Topic 1: Introduce design thinking for understanding client needs
Design thinking is an approach used for practical and creative problem-solving. Even though it was developed in fields like engineering and architecture, it can be applied across disciplines, and it is widely used in the business sector.
The purpose of design thinking is to understand people’s needs and find effective solutions to meet them. It is a non-linear, iterative process used to challenge assumptions and redefine problems, and it is extensively used for prototyping and testing.
A crucial point in design thinking is getting rid of one’s own assumptions and perceptions, in order to understand the problem in question and provide the most feasible solution.
Another important aspect is pluralism, therefore brainstorming sessions and think tanks are effective tools that can be used as a starting point for generating ideas in the framework of a team and for reaching the potential clients of the business.
Design thinking can be very challenging, and thus it should cover three main criteria: desirability, feasibility, and viability.
- Desirability: This criterion is focused on the target group’s needs and existing behaviours, and requires empathy from the side of the company in order for those needs to be addressed and covered.
- Feasibility: The second criterion examines whether the needs identified above can in fact be covered. This relies on the available resources, in terms of people, money and technological means.
- Viability: Even if the previous criteria are met, a solution based on design thinking should be profitable for the company or organization. Even in cases of non-profit organisations, the solution should have a positive impact and should definitely not cause damage of any kind, for it to be considered and implemented.
