Page 52 - The Design Thinking Playbook
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PROBLEM
well-defined
Clear problem > different paths > one solution
Regarding wicked problems, the actual issue is often not obvious, so preliminary problem definitions are
used. This leads to an understanding of the solution that changes the understanding of the problem again.
So there are iterations already in the problem definition that can help interpret the understanding of the
problem as well as of the solution. Only short-term or provisional solutions are largely found by way of this
co-evolution, though. The use of linear and analytical problem-solving procedures quickly makes you hit
your limits in terms of wicked problems: Because the problem is the search for the problem, you’re pulled
every which way.
ill-defined Fortunately, relevant tools for this were discovered in design thinking over the years, such as the question
of “How might we . . .?” or a technique regarding “why” questions. Thus design thinking helps to make
Unclear problem > different paths >
different solutions wicked problems graspable. If no solutions are found despite the use of design thinking due to the
complexity of the problems, limited resources such as money and time are usually the reasons for the
termination of the process. This is why we recommend devoting enough time and energy to work out the
definition of a suitable problem definition.
To which types of problems can design thinking be applied?
Unknown problem > different paths >
a partial solution that helps well / ill defined
make the problem definition clearer
Design thinking is suitable for all types of problem statements. Applications range from products and
services to processes and individual functions, all the way to comprehensive customer experiences. But
the goals people want to achieve with it differ. A product designer wants to satisfy customer needs, while
an engineer is more interested in defining the specifications.
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