What is the Importance of Design Thinking Methodology?

A design is basically a blueprint or design for the construction or the production of an object or machine, or for the effective implementation of some act or procedure, or the outcome of this plan or specification as a prototype, machine or product. The verb to design normally refers to the process of drawing up a design, which may take the form of drawing up a blueprint for manufacturing or constructing something. Similarly, to blueprint originates from the term used to design something, which is “to prepare” or “to make ready.” Designing, on the other hand, generally refers to the process involved in determining the effectiveness of a design. Designing in general takes into account aspects such as aesthetics, functionality, communication and safety of any object.

One of the most important elements of design thinking is empathy. This aspect of the process focuses on the relationship between the designer and the user, taking into consideration the fact that both share the same aim for a product. empathizing with the user is more than just caring about how a product looks or sounds like. An empathizer will take into account the fact that humans are unique in their needs, preferences and capabilities. Emanation by the designer into the user’s experience enhances the relationship between the designer and the customer.

To illustrate the importance of empathy when designing, one can consider the example of the automobile industry, which has, for decades, required its designers to develop cars that can not only look great but perform flawlessly. By taking into account the needs of the human driver and his ability to perceive the world around him, an automobile designer has developed a product that can sense the nervousness of a human driver, which in turn, can prevent a car accident that might cost millions of dollars. The importance of designing around the needs of the users, and the incorporation of rational thinking techniques in the process, can be seen as the foundation of the techniques used by the ideo of design thinking methodology.