Really. We are designers, everyone.
Anyone who has an idea and intends to carry it out is a designer. I know, this may upset some but let me dig a little deeper into this concept.
If you want to go on vacation to an unknown country, beforehand you prepare the trip, look for information, learn a little about its culture and geography, find out about the most important laws, what can and cannot be done to not make mistakes. Then, you look for flights, accommodations, and activities to do while you are in the country.
So, first you define what you want to do, then you get information, and then you come up with a plan, which includes a plan A and a plan B, depending on the weather or any other condition that may alter the main plan, you calculate the costs and then you carry it out. After fifteen days you return home and face your routines with fresh air.
Most of the people who design a travel plan, whether for business or leisure, carry out in a general way the same procedure and we will agree that you will have a wonderful vacation if you follow the guidelines to the letter, those guidelines which are essential for this type of activity.
Design Thinking?
Design thinking allows me to imagine the future and explore it, and change it. Through observation and empathy, I can visualize ideas, experiment with prototypes, and get feedback from third parties so that I can then implement judicious and realistic solutions without wasting money.
This methodology is not new, it has been with us for quite some time, but we have to admit that it is not being applied as much as it should. In sight is the world full of useless junk that becomes garbage after a few months, either because it breaks easily, goes out of style, or simply because you fell seduced by the words of a talented salesman…
When I discovered design thinking back in 2011, I was impressed because suddenly everything fell into place, I don’t know if it happens to you, you read a book and say but this is what I’ve always done, only now it has a name… Awesome!
Design Thinking consists of five (or six) stages, not linear. The number of stages, depending on the author you read, always varies, but that is not the important thing, this method is quite flexible. Personally I consider six stages, define, empathize, ideate, prototype, test and learn… At any time you can go back or forward if you see fit, even jumping to non-consecutive stages.
I focus on:
- Urban planning.
- Tiny houses.
- Permaculture design.
I’ve been experimenting for over 7 years, failing and succeeding in this world of design thinking. It is the best method ever found. Up to the point of applying it to myself, believe me, it works perfectly. I’m more productive, organized, my finances have improved and my mind (my crystal palace) is in perfect harmony.
With design thinking I can converge or diverge with all my internal points of view. It also gives me the freedom to dive into deep brainstorming and then calmly come up with a possible solution to my problems. It is very beautiful.
