4 Truths About Design Thinking 👇

Daniel Ling
Jan 17, 2024
4 min read

Updated: May 30

Handwritten diagram titled "Design Thinking" in purple ink. Arrows connect "Deals w Problems" to "Design Action Plan" and "Deals w Challenges" to "Strategy Action Plan".

I want to look into intersections- to expand your thoughts around how Design Thinking revolve around key career drivers in our daily lives, especially the truths that will empower you to succeed!

Truth 1️⃣ - Awareness of Design Thinking is Not Enough

I want to highlight the importance of curiosity and exploration in design thinking, sparking innovation and problem-solving.

I am not into awareness of Design Thinking .. 👀 👍🏻

Awareness in not enough.

Awareness is superficial.

Awareness you can type "Design Thinking" into Google.

There are millions of search results.

But awareness doesn't give you insights. It doesn't peak your interest and expand your knowledge. It doesn't give to relevancy on how it works. It cannot make you successful.

Will be expanding your thoughts on Design Thinking 🤯🤯

Daniel Ling with Design Thinking learners posing together indoors. Some give thumbs up. Text below reads "LEARN TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER :)". — Awareness is not enough- we need to learn together :)

Truth 2️⃣ - Design Thinking Has Become Mainstream (There's No Stopping..)

Let's agree on a high-level for Design Thinking 🤝 🤝

"Singapore is nation by design"- PM Lee

Design Thinking has become mainstream.

It is embedded.

Within the system.

Part of the way of working.

Not longer a fad- a figment of excitement.

Top MNCs have included Design Thinking Capability into the way the way of working.

Schools, polytechnics and universities are teaching students of Design Thinking.

Top consultant firms like BCG, McKinsey and Bain are using Design Thinking to strategize and problem-solve for organisations.

Our Singapore government openly explained Design Thinking in forum.

Companies are hiring Design Thinking specialists and problem-solvers.

Now question and let's reflect:

Are you still in the state of just "awareness"?

Do you know the action plan?

Do you have the mindsets?

Are you able to make Design Thinking a success to your organisation?

Can Design Thinking make you successful?

PM Lee Hsien Loong and a moderator on stage at a forum discuss reimagining Singapore. Quote about design thinking highlighted. — Singapore Government has agreed that Design Thinking is part of the way in how they solve complex problems!

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Truth 3️⃣ - Design Thinking Deals with Complex Problems (You Need It)

Design Thinking is a very simple five-step Action Plan that deals with COMPLEX problem-solving.

First, we need to understand traditional problem-solving:

Deals with a very specific problem

Get a very specific answer

Using a specific formula

But know that 99.9% of all real-life problems do not deal with this (way of problem-solving)!🤯🤯

However, complex problem solving has to be solved by Design Thinking because:

Complex problems has layers of different problems

Complex problems affects multiple stakeholders

Complex problems are volatile and uncertain

Complex problems may be out of your limited knowledge and ability

Complex problems are ambiguous and fuzzy

So my job is to share view this proven methodology that's impacted so many organizations right now and it's based on 3 areas:

1️⃣ It allows you to understand your situation better through empathy.

2️⃣ It allows you to explore and iterate

3️⃣ It delivers results (to you and your organisations)

Person in green shirt rests head on laptop with frustration against a yellow backdrop, conveying stress or exhaustion. Design Thinking is needed to solve complex problems — Complex problems are tough- do not solve this with your own understanding!

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Truth 4️⃣ - You Can Master Design Thinking (You Can Do It)

Power of the learning stairs ..

In Design Thinking (same with so many other skills) - you need to take the learning stairs 1-2-3-4-5:

1️⃣ Hour - Spend 1h to Be Aware of Design Thinking

2️⃣ Days- Spend 100% to Be Trained in the Design Thinking Certification

3️⃣ Months- Spend 3 Month to Work on a Project - Get Mentored.

4️⃣ Cycles- Spend 4 Repetition Over the Next 2 Years.

5️⃣ Years- Continue to Journey Over 5 Years. Mentor Others.

The mindset behind the learning stairs:

Patterning - Finding the right proven path to pattern after

Repetition - Do it over and over again

Mentorship - Have a guide to lead the way for you.

And I am not saying this because I know everything- even though I have been the author and finisher of Design Thinking for the past 15 years! It is because it's really helpful in bringing the purpose and know-how to problem solving.

Let's get started to grow in this area:

Empathize your customers.

Define root problems.

Think out of the box.

Build stuff and get your hands dirty.

Start experimenting.

Don't look back, this is definitely the right track. 🎯

Daniel Ling and Learners in WSQ Design Thinking smiling in a conference room with presentation slides and sticky notes. Bright colors and a casual, positive atmosphere.

Last Words

I will be adding more articles on Design Thinking, Strategy and Innovation throughout the year. Articles of these 5 Step Action Plan and Modern Soft Skills will be added periodically to give my readers a broader insights to how to crush complex problems, overcome future challenges and spot AI opportunities.

Check out more articles via my blog:https://www.emerge-creatives.com/blog-1

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