What is Design Thinking?

• Design thinking is a process for solving problems by

prioritizing the needs of the user
• It involves observing how people interact with a
product or service, and then creating solutions based
on those observations
• Design thinking is often used to solve problems that
are not well defined or are unknown
 What is Design Thinking?
• Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that
emphasizes empathy for users, creativity in
generating ideas, and iterative prototyping and testing.
• It's a human-centered method used to tackle complex
problems and innovate solutions.
• Key stages typically include empathizing with users
to understand their needs, defining the problem,
ideating to generate possible solutions, prototyping to
visualize ideas, and testing to gather feedback and
refine solutions.
• It's widely used in fields like product design, software
development, and organizational strategy to foster
innovation and user-centered design.
 Design thinking is a process used to
understand the users/customers needs to
create innovative solutions

Design thinking is a “human-centered

approach to innovation that puts the
observation and discovery of often highly
nuanced, even tacit, human needs right at the
forefront of the innovation process.”
What is the importance of Design Thinking?
• Design thinking is important because it provides a structured yet
flexible approach to solving complex problems by focusing on
human needs and fostering innovation.
• It bridges the gap between creativity and practicality, enabling
organizations and individuals to tackle challenges effectively
while keeping the end-user at the center.

Human-Centered Solutions:
It prioritizes understanding the needs, pain points, and behaviours of
users, ensuring that solutions are relevant and impactful
What is the importance of Design Thinking?

Encourages Innovation:
By promoting creative thinking and breaking away from
traditional problem-solving approaches, design thinking
fosters unique and out-of-the-box solutions.

Iterative and Adaptive:

The iterative nature of design thinking allows teams to test,
refine, and adapt ideas quickly, reducing the risk of failure
and improving the final outcome.
What is the importance of Design Thinking?
Collaboration and Teamwork:
It encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, enabling diverse
perspectives and expertise to contribute to better solutions.

Reduces Risk and Cost:

Early prototyping and testing ensure that ideas are vetted
before full-scale implementation, saving time, resources, and
money.

Focus on Problem Framing:

It ensures that the right problem is addressed by emphasizing
the need to understand and define the problem clearly before
jumping to solutions.
What is the importance of Design Thinking?

Applicable Across Industries:

Design thinking is versatile and can be applied to various
fields, including product design, business strategy,
healthcare, education, and social innovation.

Drives Customer Satisfaction:

By deeply empathizing with users, it helps create
products, services, or systems that resonate with the end-
users, improving their experience and satisfaction.
 Understanding Design Thinking?
Example:
• Designing a Better Commuting Experience
• Imagine you’re tasked with improving the commuting experience
for urban bus passengers. Using the design thinking process:

1.Empathize:
1. Observe and interview passengers, bus drivers, and transport authorities.
2. Learn their pain points: overcrowding, long waiting times, lack of
information about bus schedules.
2.Define:
1. Define the problem statement: “How might we reduce the stress and
uncertainty for passengers during their bus commute?”
 Understanding Design Thinking?
3.Ideate:
1. Brainstorm possible solutions:
1. A mobile app with live bus tracking.
2. Improved bus shelters with seating and schedules.
3. Priority boarding for differently-abled passengers.
4.Prototype:
1. Create low-cost prototypes like a mock-up of the app interface
or a reimagined bus shelter design.
5.Test:
1. Test the app with a small group of passengers, gather
feedback, and refine the design.
2. Implement temporary shelters in a few locations to see how
users react.
 Understanding Design Thinking?
Case Study:
• IDEO and the Shopping Cart Redesign
• IDEO, a leading design consultancy, was tasked with redesigning
the traditional shopping cart to make it safer and more user-
friendly. They followed the design thinking process:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reinventing-wheel-shopping-carts-
ideos-ingenious-approach-ramsey/

1.Empathize:
1. The team visited supermarkets and observed how people used shopping
carts.
2. They noted issues such as theft, difficulty in manoeuvring, and accidents
with carts tipping over.
2.Define:
1. Problem Statement: “How can we create a shopping cart that is safer, more
efficient, and easier to use?”
 Understanding Design Thinking?
3. Ideate:
1. Team members brainstormed innovative ideas, such as carts with
detachable baskets, improved wheels, and safety features for children.
4. Prototype:
1. They built quick prototypes to test features like child-safe seats and
detachable baskets for self-checkout.
5.Test:
1. Feedback from customers and store managers helped refine the design.

