1. Empathize<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The first phase, Empathize, aims for the design team to gain a deeper understanding of the problem through intense research. Here, the team must also explore the users\u2019 needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Define<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Define stage is where the design team gathers all data and carries out an analysis and synthesis in order to further define the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Ideate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Following this is Ideate, where assumptions are challenged, and creative solutions are put forth in the design thinking process. This phase builds on the previous phases and looks to produce a testable solution before further experimenting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Prototype<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The next phase is Prototype, the experimental phase. Here, design teams will start to create a few small versions of the product or system that are directly related to previous phases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, there is the Test phase. Designers test the final product or system, but worth mentioning is that it\u2019s iterative. The phrase \u201cfail early, fail often\u201d is often used to describe this phase. The emphasis here is placed on creating prototypes fast, testing them out on real users, and then returning to the drawing board for improvements or modifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Design Thinking has become popular ever since high-profile organizations like Google, Apple<\/a> and Airbnb<\/a> started using it with great success. Its appeal is that it focusses more on the end user and aims to capture their mindset<\/strong>. It has even been applied to other sectors like healthcare, where it was used to build a better MR scanner experience for children, and self-improvement, where it helped people improve their lives by mapping out their paths to better health and wellness. Other areas where Design Thinking has successfully worked is education, finance, journalism, retail and transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As expected, DT has received much criticism, some going as far as saying that it offers little more than its buzzworthiness<\/em>. Graphic designer, Natasha Jen, points out that DT is human intuition that doesn\u2019t justify its expensive price. For new businesses starting up on a limited budget, the process could be considered an unjustified expense. Moreover, as new models of thinking enter the mainstream, established models are often put in jeopardy. Thus, individuals and companies sustaining themselves on an established model often put up resistance to welcoming a new way of doing things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Call it what you will, Design Thinking has contributed greatly to startups as much as Fortune 500 companies looking to improve products and services<\/strong>. Ideation, innovation, synthesis and prototyping is making our lives easier in many ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"design](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Design_thinking-1024x667.png\")
The Influence and Impact of\nDesign Thinking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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