The big misunderstanding of Design Thinking.

CLIENT: Akin Duyar GmbH | VIDEO SERIES: Design Thinking+  | BERLIN 08.07.2024

The Origin of Design Thinking: There is a big misunderstanding of Design Thinking.

In the fast-paced business world, Design Thinking is often misinterpreted, especially when applied by a Design Thinking Coach. The terms “design” and “thinking” can sound abstract or even distant from practical business strategies. However, this method is anything but disconnected from action or business results. Let’s first clarify what a designer really does and how it connects deeply to business innovation.

At its core, a designer is a creative problem-solver, a visionary who crafts, creates, and brings ideas to life. Their work flows through several phases, each essential to building impactful solutions. First, designers dive into understanding their goals through in-depth research and close observation. This foundational research helps them uncover valuable insights that drive the next stages: ideation, prototyping, and testing. They repeat these steps iteratively, refining each detail until they reach a satisfying solution that meets user needs and aligns with the project’s objectives.

Many creatives—including writers, graphic designers, painters, architects, product developers, coders, and filmmakers—follow similar processes in their craft.

But here’s where Design Thinking for business stands out: a Design Thinking Manager or Coach isn’t directly creating or designing in the traditional sense. Instead, they lead and inspire teams to apply this creative, iterative process to generate groundbreaking business solutions. A successful Design Thinking Coach is a strategic leader who possesses a wide range of skills: they facilitate collaboration, foster creative thinking, and empower teams to innovate effectively.

So, let’s set aside the misconception that anyone can become a Design Thinking Coach after a quick workshop. Developing the expertise to guide a team through this complex and transformative process requires far more time, practice, and experience.

Curious about how Design Thinking can elevate your work? Stay tuned for more insights, and follow my channels for ongoing discussions on creative problem-solving and innovative business strategies.

If you are interested in our Design Thinking+ workshops, here is a small selection: