Lesezeit: 3 Minuten

Design thinking and the corresponding workshops are a method that is generally intended to lead to a change of perspective. The method is primarily used to solve problems and it doesn't matter what kind of problem it is - from products to detailed work processes to team building. What distinguishes the method from other problem-solving methods is the approach. As well as the solution, the focus here is on identifying the problems and, above all, the user.

The method is based on a model called "Double Diamond". The two adjacent diamonds cover the main steps of the method: Identifying the problem and solving the problem. In order to optimise these two sub-processes, interviews and discussions with people from the target group are particularly suitable for identifying the problems. These interviews and observations may not only reveal problems that have already been suspected, but also those that are so close to the users that they would probably not have been noticed by the developers. However, it is not only the target group that serves as a source for problem identification; research on the market, the assessment of key figures and comparative values can also contribute to this process. These approaches offer the opportunity to step out of one's own perspective and adopt that of the other person, thus gaining a much more differentiated perception of one's own working methods and their results. Finally, the second diamond focuses on the process of problem solving. The aim here is by no means to have a finished implementation at the end, but rather a prototypically tested solution. Ideas for solving the problem should be made visible and tangible. Further feedback then enables the solution to be fine-tuned, which can then be implemented.

Design thinking is versatile and suitable for a wide variety of areas. Basically, it provides an excellent approach that makes it possible to optimise products, processes and team-building measures, for example. The method can also be used on a large scale, for example for the vision of a company. Changing one's own perspective and putting oneself in the other person's shoes opens up many
opportunities with great potential.

Moderation is crucial for success and therefore essential. Supervised work and good moderation keep the creative process constantly running, for example through tasks, voting and breakout sessions. It's important to have a plan B in case something doesn't work out.
A workshop that lasts about three to five days from start to finish is required. There is also a mini-method that only lasts 1.5 hours and runs through an example problem to give participants a quick and clear understanding of the method. What is special about the implementation of Design Thinking is that the phases that are run through in the workshop are designed in such a way that you can go back again and again.
The preparation time varies depending on the version and availability of a basic framework, but in the smallest version with an available room and moderation, it is possible in one week.