Maker Tips

Design Thinking Process

Using the Stanford Design Thinking Process

The Stanford Design Thinking Process helps solve complex problems with creative solutions. Here, we've broken down the process to support you when engaging with your Makedo STEAM Challenge.

When starting out, work through each section step by step. As you become more experienced, you may wish to rearrange the sections or jump back and forth between stages for a more authentic design experience. For example, you could test an idea before making the final prototype!

Empathise

Observe:

  • What are the different parts of the problem? 

  • Where is the problem happening? 

  • What can you observe that will help you design your own solution to the problem? 

  • Who is involved? For example, the users, clients and designers. These people are your stakeholders. 


Engage:

  • Ask questions and learn everything you can about the design problem. 

  • Why are you solving this problem? Who will it help? What might be the consequences of not solving the problem?


Connect:

  • What connections did you make between what you found out and what you observed? 

  • Talk to other designers about the problem. 

Define

Focus:

  • What exactly is the problem you will solve? 

  • How could you begin to solve the problem? 

  • What factors do you need to take into consideration as you move forward? 


Patterns:

  • What connections did you make between what you found out and what you observed? 

  • Talk to other designers about the problem.


Needs:

  • What do your stakeholders need from a solution? 

  • What are the essential elements your solution must have? 

  • How will you know if you have succeeded in solving the problem?

Ideate

Creativity:

  • How can you represent different parts of the problem or initial ideas for solutions? 

  • What is the best way to present your ideas? For example, mind maps, sketches, models etc.


Flexibility:

  • How many different ideas can you come up with to solve the problem? 

  • Do your ideas need to solve all aspects of the problem or just some? 

  • How can you get feedback on your ideas?


Development:

  • How can you move from your first idea to the final design? 

  • What rationale will you use to select the best idea(s)? 

  • How can you represent your final idea(s)?

Prototype

Build:

  • Even if you’re not sure of all of the details, begin to create your design using upcycled cardboard and Makedo tools.

  • Using Makedo tools allows you to work with all kinds of upcycled cardboard.


Options:

  • Make sure you create multiple options or different versions of your ideas. 

  • Remember these are prototypes, not final products.


Resources:

  • Using Makedo tools allows you to work with any kind of upcycled cardboard and paper. 

  • What can you find to work with?


Users:

  • Remember who you are designing for. 

  • What are the needs and preferences of the users you identified earlier?

Test

Show, Don't Tell:

  • Will you learn more about your prototypes by describing them to others or by showing them?

  • What different perspectives will users have of your prototypes? 

  • What can you learn from observing and listening to users while they experience your prototypes?


Experiences:

  • Does your prototype create an experience for the users that explains how the product would work? 

  • Is it alright if your prototype breaks or fails during testing?


Compare:

  • Did you create multiple prototypes that give users a range of options to compare and contrast? 

  • Can you compare to other designers’ prototypes to assess your own success? 

  • Can you compare your prototype to existing real products?