Delving into Design Thinking

As I begin to delve deeper into design thinking and learn ways to apply it in my side projects, it excites me to know that the tools have been made available publicly for others to go through the process and learn more.

What is Design Thinking?

Design Thinking found on the Stanford d.school's webpage, is defined as “a methodology for innovation that combines creative and analytical approaches and requires collaboration across multiple disciplines.” Design Thinking goes through a process that incorporates people from different backgrounds and industries to create impactful change in business, services and peoples' lives - thats how I've come to understand it. Using empathy, play and exploration to find the most effective solution for problems that matter - that's the goal of design thinking.In January 2017 I am signing up for IDEO U's course on "Insight to Innovation" - and will be taking several courses through out the year to further develop my understanding and application of design thinking. Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO encourages people to practice innovation within the company you are currently in. However, most employers "say" they want new and innovative ideas yet they are slow to embrace change, fearful of disruption that can occur.I've been compelled to design for better because of this video that was shown while I was in college. It made me feel terrible about going into a field to just design stuff - they hit the empathy aspect really well.As I finish off the book, "Creative Confidence" it touches on the reasons why we shy away from play and exploration - the key ingredients needed for great ideas - along with collaboration with our peers. The tools we once had when in play-school or kindergarten have since been removed, continuing the elimination of play and pushing more for seriousness.The book and a few videos I've watched, have shared how we've become embarrassed to share ambiguous ideas, and that we've learned to be in fear of being judged.The book also touches on the language - and how powerful words are. The way we approach problems and choosing to replace, "I can't with How might we..." It forces our mind to be open to new solutions. "Adults sometimes forget the simple power of words." This is very true!I'm excited to continue down the rabbit hole of exploring design thinking and finding ways  to implement them in my work.