Using Design Thinking as a Business Strategy - Gurukul School of Design

1. Using Design Thinking as a Business Strategy gurukulschoolofdesign.com/blog/using-design-thinking-as-a-business-strategy 'Design thinking' is a user-centred design philosophy based on building empathy, innovation, experimentation and teamwork in the search for new innovation. This concept is made famous by the likes of Standford University's d.school back in the mid-1950s. At the core of it, 'design thinkers' focus on exploring the possibilities of things. While the application of it encourages innovation during the production process, the design thinking model helps to transform and revamp the organisational structure. 1/2

2. Some examples of businesses that have incorporated design thinking in fresh, cool ways are disruptive companies like Airbnb, Spotify, and Kickstarter – all of which are founded solely based on user experience. Below are a few ways you can integrate design thinking as a dynamic new business strategy: Embrace the uncertainty and the uncomfortable In other words, awaken your inner curiosity and strive to find out 'what could be'. Challenge and question the status quo. Aspire to reinvent the wheel and create a new model or structure that will revolutionise the world. The important thing here is to allow failure to guide you instead of discouraging you. Adopt the right approach by empathising and experimenting Design thinking is about showing empathy to both users and business problems. Seek to meet the needs of both ends to work to find a meaningful, lasting and sustainable solution. Explore your options, adopt a suitable approach and create an effective outcome while weighing the concerns and needs of both sides. Design thinking requires meticulous attention to detail but creates highly effective results. Be brave, be flexible and push forward Adopt a start-up approach when it comes to improving and innovating your company. See every failure as a learning opportunity and work to solve problems creatively. Turn each hurdle into a new inspiration for fresh new ideas and welcome constructive feedback. Focus on the journey rather than just the destination. Gain a competitive edge by offering something different There is a high possibility that a similar business may already exist. Stand out from the crowd by building values that are unique to you and your business. Use design thinking to help cultivate and foster new strategies that are focused on the principles of problem- solving no matter the product, service, process or structure. 2/2