• Outcome:
The redesigned shopping cart was modular, child-safe, and more
practical for both shoppers and stores. This case study highlights
how observing real user behaviour and iterating solutions can lead
to meaningful innovation.
 Engineering?
• Engineering is the application of science and math to solve
problems and create things.
• Engineers design, test, and build machines, structures, and
processes.
•
• Engineering is about building, creating and fixing various things,
such as technology or architecture.
• You'll need a blend of science, math, critical thinking and
problem-solving skills to become an engineer.
 Engineering?
• What do engineers do?
• Research, invent, and refine processes
• Create new materials
• Design and build structures like bridges, roads, and buildings
• Design and build systems like clean water systems and
networks
• Design and build devices like computers, vehicles, and
prosthetics
• Investigate engine efficiency and alternative fuels
 Creativity ?
• Creativity is the ability to create new ideas, solutions, or
products that are original, unique, and valuable.
• It can also refer to the process of generating these ideas.

• Characteristics of Creativity
• Imagination: Creative people use their imagination to come up with
new ideas
• Originality: Creative people come up with ideas that are unique and
different
• Expressiveness: Creative people express their ideas in a way that is
exciting and imaginative
• Flexibility: Creative people are able to adapt to new situations and
tolerate ambiguity
 Innovation ?
• Innovation is the process of creating new ideas, products, or
services, or improving existing ones.
• It can also be defined as the process of approaching existing
products in new ways.

Innovation Process
•Idea generation: Innovation involves coming up with new ideas and
being creative.
•Development: Innovation involves developing new products, services,
or business models.
•Marketing: Innovation involves marketing new products, services, or
business models to customers.
 Creativity & Innovation
• Creativity is the process of generating new ideas and concepts,
while innovation is the act of taking those creative ideas and
implementing them to create a viable solution or product
• Essentially turning creativity into practical
application; meaning creativity is the foundation for innovation,
and you cannot have innovation without a creative spark first.

• Creativity is the starting point:

• Creativity is where new ideas are conceived, which then become the
basis for innovation.
• Innovation is implementation:
• Innovation involves taking those creative ideas and turning them into
tangible results, like a new product or process.
 Role of Design in Engineering

• In engineering, design plays a crucial role

by translating scientific knowledge into practical
solutions to technical problems

• Essentially acting as the bridge between an idea and

a functional product through a structured process
that involves defining needs, creating concepts,
analyzing options, prototyping, testing, and refining
the design to meet specific requirements and
constraints
 Role of Design in Engineering
• Problem identification and definition: Clearly understanding
the problem or need that needs to be addressed.
• Concept generation: Brainstorming and developing creative
solutions to the problem.
• Analysis and evaluation: Utilizing engineering principles to
assess the feasibility, performance, and cost of different design
options.
• Prototyping: Creating physical models or simulations to test
and refine the design before final production.
• Optimization: Iteratively improving the design based on
feedback from testing and analysis.
 Engineering and Design Thinking
• Engineering and design thinking are closely related disciplines that often
complement each other in problem-solving and innovation processes.

• In essence, while engineering provides the technical know-how to build

solutions, design thinking enriches the process by focusing on human
needs, creativity, and iterative refinement, leading to more effective and
user-centric outcomes.

Problem-Solving Approach:
Engineering traditionally focuses on applying scientific principles to solve
practical problems. Design thinking, on the other hand, emphasizes a human-
centered approach to innovation, focusing on understanding user needs and
iterating solutions.
 Engineering and Design Thinking
Iterative Process:
Both engineering and design thinking involve iterative processes.
Engineers iterate through designs to optimize functionality and
efficiency, while design thinkers iterate through prototypes to refine
user experience and usability.

User-Centered Design:
Design thinking places a strong emphasis on empathizing with
users, defining their problems, ideating potential solutions,
prototyping ideas, and testing them in real-world scenarios. This
approach ensures that engineered solutions meet real user needs
effectively.
 Engineering and Design Thinking
Innovation and Creativity:
Design thinking encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking,
which can inspire engineers to develop innovative solutions.
Engineers, in turn, use their technical expertise to refine and
implement these ideas into practical applications.

Collaboration:
Both disciplines benefit from collaboration across diverse teams.
Engineers, designers, and stakeholders often work together to
ensure that the final product or solution meets technical
requirements while also being user-friendly and innovative.
Engineering for Social and Economic Development

• Engineering plays a crucial role in driving both social and economic

development by providing innovative solutions to global challenges.
• It contributes to infrastructure development, healthcare, energy,
agriculture, and digital transformation, thereby improving the
quality of life and boosting economic growth.
• Socially, engineering helps in creating sustainable cities, clean water
systems, renewable energy solutions, and affordable healthcare
technologies.
• It enhances accessibility, safety, and resilience in communities,
addressing critical issues such as poverty, education, and disaster
management.
Engineering for Social and Economic Development

• Economically, engineering fosters industrial growth, enhances

productivity, and drives technological advancements.
• It supports manufacturing, automation, and digital economies,
creating employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.
• Engineering-led innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, and
green technologies are shaping the future of sustainable economic
progress.
• By integrating ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity, engineering
serves as a powerful catalyst for equitable development, ensuring a
better future for society and the economy alike.
 Impact of Science and Engineering on
Social and Economic Development
• Science and engineering are fundamental drivers of progress,
shaping modern societies and economies through innovation,
problem-solving, and technological advancements.
• Their impact spans multiple sectors, improving quality of life,
increasing productivity, and fostering sustainable growth.
• Science and engineering serve as the backbone of modern
civilization, addressing global challenges and ensuring sustainable
development.
• Their integration into policymaking and industry paves the way for
inclusive growth, technological progress, and a better future for
society and the economy.
 Impact of Science and Engineering on
Social and Economic Development
Social Impact
• Science and engineering contribute to societal well-being in various ways:
• Healthcare Advancements: Medical engineering and biotechnology have
led to life-saving innovations such as vaccines, artificial organs, and
diagnostic tools, improving global health outcomes.
• Infrastructure Development: Civil and structural engineering provide
essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply systems,
and smart cities, enhancing the quality of life.
• Sustainability and Environment: Renewable energy technologies, waste
management solutions, and environmental engineering mitigate climate
change, ensuring a healthier planet.
• Education and Communication: Scientific research and digital
engineering enable better education systems through e-learning platforms,
AI-driven education tools, and high-speed communication networks.
 Impact of Science and Engineering on
Social and Economic Development
Economic Impact
• Engineering and science are key drivers of economic growth by fostering
industrialization, technological progress, and job creation:
• Innovation and Industry Growth: Scientific research leads to new
technologies, supporting industries such as automation, AI,
nanotechnology, and biotechnology. These drive productivity and
competitiveness.
• Employment Generation: Engineering fields, including IT,
manufacturing, and construction, create millions of jobs, directly
impacting economic stability.
• Entrepreneurship and Startups: Technological innovations lead to new
businesses and startups, contributing to economic diversification and
wealth generation.
• Global Competitiveness: Nations investing in science and engineering
become global leaders in technology, attracting foreign investments and
enhancing economic strength.
 Thinking?
• Thinking is the cognitive process of interpreting, analyzing, and
processing information to form ideas, make decisions, solve problems,
and generate new concepts. It is a fundamental mental activity that
enables humans to understand the world, plan actions, and adapt to
changing situations.
• Thinking is a continuous and dynamic process that shapes human
behaviour, influences society, and drives technological and intellectual
progress.

Importance of Thinking
• Helps in decision-making and problem-solving
• Encourages innovation and creativity
• Aids in learning and knowledge retention
• Facilitates communication and reasoning
• Supports personal growth and adaptability
 Behaviour?
• Behaviour refers to the actions, reactions, or conduct of an individual,
group, or system in response to internal or external stimuli.
• It encompasses everything a person does, including thoughts, emotions,
and physical movements.
• Behaviour can be conscious or unconscious, voluntary or involuntary
and is influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment,
culture, and experiences.
• Behaviour is a dynamic and evolving aspect of life that defines how
individuals and groups interact with the world around them.

Importance of Behaviour
• Shapes personal identity and social interactions.
• Determines success in relationships, education, and career.
• Influences mental and emotional well-being.
• Plays a role in societal norms, ethics, and cultural development.
 Thinking and Behaviour
• Thinking and behaviour are deeply interconnected, as thoughts
shape actions, and actions, in turn, influence thoughts.
• The way an individual thinks affects their decisions, emotions,
and responses to different situations, ultimately determining their
behaviour.
• Conversely, behaviour can reinforce or alter patterns of thinking
over time.
• Thinking and behaviour are in a continuous feedback loop—
thoughts guide behaviour, and behaviour's, in turn, reinforce or
reshape thoughts.
• Understanding this relationship helps in self-improvement,
emotional regulation, and effective decision-making in personal and
professional life.
 Thinking and Behaviour
Thoughts Drive Actions
Our beliefs, attitudes, and reasoning processes shape how we behave.
For example, a person who thinks positively about challenges is more
likely to approach them with confidence, while negative thinking can
lead to avoidance or fear-based behaviour.

