly popular in recent years because it offers a more human-centered approach to problem-solving, which can lead to more innovative and impactful solutions.
It can be applied to various fields, from business to education to personal life. Design thinking can help create more intuitive and effective products, services, and experiences by prioritizing user needs and experiences. It encourages collaboration, experimentation, and iteration, which can lead to more agile and adaptive solutions and a more fulfilling personal life.
In addition to improving the quality of design solutions, design thinking can positively impact organizational culture and personal growth. It fosters a culture of empathy and understanding, which can improve communication and relationships within the team and with external stakeholders. It also encourages a growth mindset, where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Overall, design thinking is a powerful tool that not only help organizations but also individuals create solutions that are effective, innovative, user-centered, and empathetic. By applying design thinking principles to problem-solving, one can improve their problem-solving skills and create a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Some really good food for thought thanks JR
How timely this article is! Your display of ‘design thinking’ describes the approach we took in problem solving last week within one of our Seder Management teams. We’re encouraged by the collaboration and personal fulfillment. I’ll be sharing this article with those who lead teams.
Thank you!
Krista J. Ball
Thank you so much for this post JR!
I was particularly, impacted with this : ‘ In addition to improving the quality of design solutions, design thinking can positively impact organizational culture and personal growth. It fosters a culture of empathy and understanding, which can improve communication and relationships within the team and with external stakeholders. It also encourages a growth mindset, where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and improve.’
Janice Stewart
Ah, "a more fulfilling and satisfying life. As you've said, "It all begins with thinking." My first car was perfect, also. A 1957 Plymouth Savoy - push button transmission and rocket fins on the back.