Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that is centred around five key stages: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, and test. These stages serve as the cornerstones of the approach, guiding individuals, and teams through a structured process for innovation and problem-solving. I think design thinking is a versatile methodology that can be applied to a wide range of challenges and industries. It's not limited to traditional design fields but is applicable in business, healthcare, education, and countless other areas. By emphasising user needs, defining clear problem statements, fostering creative ideation, building prototypes, and continually testing and improving solutions, design thinking offers a holistic and iterative approach to problem-solving that can lead to innovative and user-centred outcomes in virtually any context.
From the fringes
Image c/o The Guardian
Sometimes a pause gives purpose the opportunity to find you as when people have a vested interest it stops them from speaking the truth. Sustainability by using less becomes a tricky conversation as this goes completely against capitalism. Although we might not like the answer, and change is always uncomfortable, it’s tough to argue that there’s even a contest. Great design and a joined-up user experience matters more than ever in our lives today. I think by bringing design thinking to the core by understanding your customer strategy will help you position potential solutions. Contact me via e-mail for 1:1 sparring and coaching sessions in 2023.
Design your process
As salespersons when we are in front of clients if we don’t have a process, I mean a system of doing things via repetition or preparation, then we will stumble. Remember that your process does not have to be rigid. Have you ever left a meeting and then 10 minutes later you say to yourself, “Why didn’t I say this or that?” This is because when you have had time to relax and you are not under pressure, you can evaluate and reflect on what has been said – and boom, you had a better answer.
There is a huge difference between preparation and repair. Sales is a preparation or prevention profession, and for some reason we are all sitting around trying to repair stuff. Preparation takes a little bit of work, work which we don’t know for sure whether it will pay off or not, so we are really on a loose limb. Alternatively, we can put in a little bit of work and prevent falling into the trap. There is no doubt that you are going to succeed because you already have because you are reading this blog. Contact me via e-mail for an appointment when you are ready to design your process.
Intentions mean more than actions
I believe that intentional action sometimes called design thinking saves a lot of time and energy. Part of what we do as a creative is to look at who do we seek to change and what change to we seek to make for them? And then we have to make it for those people.
Design thinking in a nutshell is encapsulated with these three questions:
Who’s it for?
What’s it for?
And how will I know if it’s working?
These questions are essential, and if you don’t ask yourself them then you’ll probably end up stumbling around in the dark looking for solutions.
If you want to learn marketing you do it by doing marketing, by taking action. Reading marketing books and an internship is all well and good, I think you would be better off to figure out how you want to make a change happen and then do it. This is because if you get good at marketing there will be a lot of people who will want you to help them.
Intentional action
I think It’s all about the customer experience, connection and relationships. The goods and services are just commodities! Basically, design thinking asks the following questions:
1. Who is it for?
2. What is it for?
3. What do I seek to accomplish?
And design thinking says, I’m here on purpose with an intent and a reason. And that’s hard because it puts you on the hook and the majority of people don’t want to be on the hook. The reason being is that if you announce it and it doesn’t happen then you have to say I failed - “It didn’t work!”. Whereas if you don’t announce it, there’s a lot more room to manoeuvre.
Do you have a nagging issue? Would you like to know how to rest and finally achieve the 360-degree view of your customers that fuels the relevant, consistent experiences your customers crave? If so, send me an e-mail and let’s arrange a non-binary virtual meeting.