ESP 103 - Design Thinking : Library Resources

To support certification in DTMethod, the Inprogress Design Lab provides a comprehensive guide for organizations and individuals to enhance their design and user journey. Design is part of every project, product, or solution. It determines how a consumer or business interacts with products and provides insight to how organizations are perceived. Design thinking is an approach to designing new products, processes and services (solutions). Solutions are designed and delivered using a variety of models, tools and methods depending on the preferences of an organization and its challenges. Design thinking is not a single methodology but a way of working that involves different methods of operation. By learning and practicing the DTMethod, organizations will benefit by: * reducing risk by assessing if projects are feasible before they start * reducing costs for projects * increasing the benefits obtained by products, processes and services * reducing uncertainty about the duration and level of people's involvement in the Design Thinking process * enabling the inclusion of Design Thinking into the routine activity of projects * increasing the possibility of designing a good Solution.

This textbook identifies and critically explores the new business landscape through the lens of design thinking and contemporary industry practice, bridging the divide between the design and business domains. The book outlines the evolution of design thinking and the relationship between business and design, as well as provides in-depth studies of design thinking in turbulent business contexts, that includes the themes of sustainability, branding and organisational innovation. At its core, it articulates that design thinking is vital to establishing dynamic interdisciplinary thinking models that lead to organizational innovation. Featuring case studies and learning tasks, the book presents design thinking for readers as an organisational philosophy as opposed to a simple problem-solving tool. 

Extensive research conducted by the Hasso Plattner Design Thinking Research Program at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, USA, and the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, Germany, has yielded valuable insights on why and how design thinking works. The participating researchers have identified metrics, developed models, and conducted studies, which are featured in this book, and in the previous volumes of this series. This volume provides readers with tools to bridge the gap between research and practice in design thinking with varied real world examples. Several different approaches to design thinking are presented in this volume. Acquired frameworks are leveraged to understand design thinking team dynamics. The contributing authors lead the reader through new approaches and application fields and show that design thinking can tap the potential of digital technologies in a human-centered way. It also presents new ideas in neurodesign from Stanford University andthe Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, inviting the reader to consider newly developed methods and how these insights can be applied to different domains. Design thinking can be learned. It has a methodology that can be observed across multiple settings and accordingly, the reader can adopt new frameworks to modify and update existing practice. The research outcomes compiled in this book are intended to inform and provide inspiration for all those seeking to drive innovation - be they experienced design thinkers or newcomers.

Globalization and digitalization are buzz words in contemporary society. They affect both our private and our professional lives. Society has become more diverse with easier access to information and to virtual platforms that gives us opportunity to be in touch with colleagues, friends, family, etc. at any time. A complex environment is emerging wherein internet of things and big data are being integrated with products, production systems, healthcare, and daily activity and play an important part in decision making. This has an impact on future designs and the role of designers. Responsible designers with a holistic perspective are needed. The book highlights several aspects of design thinking such as Information Design and Critical Design. The meaning of culture, gender and disabilities are also discussed. The functions of Information Design are changing from 'showing the way', instruction manuals and graphic design. It will affect among others, healthcare technology, smart products and Industry 4.0. Design thinking perspective that includes users from the entire chain and from the producer to the end user of the product or service, is needed. This will also require gender and culture issues to be taken into consideration in designing products and services. Design thinking methods and critical aspects of design will contribute to an inclusive society.