Tim Brown talks about what he refers to as “Design Thinking”.
There may be more to it than first appears, but I’m not sure he’s talking about anything other good user-centred design.
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Culture and context is key. Human need is the place to start.
- Get users involved in participatory design.
- Learning by making: Prototyping helps ideas evolve quicker and better. Prototype early on for best results and cost-savings.
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Test prototypes and products with end users.
Another aspect he mentions is that you don’t have to be a “designer” to design.
Again, I agree, but again I don’t think this is a new idea but instead a return to - or the glamourising of - what has always been:
Dads (yes, dads more often than mums I’m afraid), would generally have a shed to tinker about in and come up with random inventions (a social convention, not that I think us women don’t or can’t invent and tinker or design…). Also, isn’t this all just about the evolution of “making do and getting by” quick fixes? From quick fix (a need and a prototype) to fully-developed commercial product?
Anyway, a move from consumption (passive relationship manufacturer-consumer) to participation (engagement) is to be hailed.
And whether “design thinking” or “user-centred, participatory design”, I completely agree that it’s the best, if not the only way to go!