Behaviour Reinforces Thought Patterns

Repeated behaviour's influence cognitive processes, forming habits and
shaping attitudes.
For example, if someone frequently engages in problem-solving, they
develop a mindset that embraces challenges rather than fearing them.

Emotions Mediate Thinking and Behaviour

Emotional states affect both thinking and behaviour. Stress, happiness,
or anger can influence decision-making and reactions.
Example: Anxiety can lead to overthinking (rumination), which may
result in avoidance behaviour.
 Thinking and Behaviour
Cognitive Biases Influence Behaviour
People often act based on cognitive shortcuts, biases, or preconceived
notions.
Example: Confirmation bias leads people to seek information that aligns
with their beliefs, reinforcing specific behaviour’s.

Learning and Adaptation

Thinking allows for learning from experiences, and behaviour changes
accordingly.
Example: A child touching a hot object learns through experience,
modifying future behaviour to avoid burns.

Social and Environmental Influence

Social norms, culture, and upbringing shape both thought patterns and
behaviours.
Example: Societal expectations influence career choices, dressing styles,
and communication methods.
 Linear Thinking
• Linear thinking refers to a style of thinking that proceeds step-by-
step, in a straight line, towards a specific goal or conclusion.
• It typically involves logical progression from one point to the next,
often in a structured and sequential manner.
• Linear thinking is characterized by focusing on cause and effect
relationships, following a clear and predictable path, and adhering to
established rules or procedures to achieve a desired outcome.
• It contrasts with more non-linear or creative thinking styles that
might explore multiple ideas or connections simultaneously.
Example of Linear Thinking:
• Imagine you are planning a road trip from City A to City B.
• A linear thinker would approach the trip like this:
1.Decide on the destination (City B).
2.Check the best route using a map or GPS.
3.Plan stops for fuel and food along the way.
4.Drive directly to the destination without unnecessary
detours.

• This process follows a clear, step-by-step progression from start to

finish, ensuring a direct and efficient path to the goal.
• In contrast, a non-linear thinker might explore alternative routes,
consider making spontaneous detours, or think about different
modes of travel (e.g., train, flight, or road trip with multiple
sightseeing stops).
 Lateral Thinking
• Lateral thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves
looking at situations from different, unconventional, or creative
perspectives rather than following a straightforward, logical path. It
encourages thinking "outside the box" to find innovative solutions by
breaking traditional patterns of thought.
• Lateral thinking often involves:
• Challenging assumptions
• Connecting unrelated ideas
• Using creativity to approach problems in a new way
• Considering multiple perspectives instead of a single logical path
Example of Lateral Thinking:
Problem: You are locked in a room with no visible way out except
for a heavy, locked door.
Linear Thinking Approach: Find the key, unlock the door, and
exit.

Lateral Thinking Approach: Instead of searching for the key, you

might:
• Check if the door opens outward instead of inward.
• Look for an open window.
• Use a phone to call for help.
• Slide a thin object under the door to push the key out if it’s in the
lock.
• Lateral thinking helps in creative problem-solving, innovation, and
finding solutions that might not be immediately obvious.
Difference Between Linear Thinking and Lateral Thinking

Example to Illustrate the Difference:

Scenario: You need to cross a river but there’s no bridge.

•Linear Thinking: Look for the nearest bridge or boat to cross the river.

•Lateral Thinking: Consider using floating objects, building a temporary

bridge, or even asking for a lift from someone with a boat.
Both thinking styles have their place: linear thinking is great for
structured, logical tasks, while lateral thinking is useful for creative
problem-solving and innovation.
Aspect Linear Thinking Lateral Thinking
Step-by-step, logical, and Creative, unconventional,
Approach
sequential and out-of-the-box
Explores multiple
Follows a direct,
Path to Solution possibilities, including
structured path
unexpected ones
Challenging assumptions
Cause-and-effect
Focus and making new
relationships
connections

Problem-Solving Style Analytical and methodical Innovative and flexible

Solving a math problem Finding a shortcut or trick

Example using formulas in a to solve the problem
structured way differently
Tasks requiring precision, Situations needing
Best Used For efficiency, and creativity, innovation, or
predictability unique solutions
 Systems thinking
• Systems thinking is a way of understanding and analyzing
complex systems by examining how different parts within a
system interact with each other and how the system as a whole
behaves.
• It emphasizes viewing systems as interconnected wholes rather
than isolated parts, recognizing that changes in one part of a
system can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.
• In practical terms, it involves identifying key elements of a
system, understanding their relationships and dynamics, and
considering feedback loops and dependencies.
• It's widely used in various fields like engineering, management,
ecology, and social sciences to tackle complex problems that
involve multiple interacting factors.
 Applications of Design Thinking
• Design thinking has a wide range of applications across various
fields and industries.
• Here are some domains where design thinking is commonly
applied:

Product Design and Development: Design thinking helps in creating

innovative products and services by focusing on user needs and
experiences.

