Design Thinking 101: Finding the Right Problems to Solve

During my UX class, my students spend time exploring the subject of design thinking. They are answering the question, “What’s this design thinking all about?”

Well, I think of it like working on my Jeep. Imagine you suspect there’s a problem, so you plug in your diagnostic tool. The tool reads the computer codes and suggests what might be wrong. Sure, you could jump in and replace the first thing it suggests, and it might fix the problem. But often, it just masks the real issue, and soon enough, a new code pops up. Good mechanics don’t just address the visible code; they dig deeper to find the root cause before making a fix.

Design thinking is the same way. It’s about truly understanding the people you’re designing for, finding the right problem to solve, and then coming up with creative ways to fix it.

For me, design thinking is like having a superpower. It’s not just about slapping on a quick fix; it’s about getting to the root of the issue and solving it in the most innovative and effective way.

There are countless success stories where, by diving into the details and using empathy and integrity, we uncover the real problems that need solving.

Here’s the kicker: I believe that anyone can solve a problem, but the magic of design thinking is about finding the right problem to solve in the first place. It’s about timing and precision, ensuring we’re tackling the issues that truly matter. Design thinking blends empathy, creativity, and practicality, turning challenges into opportunities for amazing, user-focused solutions.

So next time someone asks you, “What is design thinking?” you can tell them it’s not just about fixing issues. It’s about finding the real problems, solving them at the right time, and creating impactful solutions that resonate deeply with users.