Two variables that work together and why this is an important part of the process
Design Thinking and the Factor Hope
Let’s first define the variables – what is what 😊
Design thinking is an approach to problem-solving that involves empathizing with users, defining the problem, ideating potential solutions with personnas, prototyping and testing them, and iterating until a desirable outcome is achieved.
Hope, on the other hand, is an optimistic emotion 🦋 that arises from a belief in the possibility of positive outcomes. When we are hopeful, we are motivated to take action, persevere through challenges (here is how to tackle challenges in a workshop setting) and maintain a positive outlook in the face of setbacks.
In the context of design thinking, hope can play an important role in the actual process. Not only when there are setbacks to be dealt with. But on the people–level. By focusing on potential positive outcomes and imagining a better future, design thinkers can be inspired to create innovative and effective solutions to problems for real people.
Design thinking can also help to cultivate hope in users or stakeholders by involving them in the problem-solving process and empowering team members to contribute to the solution. This helps to build trust, psychological safety, and a sense of agency in the face of challenges. Hope in the team’s potential to design a better solution is an excellent way of creating a “we” feeling – we can do this 🤩 and we will!
I’d like to add, it is so important to keep the connection between hope and design thinking as part of the energy of the Design Thinking process. It is in this connection that a shared focus emerges. This shared focus is about envisioning a better future and taking action steps to make it a reality.
Here a short informative article on Design Thinking in German.
For more information on Design Thinking workshops, reach out to Karla Schlaepfer, accredited PCC coach and HPI Design Thinker for a free call and consultation.