Service Design: It's used to improve and innovate service delivery

processes, making services more user-friendly and efficient.
 Applications of Design Thinking
Organizational Strategy: Design thinking can inform strategic
decisions by emphasizing empathy, creativity, and iterative problem-
solving.

Education: It's used to develop engaging and effective learning

experiences that cater to diverse student needs.

Healthcare: Design thinking improves patient care by designing

better medical devices, hospital environments, and patient
experiences.

Social Innovation: It's applied to tackle social issues like poverty,

education inequality, and environmental sustainability.
 Applications of Design Thinking
Technology: Design thinking helps in developing user-friendly
software interfaces and intuitive digital experiences.

Urban Planning: It can be used to design liveable cities and improve

infrastructure based on community needs and behaviour.

Marketing and Branding: It helps in creating compelling brand

experiences and customer journeys.

Policy Making: Design thinking techniques are increasingly used to

develop policies that are more responsive to citizens' needs and
behaviours.
 Overview of Design Thinking
Design thinking is a systematic method of solving problems
This method is unique that it starts and ends with humans
The design thinkers start by observing, interviewing or just
plain experiencing a situation
Then, they proceed to improve the situation of the humans by
solving problems for them
In other words, it’s a process that’s all about the customer or
user experience
It’s about knowing what humans want and need in the
moment
By taking a human-centered approach, designers and
innovators can create solution that are effective, efficient, and
enjoyable for the users
Phases in Design Thinking Process
 Phases in Design Thinking Process

• The Design Thinking process typically consists of five key

phases, each aimed at fostering creativity, empathy, and problem-
solving.

Empathize
• The first step involves understanding the users, their needs, and
challenges.
• Methods include interviews, observations, surveys, and user
personas.
• The goal is to gain deep insights into the user's experiences and
emotions.
 Phases in Design Thinking Process
Define
• In this phase, insights from the Empathize stage are synthesized to
define the core problem.
• A clear, concise problem statement (also known as a “How Might
We” question) is formulated.
• This step ensures that the design team focuses on the right issue.

Ideate
• Brainstorming sessions take place to generate multiple innovative
solutions.
• The goal is to think creatively without limitations and explore
various possibilities.
 Phases in Design Thinking Process
Prototype
• A low-fidelity or high-fidelity model of the solution is created.
• This can be a sketch, a digital mock-up, or a physical prototype.
• Prototypes allow quick testing and iteration before full-scale
development.

Test
• The prototype is tested with real users to gather feedback.
• The design team observes how users interact with the prototype
and makes improvements.
• This phase is iterative, meaning multiple revisions are made until
the best solution emerges.
 Why is Design Thinking Iterative?

• Design Thinking is iterative because it involves continuous

testing, learning, and refining ideas based on user feedback.

• Instead of following a strict linear process, teams revisit previous

phases whenever new insights emerge.

• This ensures that the final solution is user-centered, feasible, and

effective.
 Why is Design Thinking Iterative?
Real-World Examples
Apple’s iPhone Development – Empathizing with Users
• Apple continuously iterates on its iPhone design based on user feedback.
For example, the early iPhones had small screens and lacked certain
features like copy-paste. Through user observations and testing, Apple
improved the user interface, introduced Retina displays, and later added
features like Face ID.

Airbnb’s Growth Strategy – Redefining the Problem

• In its early days, Airbnb struggled with low customer engagement. The
founders initially thought the issue was pricing, but after empathizing
with users, they realized that poor-quality photos of listed properties were
the real problem. By revisiting the Define phase, they reframed the
problem and introduced professional photography for listings, which
significantly boosted bookings.
 Why is Design Thinking Iterative?
Real-World Examples
Tesla’s Autopilot System – Continuous Testing & Improvement
• Tesla's Autopilot feature undergoes constant iterations. Each time Tesla
collects data from real-world driving conditions, engineers refine the self-
driving algorithms. The software is frequently updated based on feedback
and testing, ensuring that it becomes more accurate and safer over time.

Dyson’s Vacuum Cleaner Innovation – Prototyping & Refinement

• James Dyson developed over 5,000 prototypes before launching the first
bagless vacuum cleaner. Each prototype was tested, refined, and improved
based on failures and user needs. This iterative process led to a
revolutionary product that disrupted the vacuum cleaner industry.