Design Thinking Workshops
User-centered results with Design Thinking workshops
Design Thinking describes a user-centered mindset and is also a toolbox for various methods to understand problems within a defined timeframe and solve them in a user-centered and innovative way. To achieve outstanding results, careful planning and effective facilitation are essential. We are happy to assist you in preparing and facilitating a Design Thinking process tailored to your specific questions.
Our Approach to Design Thinking
The principles of Design Thinking can be quickly described: understand and observe users, work interdisciplinary in teams, rapidly prototype ideas, and test, test, test.
Creative phases (Divergent Thinking) and structuring phases (Convergent Thinking) alternate in Design Thinking.
We help you apply these principles to your individual problem, advise you on various Design Thinking methods, and conduct workshops where you can focus on solution finding in an interdisciplinary team.
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.“
John Dewey
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Understand
Comprehensively identify and understand problemsProblem space: Understand
The first step is to grasp and understand the problem in all its complexity.
With a multidisciplinary team from various departments, we gather information about the nature of the problem in a setting conducive to creative work (preferably away from the daily work environment), for example, using the problem statement method.
Through different perspectives, participants gain the most comprehensive view of the problem (from feasibility to business relevance).
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Observe
Users consider the defined problemProblem space: Observe
In the second step, we involve users and examine the previously defined problem from their perspective.
The goal is to understand the needs and desires of the users. Various user research methods can be employed (e.g., interviews).
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Define
Define a common perspective on the problemProblem space: Define
Based on the observed behavior, we define a shared perspective on the problem and move into the second phase of the design thinking process.
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Ideate
Generating ideas using creative methodsSolution space: Ideate
Now we enter the solution space. Initially, this involves a large number of ideas. Our motto in this phase is: "Quantity breeds Quality!" For idea generation, we apply various creative methods, such as brainstorming, the 6-3-5 method, or storyboards.
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Prototype
Make ideas tangible with the help of prototypesSolution space: Prototype
We start as early as possible to make the generated ideas tangible through simple prototypes. Our User Experience Designers accompany this process and assist in implementing ideas using common prototyping tools.
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Test
Gather user feedback and iterateSolution space: Test
Feedback from later users is again essential for selecting and refining the “right” idea.
Usability Tests of the prototypes quickly show whether the generated ideas work. This way, potential misdevelopments can be avoided from the outset.
Design Sprint – The Most Popular Method in Design Thinking
In contrast to Design Thinking, which encompasses an entire mindset and various creative methods, a Design Sprint is a specific method that builds on the principles of Design Thinking.
What distinguishes Design Sprints?
- Deep dive into a concrete challenge
- Covers all phases of Design Thinking
- Clear and structured process
- Efficient approach in a workshop format
- Involvement of key stakeholders
- Duration: 4-5 days
What are the results?
In the end, you will receive a concrete, tangible solution in the form of a prototype that has already been aligned with the key stakeholders. Involving all essential stakeholders ensures the future viability of the idea. Based on this, the concept can be further refined and developed. We are also happy to assist you with this.
More about Design Sprints
What Can We Achieve with Design Thinking?
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Development of innovative ideas
Through various creative methods in the design process
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User-friendly solutions / high acceptance
By involving the future users of the product
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Sustainable solutions
By involving all relevant business areas
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Rapid solutions
Through a formalized process in the shortest time possible
Why Design Thinking with usability.de?
- We guide you through the entire Design Thinking process: from preparation and selection of suitable creative methods to facilitating workshops and documenting results – we support you at every step.
- We take care of recruiting suitable participants for observations and tests. We can also fully handle the planning and execution for you upon request.
- We flexibly adjust the duration of the process to your needs and the complexity of the issue – from compact Design Thinking workshops over 1-2 days to get acquainted with the methodology, to intensive formats over one or more weeks.
- Beyond Design Thinking, we support you in the long term with User-Centered Design, which is based on the same fundamental principles and enables sustainable integration within the company.
UX Design
UX Testing & UX Research
