In 30 seconds
- Start from people's needs, not from a solution.
- Five stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test.
- Pairs naturally with agile delivery.
The five stages
- Empathize: observe and interview real users
- Define: frame the core problem clearly
- Ideate: generate many possible solutions
- Prototype: build quick, cheap versions
- Test: learn from users and loop back
This five-stage model is associated with Stanford's d.school and the design firm IDEO.
Fitting with agile
Design thinking helps decide what to build; agile helps build it well and adapt. Many teams run design thinking in product discovery alongside delivery sprints.
Tips for starting
- Talk to at least five real users before defining the problem
- Prototype in hours, not weeks: paper and clickable mockups count
- Bring developers into research, not just designers
Myth vs reality
Myth · Design thinking is only for designers.
Reality · It works best with mixed teams.
Myth · The stages run once, in order.
Reality · Teams loop back often as they learn.
Myth · It's just brainstorming.
Reality · Research and testing are the core; ideation is one step.
FAQ
How long does a design thinking cycle take?
From a few days in a design sprint to several weeks.
What's a design sprint?
A five-day, structured version popularized by Google Ventures.
Does it replace user stories?
No; insights feed stories in the backlog.