Innovation Nation: White Paper on Design Thinking in Namibia - Chapter 2: What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking – Your Business Superpower
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, Design Thinking is the superpower that can set you apart and give you an advantage. What makes it a game-changer? It's not just a process; it's a mindset that unleashes creativity, empathy, and innovation. Design thinking isn't about finding a solution; it's about understanding the problem and then discovering the best solution that resonates with your audience. Essentially, it can serve as an everyday tool that can shape your resilient business strategies.
Figure 1: Design thinking’s power unfolds at the nexus of people, business, and technology.
Design thinking is a mindset, methodology and process for solving a challenge, considering people’s needs. Design thinking thrives at the intersection of customer desires, effective technology and the creation of viable business success opportunities. Using design thinking catalyses business success, propelling your company to new heights of innovation and success in the market. It can be complemented by lean methodologies, lean startup, and agile for efficient work and the development of customer-centric solutions. Design thinking crafts innovative solutions that are feasible, viable and desirable in their design.
"I believe it's a great way to make a better society, create really good business, outstand your competitors and at the same time create a really good workplace as well."
Extract from his keynote speech at the launch of Innovation Nation
Design thinking is a mindset, methodology and process for solving a challenge, considering people’s needs. Design thinking thrives at the intersection of customer desires, effective technology and the creation of viable business success opportunities. Using design thinking catalyses business success, propelling your company to new heights of innovation and success in the market. It can be complemented by lean methodologies, lean startup, and agile for efficient work and the development of customer-centric solutions. Design thinking crafts innovative solutions that are feasible, viable and desirable in their design.
Introduction to Hanno's keynote speech on the power of Design Thinking in both his career and company.
Hanno is one of the founders of Futurice. He has walked the path from a start-up to an international company. He’s one of the masterminds of the Futurice culture as well as the Lean Service Creation methodology. During the years 2004-2009, he innovated, planned and built Finland’s largest photo-sharing service Kuvaboxi, 2008 to 2010 he founded the Futurice UX consultant team and during 2010-2013 he led as head of HR Futurice to be the first company ever selected as Europe’s best workplace twice in a row. Currently, Hanno talks and teaches companies on ways of working, culture and organisations are in the key role in building a better future.
Here are the top 3 reasons why Design Thinking should be your business Superpower:
1. It’s accessible to anyone: Design thinking is accessible to all and empowers corporate professionals like you—from engineers to managers—to blend diverse skills and perspectives, creating user-centred solutions aligned with business goals.
2. Fosters innovation and creativity: Design thinking promotes lateral thinking, cultivating a culture that encourages a workforce to think creatively, challenge existing knowledge and exchange ideas without limitations.
3. Elevates customer satisfaction: Design thinking ensures a deep understanding of the steps your organisation needs to take when developing products or services that perfectly satisfy customer’s expectations and address pain points.
Ready to revolutionise your problem-solving approach and innovate?
Embrace design thinking as your superpower in business and witness the transformation of challenges into opportunities!
Read Chapter 3: The Design Thinking Process here.