Month: March 2020

For the last week, the readings presented a differing view of design thinking, and what is important about the process. The readings also shone a light onto what lies in the future of design. Design thinking can become superficial, and one has to remain critical and exercise new habits and methods to truly find continued success. The idea that design thinking is a shortened or generalized easy way for anyone to solve design problems is flawed. The future of design lies in the combination and creation of new methods by the addition of other disciplines, further evolving design and bettering the world.

In the readings and content for this week, we focused on thinking outside the box, or divergent thinking, the intangible elements of value good design brings, and how truly moving design is a culmination of a number of factors and considerations. By taking ideas and concepts of value we know, and combine them we can develop new ideas that people haven’t considered before. In considering the emotions design can bring, the smell, the sensation or viewing pleasure, we create products and designs that connect with the consumer on a deeper level and leave a lasting and memorable impact. Bringing different people, ideas and values together create design that is inclusive and lasting, versus surface and forgettable.

This week was interesting as it really honed into the different mindsets that are helpful during the design thinking process. This was a great way to summarize the information we have learned this term in a concise way. The most succinct way this was framed is the concept of adventurous thinking, as all facets must be considered. From thinking sideways, backward, rethinking, thinking creatively (parkour) and looking at what we are missing involve using the skills of empathy, prototyping and observing, as well as testing and interacting with the world. These are all necessary elements for the full process of design to take place.